Otay Mnt Truck Trail - basic questions for first time visit

I'm taking my 4yo son out to the Otay mnt truck trail. I've never been.

I understand the north and east side are the entrances. Is there one generally used for entrance and one for exit and people drive through? Wanting to avoid oncoming vehicles when I should have known.

Also, are there usually quite a few vehicles out on a Saturday with nice weather?

 

What time you heading out?

 

@Lfaub03

 

I go out there every now and again.

Usually come in from the north at Pio Pico RV park, and normally I don't run into anyone. If I do run into another truck, I'll find a wide spot and wait for him to go around me. Other drivers are generally pretty cool.

Border Patrol likes to scout around there so don't be surprised if you run into two or three BP trucks, but if you wave and be respectful they'll be cool back.

Also worth noting there's signs that say "road closed" or "no off road activity", but if you stick to the main trail and the various side trails, you'll be fine.

 

Thinking of getting to Pio Pico at around 10. First time truck owner first time off road as the driver. Still have dealer plates. Figured I have to start somewhere and this seemed like a good place.

 

It is very, very easy, basically a 2WD dirt road. Start at the Pio Pico entrance and follow the trail up. Last time I was there (on a Saturday) I ran into a couple of people on dirtbikes but that was it.

I took a left at Doghouse Junction and followed that down exiting by the South Bay Rod and Gun Club (so eventually hitting Marron Valley Road and then to the 94). On the way down I ran into a couple trucks headed up but the trail was wider and it was easier to pass each other.

Have fun! Stop at Doghouse Junction and walk up the hill to see the view!

Edit: Oh one note, right next to the entrance of the trail they might have a sign that says Road Closed. It isn't. If the sign isn't blocking the trail entrance then you can go in. I got confused when I first went and had to ask the campground office.

 

Thanks all for the info. Just got back from a quick run through the truck trail. Perfect first timer trail. My 4yo son had a blast. Entered at Pio Pico and exited at the gun club with a few detours in between. Was clouded in so missed all the views so definately going back when clearer. Achieved goal of getting my first trail under my belt.

Here's my Gaia track for others who are new like myself:
https://www.gaiagps.com/public/dxBCIlqdxEx0icygsTkmoA1h

(Highly recommend the Gaia app btw)

 

I like going this way so I can grab tacos @ Hacienda Jalisco on my way home!

 

Yes!!

 

Great starter wheelin' spot with nice views.

Some of the off chutes will require 4x4 and i only ran into one where i needed to engage my locker. Just scout on foot before you go down a path and if you don't feel comfy with it then don't do it. Its always good to go with someone when doing things out of your comfort zone so they can give you pointers and have a line for you to follow.

 

Thanks for all the information on this thread!

We gave this trail a try a couple weeks ago-- definitely out of our comfort zone as newbie truck owners/off roaders. But a pretty tamed trail for someone as green as me. Would've probably been smart to go with someone experienced but we made it an adventure nonetheless.

Cheers!

 

I've seen a Corolla at the top of the mountain before... XD

 

Yeah the main trail is almost as good as a paved road. The road at the exit I talked about earlier, by the gun club and houses, was in worse shape than the trail!

 

yeah the main road is easy. its the off chutes that will require some technical driving. just walk it before you drive it if it seems out of your comfort zone and plan your line.

 

Damn guys, Hacienda Jalisco is permanently closed now!!

 

Say it ain't so...

 

Im thinkin about going. First time as well.

Anyone know of any good places to shoot on or near the trail?

 

Lot's of BLM around there. They close it down to shooting during fire season. There is always Southbay Rod and Gun Club. I like to support local 2A supporters as well.

 

Plug these coordinates into Google Earth and/or Google Maps.

I've seen shooting targets and/or shooters at these locations: 32.592353 -116.767668; 32.618315 -116.783952; and 32.589324 -116.900611 .

I was up there the night this helicopter was being recovered. I saw it upside down near this location: 32.600941 -116.842453
http://legacy.sandiegouniontribune.com/uniontrib/20070103/news_1m3copter.html

Take a short hike to these WWII bunkers. Very trashy area but worth the historical peek and chance to stretch the legs: 32.586935 -116.853612 .
http://abnf.co/CA-wwii_bunker_otay_mountain.htm

There some actual gun turret bunkers overlooking Border State Park, but that's a hiking trip, not off-roading.

 

where are the drop chutes? any screenshot or map?