Happy Trails

It’s been almost two decades since San Diego County officials gave the green light in 2008 to build a loop trail around the Sweetwater Reservoir northeast of Bonita. 

Since then, hikers, horseback riders and other lovers of peaceful outdoor spaces have waited…and waited. 

Last week, the wait inched closer to being over. On April 23, governing board members of Sweetwater Authority, the water agency that manages the reservoir, approved a proposal to cooperate with county officials to design, build and maintain a trail that loops around the entire reservoir, connecting to a network of existing trails that currently encircle only part of the reservoir. 

Many details of the project, including the final layout of the trails and who will pay for maintenance and other ongoing costs remain to be worked out between the authority and the county. 

But the proposal approved last week puts the authority’s stamp of approval on the project and brings it closer to reality. 

“This is HUGE for South County residents and trail users,” one advocate said after the meeting. Some people have “been waiting [their] whole [lives] for this.” 

Jim Hinch | April 29, 2025 | Voice of San Diego

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