Looking for Abandoned Highway 395 in the San Dieguito River Park

US Highway 395 used to travel from downtown San Diego all the way to the Canadian border. The highway was decommissioned south of Hesperia, CA in the 1960s and the 395 in Southern California was bypassed or replaced by Interstate 15. Pieces of the old road still exist if you know where to look though.
We've looked at a few abandoned sections of Highway 395 in the past, but this section is unique, as a piece of the road has been repurposed as a hiking and biking trail in the San Dieguito River Park, allowing people to enjoy a bit of road that once carried thousands of motorists too and from San Diego.
In addition to the still remaining road, we check out the David Kreitzer Lake Hodges Bridge, the longest stress ribbon bridge in the world, and a meadow that Highway 395 once traveled through where we find some incredible highway history.
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[@caseywear-moline4267]

This is awesome. I grew up in Escondido and remember the 395 before they built the 15. I remember my mom going through that section once after a huge storm filled the lake and overspilled the dam, I was terrified because the road up to the bridge was flooded and the water was really close to that old bridge across. She drove right through the flooded road! One of those moments you never forget, childhood trauma and PTSD ha ha ha. There wasn't any trees in the lake back in those days and it always had water. I hike in there often these days, it has a lot of connecting trails and Bernardo peak is a good uphill workout. I have not seen water on that side of the lake in decades. Sad.

[@u4riahsc]

I remember there were traffic signals on 395 in Escondido.

[@brucehutch5419]

@@u4riahsc . That old 395 is now Center City Parkway. Two of the original motels and restaurants along there have been torn down and replaced with new development half a dozen years or so I'll go.

[@Svensk7119]

THE 395 and THE 15? Why the definite article?

[@murphyjulian7393]

Wow that must’ve been wild with all that water! I bet they have some water today from all this crazy atmospheric river storms.

[@brucehutch5419]

@@murphyjulian7393 . Damn is regulated to it can't fill. They're trying to do something to fix it which I don't understand.

[@galardmills5306]

Thanks for explaining the C Marker! Just as you elaborated on the many headstones at the Grand Canyon. Your research, and explaining it to us really adds depth!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@billtodd6509]

Thank you for all these videos , especially San Diego and San Diego County. We lived in Pacific Beach and Miramar through late sixties and early seventies and moved back east and have regretted it ever since. I used to ride my 1965 Honda Scrambler all up and down 395 and mira mesa hundreds of times. Be safe, Bill

[@discostew115]

Great video! It is crazy how fast nature reclaims what we have abandoned

[@stirfish]

Love this. But the melancholy feeling I get thinking about these old roads, and when I see old abandoned motels and stuff, well it's a feeling I wish I didn't get. It seems so much of the America of my youth is gone or disappearing and not being replaced by anything of much character.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I was thinking about this when visiting the Hoover Dam recently. They put so much character and design into that especially when you compare it to what they are doing now. Building huge infrastructure projects used to be a big deal and they were treated as such.

[@DiogenesOfCa]

You don't like strip malls?

[@tommurphy4307]

@@SidetrackAdventures stuff that was built during The Depression WAS a big deal- and the hoover dam was one of them. someone said that about US hwy 80 in california- well that was one of the most dangerous roads in the US and we don't have to drive on it anymore. look at the positive side.....

[@DW-qe7qe]

When I was a kid traveling on 395 was the only way north and south. So long ago now.

[@JosephPWagner]

This is awesome. I love the hike you introduced me to with the abandoned Highway 80 near Viejas. Checking this one out when it's not 90 degrees out... whenever that is.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yes, it was sweltering when we filmed this and aside from going under the bridge there isn't much shade on this trail.

[@philiperdelsky]

I attended the dedication of the Kreitzer Bridge. I've hiked and ridden this route many times, but I never saw the C marker. I will do so again from time to time. An excellent video, and one that I will share.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

The bridge is awesome. Going to head back out with my bike soon.

[@Mikemalone7873]

Steve, I ride my bike there all the time! Sorry I missed you and I've NEVER seen that "C" marker. I'll be looking on my next ride. Thanks for teaching me something new today!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

It looks like a great place to ride a bike. I wished I'd brought mine while I was out there and plan on going back out soon to explore more on it.

[@Gypsyboy932]

Great Pedal Steel in the background music. Reminds me of Buddy Cage, RIP.

[@mez5590]

I lived in Poway from ‘70 to ‘74 and remember 395 was a 4 lane with a median into Escondido where there would be multiple stop lights before going north on its merry way. Thanks for the vid!

[@ScratchGlass9]

Hi. I delivered for Lay's potato chips through Poway, Rancho Bernardo area from 85 - 87... it must of been WIDE open horse country when you were there. I was delivering to all the strip malls with Von's etc. that were not there more than likely when you were crusing around... I lived in Solana Beach BTW. Take Care !

[@mez5590]

@@ScratchGlass9 yep, a far cry from what it is today. Lots of avocado fields. Now, a lot of expensive homes…

[@j.b.a.124]

Awesome video. Drove from San Diego to Vegas on I-15 in 1981when it was one lane each way & stopped at Lawrence Welk’s restaurant in Escondido. Cheers from Florida.

[@Nuk3mB455]

I mountain bike there a lot. I never knew this history on this place. Thanks for the lesson! 🤘🏻😊🤘🏻

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Looks like there are some great trails for mountain biking there.

[@Nuk3mB455]

@@SidetrackAdventures Tons! For all levels of rider.

[@jamesrichardson1326]

I'm going to be in SD in early October. This place looks great for a good walk.

[@brockadam6569]

Great video! Finding the C Marker was really neat. Thanks for sharing!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@CactusAtlas]

Seems like a cool trail with a little bit of history thrown in too. One of favorite things! Shame about the lack of water but that's how things seem to be going these days...

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yeah, I'm not sure if the lack of water in this area is drought or just them having to keep the water lower because the problems with dam or a combo of both. Its funny seeing signs saying not to launch boats from here with no water in sight though.

[@tommurphy4307]

the water people use hodges to keep the level @san diegito reservoir maintained- plus there are dam repairs underway- those dam repairs!

[@lovescoffee9780]

I remember when there was water. Thank you for the beautiful video

[@debbeleigh1930]

Love watching your channel! You speak so clearly. I drove by that bridge when I lived in La Mesa driving to work in Escondidio. I always would say driving by “I’m going to walk that bridge someday”! It’s now on my “ to do list”. I remember driving 395 as a child going to visit my Grandparents in Ontario. Thank you for sharing these amazing videos ❤️

[@SidetrackAdventures]

You're welcome. If you get a chance its definitely worth going out on the bridge. Hopefully water will be back under it at some point.

[@tommurphy4307]

but it doesn't bob up-and-down like it used to.

[@denisehazlett508]

On the directional sign had an arrow pointing towards Sikes Adobe. I was there in June when the 150th birthday was celebrated. It's a very interesting place. And as always, a great video.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I thought about continuing on to visit it when we did this but it was so hot I didn't want to run out of water.

[@denisehazlett508]

@@SidetrackAdventures I don't blame you.

[@caruniv3287]

I live in San Diego and you gave me and my family another activity to do, thanks. Keep up the great videos.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Have fun!

[@primrose6969]

I find these videos exploring historical places oddly therapeutic and calming. Also the videos also invoke a yearning for days gone by. Thank you so much for posting these videos, and keep them coming!

[@mdavid1955]

There must be some residual moisture to support all that plant growth. It's cool to have such a hike in an urban area...no such luck here.

[@UnfilteredWP]

Grew up in RB and have never gone down this trail. Thanks for the video!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Our pleasure!

[@joshuabarber5272]

I’ve hiked this trial when there was water under the bridge. It’s a awesome hike and some parts are like you’re in a completely different state with all the green vegetation. Too bad the lake had to be drained even more and is now closed to personal watercraft. Thanks for another great video!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I think they are currently repairing the dam so hopefully the lake is reopened soon.

[@danielcatron1979]

@@SidetrackAdventures Apparently the dam is in worse repair than previously thought, so engineers are performing further evaluations before determining the best course of action. It may be quite a bit longer…

[@leechjim8023]

​@@danielcatron1979Just do it damnit!!!

[@daveshikingandbiking8274]

I'm from Michigan and have hiked that trail a few years ago. I fly out to California once or twice a year and hike many trails in San Diego County. Thanks for showing this!

[@mikejohnson7783]

For you Highway 395 investigators, FYI the section of the I-15 freeway from Highway 78 interchange in Escondido to the section of the check point in Rainbow/decent in to Temecula. It took Cal-trans 10 years to complete, 1970-1980. An achievement to build a 8 lane freeway through to the mountainous terrain. I remember the progress because I was born in Escondido and traveled the 395 to Riverside with my family over those years. As a kid it was great to see the progress from the old 395. Oh to see Temecula/Rancho California in 1969 one can not believe the major change of population. I do miss those days growing up then.

[@Gypsyboy932]

Really cool video. Thanks for making it.

[@miguelnavarro2571]

Always wanted to cross over that bridge. Love the old pictures, awesome piece of history!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I've always seen it from the freeway and wanted to cross it too.

[@tommurphy4307]

didn't they upgrade it with piers? i remember the original bridge and i don't think i'd want to drive on that thing.

[@timothyosborn1697]

When My wife, and I, were married in 1988, her parents lived in RB on Matinal Rd. and Lake Hodges was full at the time. Since then it has been drained and the trees have taken over. Hopefully they can fix the dam and refill the lake. Her parents moved from the Matinal Rd home to another home near Oaks North and they have since passed on. Many memories since then. Thanks for the history lessons of the area.

[@DWRogersSR]

late seventies I used to drive from Ontario to Deer Springs once a month to vist a couple of lots I had there. More than a dozen times I say my life flash before my eyes on that twisty road (395).

[@1asdfasdfasdf]

That reminds of childhood trips to Randsburg, CA in the late 70's. It's a ghost town of sorts off 395 when we use to drive up to Mammoth. Randsburg might make for an interesting Sidetrack Adventure. 😊

[@larrymiller4]

Yes, I remember that stretch of 395 and that old bridge the family would cross in the 50's on our way to San Diego from Vista. Back then, south of the lake the highway wound up around Battle Mountain, the location of several fatal car wrecks. Most of the time Lake Hodges was dry in the upper section of the reservoir, but later when 395 was upgraded (before it became I-15) in the 60's, we had a wet winter, and the lake went up past the bridge.

[@joshneu6402]

Very cool

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks.

[@pigeonpallz1733]

Great video as always! Thank you for making them

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you. We appreciate it.

[@rickkaylor8554]

As always, you make great videos and it is very educational. I didn't even know about this trail. I live in the thriving metropolis of El Cajon so your videos are helpful in giving me ideas of where to roam.

[@bacondad6960]

I lived in Escondido from Dec 1998 to April 2005 and I remember when Lake Hodges was a full lake. Once in a while a car would veer off the road and end up in the water. I drove that section of I-15 many times.

[@u4riahsc]

Every year when I was a kid we would drive up 395 all the way from San Diego to Olancha. There were dips in 395 in the desert and I used to tell my father to drive faster over the dips.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

There are still dips up there!

[@u4riahsc]

@@SidetrackAdventures Maybe I ought to take a road trip!

[@marcmichaelsen2037]

Wow,brother!! You brought back some memories!! I was 1 of the main trucks on the carpool expansion of 15,& the main truck for the walking path bridge over lake hodges...I enjoy your videos, & happy holidays to you and yours!!

[@SanDiegoKid]

Glad you got around to filming this!

[@SanDiegoKid]

If you get the chance, you should also film right up the trail about the Sikes Adobe house and the old town of Bernardo. Lots of history in this area that many folks don't know about!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks. I was going to keep going to Sikes but it was so hot that day we decided to turn around.

[@michaelhaney3388]

Thank you Steve for all this California History. Keep up the good work.

[@lifewithjosef]

Always love the old highways! Edit: I've yet to see a C marker in the field, excellent find!

[@johnnyfreedom3437]

I really appreciate the way you give us a close-up of the various information signs, I could almost feel like I'm there! See you on the next trip

[@cambridgeh.lutece6658]

If you love abandoned highways, check out old Highway 198 in Tulare County! It's usually below Lake Kaweah, but due to the drought it and the original 1880s era wagon road have emerged from the depths!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Ohh, I'll have to check that out for sure.

[@brucebarnes9638]

I used to drive on 395 from Escondido to Riverside in the early 70's. Before the 15 was built it was just 2 lanes all the way. Temecula was just a few ranches and a small town. Amazing how much it has changed.

[@rwfetterman2546]

As always, your efforts to rediscover our SoCal roots, thanks

[@lifewithjosef]

Always love the old highways!

[@Coltbreath]

Always up for a historical highway trail! Thank you

[@OpieDogie]

Pretty interesting. There’s a piece of old 395 in Rainbow (no, Rainbow, originally vallecitos, was NOT named for rainbows but for a settler named Rainbow) that drops down to Temecula Valley that was the original alignment used even before my days. It was to the east of the last US 395 and current I-15. Heading north was an old house on the east side and on a hill there is an old cemetery (Kolb) that was there. Then the road continues north and begins the descent into Temecula.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I've driven the road in Rainbow and have been wanting to stop and eat at the Rainbow Oaks restaurant. Just need to find ourselves in that area while hungry.

[@IanMcSlater]

​@@SidetrackAdventures Try to visit Rainbow Rick just a bit behind the restaurant. Cool guy with some great art. Hopefully you get a tour of his property

[@danielnorman8595]

I lived in San Diego for a decade between 85 and 95. These videos are very reminiscent for me. Thank you

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you like them! I should have a new video in the San Diego area next week.

[@gobbleguk]

some of the nicest things I've taken note of around Lake Hodges are Mt. Israel and the origin of the name of Del Dios on the west side - sadly it seems that the origin of Del Dios may in fact be the boring story of American tract developers picking a generic Spanish name for their little lakeside village

[@tommurphy4307]

tract builders have never been interested in this place since they can't build due to a sewer moratorium in place. before the War there were just a few businesses and after the War it became a vacation hamlet. it is effectively as built-out as it can be with today's rules regarding septic systems and sewers. also- city of san diego holds nearly all the undeveloped land in the area, so when development becomes viable the city will have a big lot sale and there will go all the small-town charm. so- you are on the right track but within the wrong time period. BTW- developers didn't name the place- that came from the san dieguito water company.

[@FollowThomas]

That's really cool that they turned it into hiking/biking trail. Very cool 😎👍

[@swankles3877]

I love finding these old roads, reminds me of your forgotten roads in the Cajon Pass video. Great find with the C marker. I think your one liners are improving Steve, no crickets this time 🦗😊

[@matthewbliven2795]

Awesome video. Thanks for letting me tag along. I live on 395 by the zoo. They kind of act like this end never existed. Your vlog is first class.

[@dfinlay587]

Just awesome. Right by my house. Just North East of the meadow you show, is a large rock with the Word Escondido painted on it. It looks really old, and likely a roadside sign indicating to travelers they are in Escondido. We found it on a hike from Sikes Farmhouse southeast about half a mile.

[@secretdaisy6484]

That was great! Looks like an awesome bike trail. 👍☮️🌞🚵‍♀️❤️

[@praiserdusty]

Beautiful trail. Sad there isn't water there. I imagine it will be a decade or longer before it's full up again especially with all the vegetation drinking all the new water up

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yeah, I'I was pretty surprised at how overgrown it is there.

[@tommurphy4307]

there isn't water because they let it flow into san diegito reservoir- not due to drought

[@helenthomas3569]

Now I know what looks like under the I-15 bridge passing Lake Hodges. Thank you

[@felipericketts]

That was really interesting! I have been out there and ridden my bike on the part of the paving that still exists on the west side of Hwy. 15. Had no idea about the history of it and an glad you have explained it. Farther north on the 395, north of LA, there is a place called Cerro Gordo, to the east of Lake Owens, which was once the most productive silver mine in CA. Someone is rebuilding the mining town as a place people may some day be able to visit and stay at. Have you heard of this place?

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yes, hope to visit some time. Big fan of the Ghost Town Living channel about Cerro Gordo too.

[@chrisgentry7242]

I used to live in escondido at the vineyard villas apartment 1. man that brings back memories.

[@kurtweiand7086]

I live in Kelso WA. We have lots of old railroad beds converted to trails for🐎🚲🏃‍♂️. This was a nice trail!

[@chuniquepaceno470]

In the late 60s my family lived in Escondido in northern San Diego County and Highway 395 was our main dividing line between east and west Escondido in the days before the highway was widened and re-aligned west of the city. I can remember the "suicide passing lane" a few miles north of town, where cars going either direction were allowed to use the center lane to pass.Shortly after it became a two-lane road for the rest of its length to the Canadian border. It's still a beautiful highway to travel through northern California with lots of interesting sights to see along the way.

[@vanishingpoint5248]

Nice, mellow video about an interesting place. Really like your stuff!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you very much!

[@donsheffler]

That Bernardo Station bridge started at the north end of the current Kreitzer walking bridge, yes, but did not go directly south across the lake as the walking bridge does currently. It went across the lake at an East-Southeast direction, cutting through what is now hwy 15, and landed at the base of battle mountain and followed what is now Pomerado road.

[@stewartthompson72]

Highway 395 is one of my favourite routes. I have driven it from the Canadian border to the Mexican border on a Motorbike more than one, and a bunch of destinations in between. Too bad they did away with it in southern California. Thanks for the interesting Videos.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I think 395 in the Eastern Sierras is my favorite drive.

[@stewartthompson72]

@@SidetrackAdventures Agreed

[@tommurphy4307]

here we go again- it was a dangerous road- you know the rest.....

[@RukiDance]

You do a really nice job! Thank you.

[@RetroRobbin59]

Thank you Steve! Great memories.

[@andyjay729]

I used to live near there. Hodges Woods, my family and I eventually called the area around the I-15 bridge.

[@SirFoodie1904]

When there were water, I rented a motor boat from Lake Hodges and went under the eastern side of the I-15 bridge to fish. It’s sad that there’s no more water on that side of the bridge

[@gregboyden564]

really enjoy all your history videos. I have learned alot.

[@gofast3209]

You do a amazing job! I love your abandon road vids!

[@t.adelelechien7729]

Excellent video. Sure brings back memories.

[@emaans]

love this kind of stuff

[@randyk1919]

Great video! In 1982 I drove from east Orange County to San Diego and back, via I-15, to register for my upcoming freshman year at SDSU. I clearly remember I-15 wasn't yet completed, as we were routed onto sections of 395 between Fallbrook and Escondido (I could be a little off on the exact geography). I loved how rustic and relaxing that part of the drive was, especially compared to I-15 where drivers then, as now, we're driving *really* fast. Glad I got the opportunity to experience the old road!

[@birdman5223]

Dig this stuff👍 Great job young man☺️

[@tongueking]

Interesting and informative as usual. I need you on the east coast.

[@pgk60]

Really enjoy these videos.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@dezertraider]

THANK YOU,,VERY COOL! SAFE TRAVELS..

[@donaldcarter1206]

I used to MT Bike there before they built the bridge. I remember riding on that road but didn't even think it was a highway, just a low quality park access road.

[@mikee9178]

I stumbled upon your videos. Nice information and details.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you like them!

[@johnjaco5544]

Great video thank you very much

[@daveanderson718]

Very Cool!

[@Porsche996driver]

Thanks Steve - never knew about those “C Markers” and a SoCal native! I’m sure I’ll notice these more in the future! Trivia!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I don't think there are a lot of them left around anymore.

[@keithkokoszka2016]

Thank you for the information about the "California C marker." I've seen a couple of those in that area and in a few other areas I've hiked around San Diego County. Thought they might be some kind of survey marker, just didn't know the name.

[@RonnKnox-vs9jl]

Very interesting. I'm not from the area but I still enjoyed the tour of the remnantds of old Highway 395. BTW I think you should learn the names of the more common native plants. The "bush" near the mile marker was California Buckwheat.

[@lesliefranklin1870]

I remember 395 before it was replaced by I15. Wow! It's been that long? Sigh!

[@SKILLED521]

Excellent stroll video. You're very good.

[@rampage44km]

Another interesting video. I hope it wasn't too hot as it's been a scorcher lately.

[@kurtjens]

I love what you do.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@mikecon7634]

Just saw your Mt Evans post yesterday. Now this cool vid. Had to subscribe.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, we appreciate it.

[@craignevels3530]

Interesting video!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks!

[@derek20la]

4:15 Good ol' lead paint

[@awesomeferret]

Well, dang. I live right by 395 in Washington State. I've driven it many many times.

[@ME-qr2kq]

I drive by here everyday never knew about it.

[@hannahbrown2728]

Thank you for including the livestream joke anyway!

[@DiogenesOfCa]

Hopefully someday they will clos 163 through balboa park and you can walk through it!

[@tommurphy4307]

just don't cut through bill walton's yard....LOL

[@lgd4247]

Lol! "Livestream." Thanks Steve

[@stevej7139]

I remember when there was a lot of water under the bridge and I've even fished that lake near the bridge in a boat. If memory serves not long after that bridge was opened (about a year) a young girl Chelsea King was out jogging that trail when someone grabbed her and it didn't end well. I haven't noticed in your video's but have you ever checked out the Santa Rosa Plateau ? It has the oldest adobe in Riverside county and I used to hike there all the time when I lived in Murrieta, saw the most awesome Red Rattlesnake while hiking there once and tons of Tarantula if you are an early riser but you have to be there at sunrise to see them and if it has rained in warm weather check out the Vernal pools, brine shrimp spawn and the Garter snakes go nuts for them.

[@jwwj30]

Another great video, thanks Steve. When you were under the freeway where the water once flowed, you could see the water mark, maybe 6 feet high, on the huge cement support struts. Did you see any wildlife on your hike?

[@SidetrackAdventures]

We didn't see any wildlife at all, but it was pretty hot when we were there.

[@dethray1000]

when i first started trucking had a run from LA to San Bernardino to San Diego,rolled right thru escondio on 395 ,back way into san diego,back to LA on I-5 long before most freeways were built--lived in Sunset Beach and parked my truck right off pacific coast hiway--on off days i was at huntington cliffs,beach, surfing--except for the smog in LA cali was the bomb in those days..miss them,cali is a smelly fart now...

[@jerroldkazynski5480]

Rails to Trails is a program of converting abandoned train tracks to hiking, biking paths. Not sure if it's a "local" entity, State, or Fed, or just "Friends of..." private group effort. Another nice video. What was your name again? (snorts)

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Oh wow, just looked them up. Its great to see these things getting repurposed.

[@tommurphy4307]

we don't have any of those in socal- big in the Rust Belt, though. the san diego and arizona tracks running down into the desert would make a SPECTACULAR route- but they keep finding new buyers/owners for it.