Updated Monday, June 1, 2026
Giro di San Diego GranFondo 2026
20 to 95 Miles Through San Diego's Most Beautiful Backcountry. Saturday, June 6.
If you ride bikes in Southern California, you already know about the Giro. If you don't — here's the short version: this is one of the most scenic, well-supported, and flat-out enjoyable cycling events in the western United States, and it happens to include the legendary Mt. Palomar climb. The Giro di San Diego GranFondo returns Saturday, June 6 with four route options ranging from a casual 20-miler to a full 95-mile epic through San Diego's stunning North Inland region. The June date is strategic — cooler early-summer weather before the inland valleys turn into ovens. Mass start at 7:15 AM from Escondido's Ryan Park. Italian feast at the finish. The whole deal.
🚴 Route Options
| Route | Distance | Palomar Climb? | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| GranFondo — Mesa Grande | 95 miles | ✅ Yes + KOM/QOM | Epic — for experienced riders |
| GranFondo — Palomar | 59 miles | ✅ Yes + KOM/QOM | Challenging — the classic Palomar experience |
| MedioFondo | 30 miles | ❌ | Intermediate — scenic rolling hills |
| PiccoloFondo | 20 miles | ❌ | Entry-level — fully supported, beautiful roads |
All routes start together at 7:15 AM from Ryan Park in Escondido. Course closes at 5:30 PM.
⛰️ The Palomar Climb
If you're doing either GranFondo route, you're climbing Palomar. And Palomar is the reason most people sign up.
Mt. Palomar is one of California's iconic cycling climbs — roughly 11 miles of sustained climbing through oak woodland and mountain scenery on the South Grade Road (S6). The grade averages about 7%, with pitches over 10%. It's demanding but not brutal if you pace yourself. The reward at the top is genuine — sweeping views, cooler mountain air, and the knowledge that you just did one of the great climbs in SoCal.
Both GranFondo routes include chip-timed King and Queen of the Mountain (KOM/QOM) competition segments on Palomar Mountain and Cole Grade. Cash prizes and polka dot jerseys for the top climbers.
✅ What's Included
Every registration includes:
- • Mass start — all routes launch together at 7:15 AM
- • Chip timing for all routes
- • Fully stocked aid stations on course with food, water, and mechanical support
- • SAG vehicles for mechanical issues and rider pickup
- • Post-ride Italian Feast at Ryan Park — pasta, Italian specialties, and celebrations
- • Finisher medal — 4-inch cycling trophy-style medal with removable lanyard
- • Post-ride party with live music at the finish
📅 Event Timeline
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Friday, June 5, 3:00–6:00 PM | Packet pickup at Ryan Park |
| Saturday, June 6, 5:30 AM | Day-of registration opens |
| Saturday, June 6, 7:15 AM | Mass start — all routes |
| Saturday, June 6, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM | Expo at Ryan Park |
| Saturday, June 6, by 5:30 PM | Course closes |
📍 Getting There
Start/Finish: Ryan Park, 390 Hidden Trails Rd, Escondido, CA 92027
Ryan Park is in eastern Escondido, about 35 minutes north of downtown San Diego via I-15. Free parking is available at the park on event day.
If you're coming from out of town: Escondido has several hotels along Centre City Parkway and W. Valley Parkway. Arriving Friday evening gives you time for packet pickup and an early night before the 7:15 AM start.
💡 Tips for Race Day
First-timers (PiccoloFondo / MedioFondo)
- • The 20- and 30-mile routes are fully supported and beautiful — no climbing anxiety needed
- • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and filled water bottles
- • The mass start energy is fun — settle into your pace and take in the scenery
Palomar riders (GranFondo routes)
- • Start the climb conservatively. The sustained grade rewards patience.
- • The aid station at the base of Palomar is your last chance to refuel — don't skip it
- • Descending Palomar: use intermittent braking; don't ride brakes continuously on the steep curves
- • The 95-mile Mesa Grande route adds considerable mileage after Palomar — plan nutrition for 5+ hours on the bike
For everyone
- • June in inland San Diego can be warm by midday — the early start helps
- • Carry a spare tube and basic tools (mechanical support is on course, but be prepared)
- • The Italian feast at the finish is legit. You've earned it.
📝 Registration
Register via Active.com — search “Giro di San Diego 2026.” Online registration closes Saturday morning at 7:00 AM. Day-of registration is available starting at 5:30 AM at Ryan Park, but registering in advance guarantees your spot and speeds up the morning.
Pricing varies by route and registration date. Check girodisandiego.com for current availability.
📋 Quick Facts
| Event | Giro di San Diego GranFondo 2026 |
| Date | Saturday, June 6, 2026 |
| Start time | 7:15 AM (all routes) |
| Start/Finish | Ryan Park, 390 Hidden Trails Rd, Escondido, CA 92027 |
| Routes | 95 mi (Mesa Grande) · 59 mi (Palomar) · 30 mi (Medio) · 20 mi (Piccolo) |
| KOM/QOM | Palomar Mountain + Cole Grade — chip-timed, cash prizes, polka dot jerseys |
| Registration | Active.com / girodisandiego.com |
| Produced by | KOZ Events |
| Course closes | 5:30 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Giro di San Diego GranFondo?
The Giro di San Diego is a cycling event through San Diego's North Inland region, featuring four route options from 20 to 95 miles. The event is known for its Mt. Palomar climb, premium rider support, chip timing, and post-ride Italian feast. It runs annually in June from Escondido.
When is the Giro di San Diego 2026?
Saturday, June 6, 2026. All routes start at 7:15 AM from Ryan Park in Escondido (390 Hidden Trails Rd, Escondido, CA 92027). Packet pickup is Friday, June 5, 3–6 PM.
Do all routes climb Mt. Palomar?
No. Only the two GranFondo routes (95-mile Mesa Grande and 59-mile Palomar) include the Mt. Palomar climb. The MedioFondo (30 miles) and PiccoloFondo (20 miles) are scenic rolling routes without the mountain climb.
How do I register?
Register via Active.com — search for “Giro di San Diego 2026.” Day-of registration is available at Ryan Park starting at 5:30 AM, but advance registration is recommended. Visit girodisandiego.com for details and pricing.
Is there a competition?
Yes — both GranFondo routes include chip-timed KOM/QOM (King/Queen of the Mountain) segments on Palomar Mountain and Cole Grade. Top climbers receive cash prizes and polka dot jerseys.
What's included with registration?
Chip timing, fully stocked aid stations, SAG vehicle support, a finisher medal, and a post-ride Italian feast at Ryan Park with live music.