San Diego is home to a number of reservoirs and dams, but the Sutherland Dam is perhaps the most remarkable I’ve seen. Located about 10 miles from downtown Ramona, the Sutherland Reservoir has a water storage capacity of 29,508 acre feet and 5.25 shoreline miles. It took nearly three decades to complete, but the end-result yields dramatic, unique architecture worth the hour drive to see.
The hike to Sutherland Dam begins near a small dirt turnout along the right side of the road, just before the dam. Park here, and make your way down a set of wooden steps towards the top of the dam. Here you’ll have a brief opportunity to walk along the top of the dam, where you can take in some of the best views of the reservoir below. Past this short stretch of pavement, he rest of the top of the dam is fenced off. From here, continue down the wide dirt trail, slowly meandering your way downhill towards the bottom of the dam.
The dirt road will end abruptly at a wooden bridge, where you will find yourself at the base of the dam. 17 tall arches will loom overhead and you can walk beneath each, leaving you feeling truly small. Past the bridge the trail continues about 0.15 miles further before reaching a “No trespassing sign”. The road ends here with a steep drop-off to a rockpile below. Turn back and re-trace your steps to your car.
Sutherland Dam History
Many wondered if the city of San Diego would ever complete the construction of the Sutherland Dam, a project that was nearly 30 years in the works. But low and behold, on the 5th of June in 1954 the long-awaited completion of the dam finally happened and was rightfully celebrated. After a 27-year deficit of funds and a disagreement over water rights, the plans for a dam in Ramona finally came to fruition.
The dam is one of the most impressive in size and appearance in all of San Diego county, measuring 1,240 feet from side to side with a series of concrete arches which rise 161 feet above the steambed.
The lake, dam, and road to the reservoir are named after John P. Sutherland, a man who worked in real estate and insurance and also grew fruits and grains near where the lake is now located. It is said the lake was named after Sutherland is because he had taken a part in the preliminary studies for the dam. Others have disputed this claim saying a kind deed was the reason for the naming. Regardless, the dam was built in honor of John P. Sutherland.
Driving Directions
From downtown San Diego, take 163N for 11.2 miles then merge onto I-15N. Take exit 14 for Pomerado Road toward Miramar Road. Turn right onto Pomerado Rd. Turn right onto Scripps Poway Pkwy. Drive 5.6 miles and turn left onto CA-67N. Drive 10.9 miles. Continue onto CA-78 E/Julian Road. Turn left onto Sutherland Dam Rd. Continue on Sutherland Dam Rd about 2.6 miles until you reach a dirt turnout on your right just before the dam. Park here.
Difficulty: Easy
Total Distance: 0.75 miles
Trailhead Address: 22600 Sutherland Dam Rd, Ramona, CA 92065
