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Big Rock Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 819 Google reviews · Running trail in Santee, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Big Rock Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park featuring tennis & pickleball courts, basketball, an off-leash dog area, a playground & more.
What runners say about Big Rock Park
“The trees offer plenty of shade and there's usually a nice breeze.”
“Nice playground for all ages and a seasonal creek.”
Big Rock Park in Santee reflects the city’s park design philosophy, which includes a kids’ play area, community recreation activities, and walking paths. The park has a lively pickleball community, is a popular spot for birthday celebrations, and offers a safe, enjoyable atmosphere.
Such a great park. It is large with a cute creek running through the side. It has several play structures, a large grassy area, basketball and pickleball courts, plenty of picnic benches and restrooms. The parking lot can fill up at peak times, however street parking can be found on both sides of the park.
Awesome park! Great place for the whole family and there's always plenty of room and space to set yourself up. The trees offer plenty of shade and there's usually a nice breeze. It's great in the spring time because there usually a river flowing.
This is our favorite local park. It has a seasonal creek, nice large paved loop, dog park, and two structures for different ages. Great for picnics and parties too, lots of tables and areas to choose from. And of course, the big rocks in the middle are fun for the bigger kids to climb on.
Trail conditions & character
“Visited here on a Sunday morning, very crowded, dogs are unleashed and running on the grass, 8 pickleball courts are all full and full of friendly people.”
“The trees offer plenty of shade and there's usually a nice breeze.”
“The parking lot can fill up at peak times, however street parking can be found on both sides of the park.”
“It has several play structures, a large grassy area, basketball and pickleball courts, plenty of picnic benches and restrooms.”
Plan your run at Big Rock Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone(619) 258-4100
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–10 PM |
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