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Chollas Lake Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,603 Google reviews · Running trail in San Diego, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Chollas Lake 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.
Casual park with picnic tables and playgrounds, plus a lake with ducks and geese.
What runners say about Chollas Lake Park
“We ran around the lake twice, and the path was smooth, well-maintained, and perfect for a good workout.”
“The hike was not only a wonderful way to explore the beautiful area around the lake but also an incredibly educational experience.”
“This small lake is full of charming artistic touches, happy ducks and birds, shaded trails, and refreshing breezes.”
“The scenery around the lake is really pretty, with calm water and nice views that make the run enjoyable instead of feeling like a chore.”
“Dog friendly, and besides the walk down to the lake, relatively flat trail around.”
Love this gem. Kids 15 and under can fish free! One pole limit and other guidelines, but sweet. Bluegill, carpet, catfish and more. Not for serious fishing, but fun for kids to learn on smaller fish on a quiet little lake. Small lake with a walking path around it. Ducks, geese and squirrels. Nice shady spots.
Nice park in a busy area. Great for families, leashed dogs. Plenty of wildlife to observe Fishing allowed Options to connect to trails leading west. Trees provide much needed shade on warm days. Picnic tables, restrooms available
Very pleasant park for an afternoon walk or picnic. The area is well maintained and there are many things to stop and look at. We found some tree stumps that had been carved into faces which was really cool. There’s a small playground, a basketball court, and many picnic tables all around the lake.
Such a surprising oasis! This small lake is full of charming artistic touches, happy ducks and birds, shaded trails, and refreshing breezes. My daughter heard of this pleasant walking spot so we went to check it out.
Trail conditions & character
“A peaceful environment that offers hiking trails, open space for exercise, picknik, benches to enjoy the lake.”
“The scenery around the lake is really pretty, with calm water and nice views that make the run enjoyable instead of feeling like a chore.”
“The parking lot was semi-full on a Saturday afternoon, but we were able to find a spot easily.”
“People were here to exercise, walk their dogs, feed ducks with their kids, and fish.”
“This small lake is full of charming artistic touches, happy ducks and birds, shaded trails, and refreshing breezes.”
“Bathrooms available, lots of picnic benches, and designated areas for large groups with decent views.”
“It’s uneven all the way around so strollers unless the durable type will be a challenge.”
“Dog friendly, and besides the walk down to the lake, relatively flat trail around.”
Plan your run at Chollas Lake Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitesandiego.gov
- Phone+1 619-527-7683
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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