Home › California › San Diego › Chollas Lake

Chollas Lake

4.6 ★★★★★ 8 Google reviews · Running trail in San Diego, California · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Chollas Lake'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.

Chollas Lake — running trail in San Diego, CA, photo 1
Chollas Lake — running trail in San Diego, CA, photo 2
Chollas Lake — running trail in San Diego, CA, photo 3
Chollas Lake — running trail in San Diego, CA, photo 4
Chollas Lake — running trail in San Diego, CA, photo 5
Natural surfaceTrailhead parking

What runners say about Chollas Lake

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (8 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

Cool placebfornthe whole family, playground, picnic areas walking trails.

★★★★★ — Miguel , Mar 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 8 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

More trails like this →

🅿️ Trailhead parking

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Chollas Lake

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • 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.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Websitesandiego.gov
  • Phone+1 619-527-7683
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Chollas Lake

6350 College Grove Dr, San Diego, CA 92115

Get directions

Running trails near San Diego

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Chollas Lake Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,603 reviews

San Diego, CA

MixedShadedScenicDog-friendly

Casual park with picnic tables and playgrounds, plus a lake with ducks and geese.

under a mile away

Chollas Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 130 reviews

San Diego, CA

Natural surfaceShadedDog-friendly

Family-friendly park with a lake, playground, picnic tables, and barbecue grills.

under a mile away

Berry Street Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 831 reviews

Lemon Grove, CA

ShadedDog-friendly

Park featuring a playground, picnic tables, and barbecue grills, plus a concert venue and dog park.

under a mile away

Treganza Heritage Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 75 reviews

Lemon Grove, CA

Dog-friendly

Park suitable for kids and dogs that also hosts a farmers market.

1.6 miles away

Radio Canyon Open Space

4.3 ★★★★☆ 51 reviews

San Diego, CA

1.6 miles away

Kunkel Park

3.8 ★★★★☆ 69 reviews

Lemon Grove, CA

Shaded

Cozy park featuring grassy areas, a basketball court and a jungle gym for kids.

2.1 miles away

All running trails in San Diego, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.