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Chollas Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 130 Google reviews · Running trail in San Diego, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Chollas 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.
Family-friendly park with a lake, playground, picnic tables, and barbecue grills.
What runners say about Chollas Park
“The field is maintained very well, and the surroundings are very clean.”
“The beer garden idea comes from the European in me, never waste a chance for a cool shaded area where your kids can play while I socialize with adults.”
“Great to have a Lake nearby to escape to for an easy walk at a good pace thru shaded trails under many Eucalyptus trees.”
“Always a pleasure walking my dog Razor here.”
We've been coming here for decades! Walk around the Lake for exercise. Play area for Kids and Picnic fun!
This is a surprising natural oasis in the middle of the suburbs! I have driven past many times, and it never looked like much. But, after discovering that it's one of the only parks in San Diego where you can freely fly your drone, I made the trip to visit it.
Its a good place to go walk, run, or eat or all three. Its also family oriented. I take my son there to look at the water fowl. He likes to see the turtles also. He can play on the playground also. There is also bbq pits there. Just a nice place to sort some things out.
Nice walking path around pretty lake. Some hiking trails. Tai-chi classes for free in the morning. Nice little park. Dogs on leashes welcome.
Trail conditions & character
“Families, people working out, dogs bbq, fishing.”
“The beer garden idea comes from the European in me, never waste a chance for a cool shaded area where your kids can play while I socialize with adults.”
Plan your run at Chollas Park
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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesandiego.gov
- Phone+1 619-527-7683
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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.
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