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Crestridge Ecological Reserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 124 Google reviews · Running trail in El Cajon, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Crestridge Ecological Reserve'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.
Preserved space with trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding, plus abundant wildlife.
What runners say about Crestridge Ecological Reserve
“Beautiful landscape with many paths with different lengths and difficulty levels.”
“Relatively easy trail, not rocky.”
“The trails are easy with little incline, and are dog friendly as well.”
It was a 25 minute drive from central Dan Diego but it was worth it. Some curb-side parking by the gate, but it wasn't crowded even on a Sunday. Good deal of wildlife - we saw blue birds, rabbits, a canine (fox? Wolf? Coyote? Not sure).
Great natural preserve with a beautiful visitor center!! Lots of lavender, sagebrush, and wildlife flowers. Smells are amazing!! The trails are easy with little incline, and are dog friendly as well. Plenty of free parking next to the gate.
Beautiful landscape with many paths with different lengths and difficulty levels. Family friendly. I seen coyotes here but only really early in the morning.
Took the grandkids here and they loved it! The people helping to keep this wonderful place clean and preserved are doing a wonderful job. We took several small trails. The trails are easy. There are longer ones we will have to explore another time. Beautiful views.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful landscape with many paths with different lengths and difficulty levels.”
“Some curb-side parking by the gate, but it wasn't crowded even on a Sunday.”
“The trails are easy with little incline, and are dog friendly as well.”
“I loved the bike bc there was ample parking and bathroom at the start!”
Plan your run at Crestridge Ecological Reserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance2 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitewildlife.ca.gov
- Phone(858) 467-4201
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near El Cajon
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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Albert Van Zanten Park
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Wells Park
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