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Crystal Springs Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 66 Google reviews · Running trail in Palomar Park, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Crystal Springs 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.

PavedScenicFlat & fastRestroomsTrailhead parking

Relaxing place to cycle, jog, hike or walk featuring views of the reservoir.

What runners say about Crystal Springs Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (66 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“This beautifully paved and well-maintained trail runs along the edge of the Crystal Springs Reservoir, providing stunning views of the water and surrounding landscapes.”

I like well maintained walking trails. There is a paved road throughout. Parking is tight so get there as early as you can. Pretty scenic spots. Also good for bikes and non motorized transport.

★★★★★ — Vikram , Jan 2021

This beautifully paved and well-maintained trail runs along the edge of the Crystal Springs Reservoir, providing stunning views of the water and surrounding landscapes. The trail is flat and easy, making it perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling.

★★★★★ — Priyanka , Apr 2024

Beautiful lake view. Quiet and relaxing trail. Just not challenging enough:P

★★★★★ — Qian , Dec 2021

Nice trail for biking and hiking! Beautiful lake scene during sunny day. One complaint is the other side of the lake seems to have no trail. So you’ll have to return using the same road.

★★★★★ — Laura , Apr 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 66 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.

🏞️ Scenic views 15 mentions

“This beautifully paved and well-maintained trail runs along the edge of the Crystal Springs Reservoir, providing stunning views of the water and surrounding landscapes.”

More trails like this →

Flat & fast 6 mentions

“The trail is flat and easy, making it perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling.”

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🛣️ Paved surface 4 mentions

“This beautifully paved and well-maintained trail runs along the edge of the Crystal Springs Reservoir, providing stunning views of the water and surrounding landscapes.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“It is a good place to hike or get some exercises with the good view surrounding the parking is tied on n the weekend”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“For convenience, there are public restrooms available along the trail”

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Plan your run at Crystal Springs Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • 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, restrooms — reported by runners

Hours

Monday 6 am–8:30 pm
Tuesday 6 am–8:30 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am–9 pm
Thursday 7 am–9:30 pm
Friday 6 am–8:30 pm
Saturday 6 am–8:30 pm
Sunday 6 am–8:30 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Crystal Springs Park

Palomar Park, California

Get directions

Running trails near Palomar Park

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

Sawyer Camp Trail South Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 289 reviews

Redwood City, CA

3 miPavedShadedScenic

Flat paved pathway running alongside a lake and reservoir, with views, deer sightings and benches.

under a mile away

Crystal Springs Regional Trail (South of Dam Segment)

4.7 ★★★★★ 62 reviews

Redwood City, CA

PavedScenic

Flat paved trails around a reservoir, popular with hikers, runners and cyclists.

under a mile away

Laurelwood Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 815 reviews

San Mateo, CA

1 miNatural surfaceShadedScenic

The city's largest park (225 acres) offers trails leading to Sugarloaf Mountain & scenic picnicking.

2.7 miles away

San Juan Canyon Open Space Trailhead

4.6 ★★★★★ 9 reviews

Belmont, CA

2.9 miles away

San Mateo Central Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,187 reviews

San Mateo, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

Vibrant, 16-acre park featuring Japanese gardens, a mini train ride, playground & ice-skating rink.

3.2 miles away

Ed Taylor Loop Trailhead

4.2 ★★★★☆ 19 reviews

Burlingame, CA

LoopNatural surface

3.2 miles away

All running trails in Palomar Park, 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.