HomeCaliforniaEscondido › Del Dios Gorge (Lake Hodges)

Del Dios Gorge (Lake Hodges)

4.7 ★★★★★ 43 Google reviews · Running trail in Escondido, California · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Del Dios Gorge (Lake Hodges)'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.

Open 24hScenic

Kid-friendly hiking area known for its scenic views.

What runners say about Del Dios Gorge (Lake Hodges)

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (43 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“Beautiful sunsets when you walk the trails.”

Get out here and check it out, today's March 4th and the lilacs are blooming adding incredible scenery. This is where I go to run, reflect, and meditate. Be respectful and hike out what you hike in! Warning: make sure you can identify poison oak if your going to venture of the trail!!!!

★★★★★ — Thomas , Mar 2020

Worth it for a day hike. Easy to moderate. Bring water. Hike then go to Hernandez hideaway as your reward. Have a margarita

★★★★★ — Steven , May 2018

Great bike rides, great hikes! If you’re riding, take your time and be courteous. I’ll see you out there!

★★★★★ — Mike , Apr 2022

Good trails but a little crowded on the weekends. Better to visit during the work week.

★★★★☆ — Richard , Nov 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 43 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 6 mentions

“Beautiful sunsets when you walk the trails.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Del Dios Gorge (Lake Hodges)

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • 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.

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

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 Del Dios Gorge (Lake Hodges)

San Dieguito River Trail, Escondido, CA 92029

Get directions

Running trails near Escondido

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

Turtle Head Trail head

4.4 ★★★★☆ 34 reviews

San Diego, CA

Natural surfaceScenic

under a mile away

North Shore Lake Hodges Trailhead

4.6 ★★★★★ 95 reviews

Escondido, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

Hiking and mountain biking are available at this area that's also good for kids.

1.2 miles away

Coast to Crest Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 85 reviews

Escondido, CA

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Relaxing hiking, horse riding and mountain-biking area near a beautiful lake with parking and scenic views.

2.2 miles away

Del Dios Community Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 139 reviews

Escondido, CA

Scenic

Picnic-friendly destination featuring hiking trails for bikers and runners.

2.3 miles away

Del Dios Highlands County Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 62 reviews

Escondido, CA

MixedScenicDog-friendly

2.6 miles away

San Dieguito River Trail

4.9 ★★★★★ 34 reviews

Escondido, CA

Scenic

2.6 miles away

All running trails in Escondido, 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.