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Explorer Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 144 Google reviews · Running trail in Chula Vista, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Explorer 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.
Kid-friendly park featuring 2 playgrounds, plus a basketball court and a walking path.
What runners say about Explorer Park
“Nice, fairly clean park with two playgrounds,good walking loop and basketball court.”
“The playground is so beautiful and well-maintained.”
“Nice, quiet, well maintained little park in an upscale neighborhood.”
Some nearby parks...Explorer Park photos on other phone/camera. Running out of Google Cloud space. Nice park on main thoroughfare, Off Rice Canyon. East Chula Vista. Playground, lots of grassy area, picnic tables, basketball hoop & court. Limited street parking via 2 entrances. No bathrooms, but drinking fountain.
Explorer Park is located in Chula Vista in the Rancho Del Rey community. It is such a fun park with lots to do ! The park features two separate playground areas one for the big kids and the other is for the little ones.
Nice, quiet, well maintained little park in an upscale neighborhood. Modern playground equipment, expansive grassy area with a paved path all around the outer perimeter of the park, excellent for power-walkers (like me), joggers or people just out for a stroll.
Nice, fairly clean park with two playgrounds,good walking loop and basketball court. There is plenty of seating around the playground, some with shade and a wonderful large grass area. Only downfall is there aren't bathrooms so plan accordingly.
Trail conditions & character
“The park is lovely with lots of shade for hot days the one thing that u wish they would have added when building this park is restrooms.”
“The playground is so beautiful and well-maintained.”
“Nice, quiet, well maintained little park in an upscale neighborhood.”
“Keep in mind there are no bathrooms and street parking is only available.”
“Wheelchair accessible, playground, bbq put and table, basketball and large luscious grass field!”
Plan your run at Explorer Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitechulavistaca.gov
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Chula Vista
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Rice Canyon Demonstration Gardens
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Gayle L. McCandliss Park
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Horizon Park
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Hilltop Park Trailhead
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