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La Mesa Secret Stairs
4.7 ★★★★★ 368 Google reviews · Running trail in La Mesa, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from La Mesa Secret Stairs' 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.
Hiking area featuring a set of stairs known among fitness buffs for leg workouts.
What runners say about La Mesa Secret Stairs
“On a clear morning, you are treated to absolutely beautiful sunrise views over the surrounding hills and city from the summit.”
“It's really beautiful and peaceful and the views are great.”
Not so secret anymore, you can reach the summit after climbing 245 steps. These stairs used to serve as major public thoroughfares. Very few of these public stairways exist in San Diego so definitely worth a climb at least once if you’re not a regular.
This was on my bucket list after I heard about it. We found a place to park and began our adventure. There were people walking for exercise and people like us, just out for an adventure. We had a great time, but be aware it’s a lot of stairs. Choose your time of day and temperature and bring water.
La Mesa's "Secret Stairs": A 245-Step Sunrise Challenge! If you're looking for a serious workout and a hidden gem in La Mesa, the local "Secret Stairs" are a must-try. This challenging spot offers fantastic cardio.
I'm absolutely hooked. Been going up 5 to 6 days a week for the past month or so. Update 9/3/25: Up to 6 Plus miles on days off and just a little over 3 Mi on work days. You can make a heart at the top of the hill if you can figure out which streets I'm taking
Trail conditions & character
“(Don't forget about the other half around the bend) You can find people and their k9's at all levels enjoying this awesome workout spot and amazing views”
“Very few of these public stairways exist in San Diego so definitely worth a climb at least once if you’re not a regular.”
“It's really beautiful and peaceful and the views are great.”
“I also recommend parking at Highwood Park located at 4200 Parks Ave.”
Plan your run at La Mesa Secret Stairs
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, water — reported by runners
- Websitecityoflamesa.us
- Social Instagram
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 am–5:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30 am–5:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30 am–5:30 pm |
| Thursday | 7:30 am–5:30 pm |
| Friday | 7:30 am–4:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
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