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Lake Murray Park

4.9 ★★★★★ 8 Google reviews · Running trail in La Mesa, California · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Lake Murray Park yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.

What runners say about Lake Murray Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (8 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

Beautiful park with great walking trail and tons of places for picnic. Dogs are allowed while leashed. Only drawback is LOTS of rules

★★★★☆ — Brandon , Oct 2024

Plenty of parking, picnic tables here and restroom available as well. I like this spot better than the other park at the north end of the lake (by Shira field). This one has a seemingly closer walk to the water than the other one.

★★★★★ — Rem , Jul 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 8 reviews →

Plan your run at Lake Murray Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • 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.

Where to find Lake Murray Park

7505 El Paso St, La Mesa, CA 91942

Get directions

Running trails near La Mesa

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

Lake Murray Recreation Area

4.7 ★★★★★ 256 reviews

La Mesa, CA

MixedShadedScenicDog-friendly

Reservoir and park with hiking paths, a snack shack, a bait shop and picnic areas.

under a mile away

Lake Murray Trail Head

4.8 ★★★★★ 204 reviews

La Mesa, CA

LoopPavedShadedScenic

Kid-friendly destination featuring a lake and waterside trails for walking and fishing.

under a mile away

Murray Reservoir

4.7 ★★★★★ 3,446 reviews

La Mesa, CA

5.5 miLoopPavedShaded

Small boat rentals, fishing & many picnic areas, plus a walking & biking path along the reservoir.

under a mile away

Cowles Mountain Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 2,024 reviews

San Diego, CA

60 miNatural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Picturesque uphill hiking trail known for its panoramic views at the summit.

1.3 miles away

Cowles Mountain

4.8 ★★★★★ 725 reviews

San Diego, CA

3 miNatural surfaceShadedScenic

Popular hiking area with trails leading to a summit with panoramic views.

1.9 miles away

Briercrest Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 287 reviews

La Mesa, CA

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Quaint, grassy park featuring playgrounds for kids of all ages, plus benches, picnic tables and shaded areas.

2.1 miles away

All running trails in La Mesa, 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.