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Lake Murray Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 256 Google reviews · Running trail in La Mesa, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Murray Recreation Area'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.
Reservoir and park with hiking paths, a snack shack, a bait shop and picnic areas.
What runners say about Lake Murray Recreation Area
“Beautiful area to enjoy a fun afternoon walking around on the paved path around the lake, fishing, wild life watching with a bit of exercise, plenty of parking, clean bathrooms.”
“Great place to relax and have a great time while walking, running or just enjoying.”
“The proximity to the water makes a great summer afternoon to get fresh air, it gets hot there isn’t not much shade and no swimming allowed.”
“A quiet, peaceful lake surrounded by nature and open spaces, all located within the suburbs of San Diego and La Mesa.”
We had a great time at the lake. The gentleman at the rental place was so kind! We rented a pontoon boat for an hour and just cruised around the lake before going on the hiking trails. Never knew there was so much to do here! You can rent pedal boats, kayaks, fishing boats too.
Great outdoor family place. Wild life. No swimming but you can fish the lake. There is a small snack store where you can also rent water equipment or bikes to ride around. However, the trail does not go all the way around.
Lovely walk along the 5 fingers of lake, then you have to turn around to return as it is not a round-trip walk. A few bathrooms along the route, two are pit toilets. Ample parking and easy access for individuals with special needs. Fishing 🎣 and boat rentals are available.
Lake Murray is an artificial lake, it is a drinking water reservoir. There are miles of trails for walking or bicycling, also a bait & tackle shop where you can rent boats or bikes. Fishing requires a permit which can be purchased in the bait shop.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful area to enjoy a fun afternoon walking around on the paved path around the lake, fishing, wild life watching with a bit of exercise, plenty of parking, clean bathrooms.”
“Beautiful area to enjoy a fun afternoon walking around on the paved path around the lake, fishing, wild life watching with a bit of exercise, plenty of parking, clean bathrooms.”
“Beautiful area to enjoy a fun afternoon walking around on the paved path around the lake, fishing, wild life watching with a bit of exercise, plenty of parking, clean bathrooms.”
“A quiet, peaceful lake surrounded by nature and open spaces, all located within the suburbs of San Diego and La Mesa.”
“The proximity to the water makes a great summer afternoon to get fresh air, it gets hot there isn’t not much shade and no swimming allowed.”
“I always come back for the cute ducks and the cute dogs people are walking.”
“Beautiful area to enjoy a fun afternoon walking around on the paved path around the lake, fishing, wild life watching with a bit of exercise, plenty of parking, clean bathrooms.”
Plan your run at Lake Murray Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitemtrp.org
- Phone+1 619-668-3281
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–5:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–5:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–5:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–5:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–5:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–5:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–5:30 pm |
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 Park
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Lake Murray Trail Head
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Murray Reservoir
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Cowles Mountain Trailhead
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Cowles Mountain
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La Mesa Secret Stairs
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