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Lake Murray Trail Head
4.8 ★★★★★ 204 Google reviews · Running trail in La Mesa, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Murray Trail Head'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 destination featuring a lake and waterside trails for walking and fishing.
What runners say about Lake Murray Trail Head
“I go there regularly to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and get my miles in.”
“Very calming and peaceful, with the exception of holidays where you see everyone bringing their families for fun celebrations.”
While I was initially underwhelmed by the muted colors and terrain, I am so grateful I decided to walk the bike trail. I felt like I found a hidden gem when I noticed I was surrounded by so many locals. Runners. Bikers. Folks walking their dogs. Fishers. Kiddos. It was such a pleasant atmosphere.
Peaceful, flat out and back walk on asphalt path. There’s tons of smaller paths that trail off for adventures but beware of danger noodles (snakes). The trail is not a loop. It’s heavily trafficked but not crowded. There are smaller places hidden away so you can find quiet spots to sit and relax.
This place is perfectly convenient and local in San Diego. There is so much to do here. You can bike, walk, run, or bird watch the trail. Some people go back and forth consecutively. The richness and plush colors of the lake along with the plant life magical. Peak hours vary.
Awesome 3 mile out and back trail! Fly fishing, boating and bird watching! Dogs allowed on leash only!
Trail conditions & character
“I go there regularly to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and get my miles in.”
“Parking was pretty easy; hike was long enough to feel accomplished, but not overwhelming.”
“Very calming and peaceful, with the exception of holidays where you see everyone bringing their families for fun celebrations.”
“I love walking my dog here and he probably likes it even more.”
“Peaceful, flat out and back walk on asphalt path.”
“The bad thing about this lake is that you can't make a whole complete loop because it is close at one end so you have to make a return trip which I didn't mind.”
“Only hesitation is the the bathrooms are rough, or at least the one I visited was, with no toilet paper.”
Plan your run at Lake Murray Trail Head
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.
- 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.
Hours
| Monday | 5:30 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 5:30 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:30 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 5:30 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 5:30 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 5:30 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 5:30 am–8 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 Recreation Area
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Lake Murray Park
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Murray Reservoir
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Cowles Mountain Trailhead
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La Mesa Secret Stairs
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Briercrest Park
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