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Lower Otay Reservoir Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 70 Google reviews · Running trail in Chula Vista, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Lower Otay Reservoir Trailhead'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.
Scenic area featuring a short hiking trail along a lake.
What runners say about Lower Otay Reservoir Trailhead
“Good for an easy hike, a morning walk or a nice bike loop with gorgeous views.”
“Good for an easy hike, a morning walk or a nice bike loop with gorgeous views.”
Love this dirt trail right along the lake. It is fairly short if you stay on the main path from the boathouse parking lot towards the crew rowing boats launch area. But there are numerous trails you can take off this main path that are much narrower and better for just walking.
There is parking and everyone on the trails is friendly and it is a pretty well maintained trail (for running)
We went when it was a little wet so there were no bikes, but if you start to think you might be going the wrong way., you might be! Not all roads lead to Rome and I found myself pretty lost going down the wrong trail. Follow signs and pay attention friends.
Took children for a nature walk. We saw loons, hummingbirds and beautiful landscapes. We ended our walk at open area by the lake where there was a log that we could sit on and draw.
Trail conditions & character
“Good for an easy hike, a morning walk or a nice bike loop with gorgeous views.”
“It is fairly short if you stay on the main path from the boathouse parking lot towards the crew rowing boats launch area.”
“Love this dirt trail right along the lake.”
Plan your run at Lower Otay Reservoir Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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 — reported by runners
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.
Chula Vista Fun Run
4.7 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
Otay Lakes County Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 491 reviews
Hiking and biking trails amid gorgeous scenery, plus playgrounds and BBQ spots.
Mountain Hawk Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,141 reviews
12-acre green space with picnic gazebos & trails, plus a basketball court, playground & splash pad.
Upper Otay Reservoir Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 113 reviews
Popular trail network for hiking and mountain biking near a reservoir, plus scenic lake vistas.