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Mast Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,165 Google reviews · Running trail in Santee, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Mast Park'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.
Green space with riverside trails, a picnic/BBQ area, playground, ball court & off-leash dog area.
What runners say about Mast Park
“The park offers large playgrounds for the little ones, clean restrooms, a dedicated dog park and walk, good picnic and BBQ areas, and basketball courts.”
“It's especially busy on the weekends and parking is sometimes hard to find even in the overfill lot, but a beautiful destination.”
“The playgrounds are amazing: big slides, climbing structures, swings, ball courts, and even little bridges and shaded pavilions.”
“There are play sets for all ages, from toddlers to older kids, which makes it super family-friendly.”
This is a great park!!!!! Parking can be a problem at busy times, but the experience is worth it. Great for families with kids of all ages. We often have a homeschool group here and spread out activities on the picnic tables.
We take our 2 dachshunds here every week to walk the trail. They love it and so do we. They also have dog parks that are designated for the size of your dog. Frisbee gulf, corn hole, playground; bathrooms, basketball courts, covered picnic and barbecue areas. Something for everyone! Highly recommend!
This park is great! Tons of space, awesome for picnics, bbqs, tables, dog park, disc golf, cornhole, and basketball hoop. Also great trails for strolling along. Great a and b disc golf course and very well maintained.
This might be one of the most natural and well-designed parks I’ve seen around San Diego. The whole layout just feels seamless with nature – walking trails along the river, trees everywhere, and open spaces that make you forget you’re still in the city.
Trail conditions & character
“The park offers large playgrounds for the little ones, clean restrooms, a dedicated dog park and walk, good picnic and BBQ areas, and basketball courts.”
“The park offers large playgrounds for the little ones, clean restrooms, a dedicated dog park and walk, good picnic and BBQ areas, and basketball courts.”
“It's especially busy on the weekends and parking is sometimes hard to find even in the overfill lot, but a beautiful destination.”
“It's especially busy on the weekends and parking is sometimes hard to find even in the overfill lot, but a beautiful destination.”
“The playgrounds are amazing: big slides, climbing structures, swings, ball courts, and even little bridges and shaded pavilions.”
“There are two concrete tee pads and excellent signage for each hole.”
“Big park with a flat trail for bikes and walking.”
Plan your run at Mast Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecityofsanteeca.gov
- Phone(619) 258-4100
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:15 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:15 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:15 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6:15 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6:15 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6:15 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6:15 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Santee
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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