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Mission Trails Clairemont Mesa Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 279 Google reviews · Running trail in San Diego, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Mission Trails Clairemont Mesa 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.
Recreational area offering hiking and mountain biking trails, plus a horse riding path.
What runners say about Mission Trails Clairemont Mesa Trailhead
“But very peaceful, I went on a cloudy cool day, so I would guess it's more beautiful on a sunny day.”
Pretty nice. Some people, so it might be nice to have fewer people. But very peaceful, I went on a cloudy cool day, so I would guess it's more beautiful on a sunny day.
An excellent and easily accessible entry to the Mission Trails Regional Park. This is a great location to access moderate to difficult trails in the park. Both hikers and mountain bikers will find this a great location to start your day.
Great dusk hike. Nice to be out in nature the north and south fortuna via the saddle.
Warning Sign Text: This area of San Diego known as Mission Trails, once was a part of Camp Elliott. It was a 13,000 acre Marine Corps Training Camp used during World War II by the Second Marine Division for artillery and tank training in addition to other specialist training.
Trail conditions & character
“Moderate hiking trails with some steep inclines but with rewarding views at the mountain summits of the southeast area of San Diego.”
“Had no trouble with parking and the trails are in great condition.”
“Dog friendly, only had an issue with one senior dog off leash, but my dog kept her cool.”
“I really like the loop layout of this plan; a welcome change from the typical in and out.”
Plan your run at Mission Trails Clairemont Mesa Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitemtrp.org
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–5 PM |
Running trails near San Diego
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mission Trails Rim Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 96 reviews
This trail for hiking, running & mountain biking offers scenic views over San Diego.
Mission Trails Regional Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 7,818 reviews
8,000-acre recreational park featuring 60 miles of trails, along with a lake for boating & camping.
Kwaay Paay Peak West Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 55 reviews
Hiking area featuring kid-friendly trails.
Kwaay Paay Peak East Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 371 reviews
Trail boasting views of mountains and the sea, with some steep climbs.