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Rose Canyon Open Space Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 431 Google reviews · Running trail in San Diego, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Rose Canyon Open Space 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.
Rugged venue offering trails, wildlife-viewing & bird-watching among canyons & valleys.
What runners say about Rose Canyon Open Space Park
“Beautiful hike with varying elevations, lush veggitation, high and low canyon points, flowing creek; trails are pretty clean and maintained.”
“Great trails for hiking, running or biking and plenty of opportunity to spot diverse wildlife.”
“Nestled in between a little neighborhood quiet and friendly.”
Beautiful hike with varying elevations, lush veggitation, high and low canyon points, flowing creek; trails are pretty clean and maintained. Saw walkers, runners, cyclists, and a good amount of people with their dogs, a couple squirrels, a few frogs on the hillside walking parallel to the I-5, but not too much wild…
Beautiful path tucked between the 52 and the I5. There's a small entrance off Regent's road if you turn in by Sprouts off Governor. with a small off road parking lot Take the steepish trail down and you'll have a choice between a .75 mile trail towards Genesse (total 1.
This was a beautiful trail. I recommend going for a walk here! It's in the middle of housing but beautiful.
Parking on dirt road for about 15 cars. At the start you descent ona semi-steep path. After about 5 minutes you will reach to an intersection. You can turn right to Genesee or left. We took left, and walked on a wide path good for running, biking, or hiking. It gets rocky with pebbles towards the end.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful hike with varying elevations, lush veggitation, high and low canyon points, flowing creek; trails are pretty clean and maintained.”
“Some areas can get a little steep if you're walking a big, rambunctious dog on a leash downhill that wants to go FASTER!”
“Beautiful hike with varying elevations, lush veggitation, high and low canyon points, flowing creek; trails are pretty clean and maintained.”
“Nestled in between a little neighborhood quiet and friendly.”
“with a small off road parking lot Take the steepish trail down and you'll have a choice between a .”
“So great for budgeting time and energy - trail is mostly flat, though the longer branch does have slight inclines towards the end giving a scenic view of the 52 - I5 interchange.”
“After it rains, the ground can get muddy so please be aware and be careful!”
Plan your run at Rose Canyon Open Space Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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.
- Websitesandiego.gov
- Phone(858) 581-9952
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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.
Rose Canyon Trailhead
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Rose Canyon Trail Head
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San Clemente Canyon
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Los Penasquitos Canyon Trailhead
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