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San Clemente Canyon
4.9 ★★★★★ 40 Google reviews · Running trail in San Diego, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from San Clemente Canyon'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.
What runners say about San Clemente Canyon
“Lots of trees and shade, as well as the little stream of water which becomes bigger during rain season.”
Nice hiking trails with lots of shade. Entered from street Cobb Dr.. Trail to the east is not very long around 2 miles.
I love this whole area. The canyons and trails along highway 52 are some of the best in the city. Shaded walls during summer, and flowers galore in the spring.
Great trail in San Diego area!! Lots of trees and shade, as well as the little stream of water which becomes bigger during rain season. The track is wide and accommodates both bicycles and people running or walking their dogs. Plenty of free parking as well as restrooms.
Just wow. You have to go to experience it yourself. Make sure to take plenty of water since you might want to explore more as you walk further into the canyon.🌻
Trail conditions & character
“Lots of trees and shade, as well as the little stream of water which becomes bigger during rain season.”
Plan your run at San Clemente Canyon
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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
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.
San Clemente Canyon
4.5 ★★★★★ 152 reviews
Park, canyon and trail network offering hikes, walks and bike rides.
Rose Canyon Trailhead
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Linear park featuring fire roads, creeks and bridges, as well as hiking and mountain biking trails along the floor of a canyon.
Rose Canyon Trail Head
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Rose Canyon Open Space Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 431 reviews
Rugged venue offering trails, wildlife-viewing & bird-watching among canyons & valleys.
Los Penasquitos Canyon Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 262 reviews
Starting point for moderate hiking & biking trail across rugged canyon landscape with a parking lot.