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San Dieguito County Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 920 Google reviews · Running trail in Del Mar, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from San Dieguito County 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.
This scenic park offers play & picnic areas, plus trails, baseball & basketball facilities.
What runners say about San Dieguito County Park
“The park is really well maintained and have great amenities, there are picnic areas all over offering grills, grass fields, and even horseshoe pits.”
“Restrooms: Restrooms are close to each of the Picnic Area 1-5 Picnic area: The picnic area is very beautiful with shades and benches for even up to 100 people.”
“Lots of seating places with shade and grills installed.”
“So peaceful, plenty of room to not feel crowded or close to other families.”
We have been having our company picnic here for years at San Dieguito County Park . This is the first time we used Area #5 and there are many dedicated picnic areas available for advance reservations with proximity of playgrounds, restrooms and ample parking space. Good to know: Parking is $3 per car for the full day.
I've come to this park for my kids' cross country race events but it was my first time checking out the trail. The walk was short & sweet. The distance to the lookout and the suspension Bridge is short from either side of the park entrance but if you do go from the el camino real side, you have to go up the steps.
This is a very cool place. Came on a Sunday morning, lots of seating and picnic area. Nice and clean, plenty of space for kids to run around. A few pretty cool hiking trails with some old suspension foot bridges (they’re in good condition lol) Parking is a few dollars inside. There’s some outside parking as well.
I love this park. You can pay to go in and park closer to the different trail heads or park right outside and walk in. We have done either depending on the activity. Parking is like 3 dollars per car. And they take cash or card. The hikes are fun for the kids, they have been doing them since they were 4 and 2.
Trail conditions & character
“There are many dedicated picnic areas available for advance reservations with proximity of playgrounds, restrooms and ample amount of parking space.”
“Restrooms: Restrooms are close to each of the Picnic Area 1-5 Picnic area: The picnic area is very beautiful with shades and benches for even up to 100 people.”
“There are many dedicated picnic areas available for advance reservations with proximity of playgrounds, restrooms and ample amount of parking space.”
“So peaceful, plenty of room to not feel crowded or close to other families.”
“Lots of seating places with shade and grills installed.”
“Lower part of park is lower elevation but is actually northern on the maps in picture.”
Plan your run at San Dieguito County Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitesdparks.org
- Phone(858) 755-2386
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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