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Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,659 Google reviews · Running trail in Santee, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve'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.
Staycation spot for locals with 7 man-made lakes for camping, boating, fishing & picnics.
What runners say about Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
“It's nice here, the lakes look clean, grass is nice and well maintained, and the bathrooms are good.”
“Beyond offering beautiful trails, fishing, camping, and family-friendly amenities, their team goes above and beyond to support the local community.”
“Beyond offering beautiful trails, fishing, camping, and family-friendly amenities, their team goes above and beyond to support the local community.”
We just go to Santee Lakes for picnics, and sometimes to just walk around. There is an entry fee to park inside, but you can also walk in if you park out on the street close to the entrance.
Our family has been coming here for about 4 decades. It's a nice place to take a walk and let the kids ride bikes safely. Lots of parks and overall pretty clean. One thing I have noticed on our last few visits was that it is becoming more evident that people live here full time.
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is one of the true treasures of East County — a place where nature, recreation, and community come together. Beyond offering beautiful trails, fishing, camping, and family-friendly amenities, their team goes above and beyond to support the local community.
7 lakes for fishing 2 of which are for campers only, beautiful paths for bike riding and nice pull through lots with trees for our big 43ft rv. Will definitely be back next year, who knows may be back this summer to get out of the Arizona heat.
Trail conditions & character
“Beyond offering beautiful trails, fishing, camping, and family-friendly amenities, their team goes above and beyond to support the local community.”
“It's nice here, the lakes look clean, grass is nice and well maintained, and the bathrooms are good.”
“On some weekends it's actually easier to park on the street for free than to look for parking in the lake parking areas, so we usually just stick to the street parking.”
“No dogs of any size are allowed , even on a leash.”
Plan your run at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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, restrooms — 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.
- Websitesanteelakes.com
- Phone(619) 596-3141
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–7 PM |
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