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Simmons Family Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 211 Google reviews · Running trail in San Marcos, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Simmons Family 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.
Peaceful park offering a playground, basketball court, hiking trail, and picnic tables, plus ocean views.
What runners say about Simmons Family Park
“Clean park with a great view and access to a nice challenging hike at the bottom.”
“The hiking trail leading to here from the valley below is a terrific hike because it's scenic, not too long (~2 miles r/t) and just enough uphill to get your heartrate up.”
“This park is undoubtedly my top preference in the neighborhood, notable for its impeccable cleanliness and serene atmosphere.”
Fun park off the beaten path with access to groomed trails all the way to the coast. Perfect for moms with little ones to play and picnic. You can’t beat the views.
The hiking trail leading to here from the valley below is a terrific hike because it's scenic, not too long (~2 miles r/t) and just enough uphill to get your heartrate up. The park is grassy, open, on top of a hill that gives panoramic views west to the ocean and east to the mountains.
One of the most beautiful and breath-taking spots in all of San Marcos. The views are just spectacular; you can see the mountains and the ocean! Beautiful park, with sidewalks and trails. You see butterflies, birds and hummingbirds everywhere on a warm summer day. You can feel the ocean breezes.
The park/playset area for kids is really nice and it was pretty quiet while we were there. Very clean too. Age range geared towards younger children. I'd say 10 years and under. I included the beautiful views over San Marcos that are just beyond the basketball court.
Trail conditions & character
“The hiking trail leading to here from the valley below is a terrific hike because it's scenic, not too long (~2 miles r/t) and just enough uphill to get your heartrate up.”
“Lovely little park with great climbing frames, and fun structures for young children, stunning views, good parking, and bathrooms!”
“This park is undoubtedly my top preference in the neighborhood, notable for its impeccable cleanliness and serene atmosphere.”
“People come here to walk their dogs and parents bring young children to the play equipment area (slides, monkey bars, etc) and to the grassy area to kick around soccer balls.”
Plan your run at Simmons Family Park
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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesan-marcos.net
- Phone(760) 744-9000 ext. 3500
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–6 PM |
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