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Tecolote Canyon Hiking Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 91 Google reviews · Running trail in San Diego, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Tecolote Canyon Hiking Area'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 Tecolote Canyon Hiking Area
“These trails are a treasure of San Diego, absolutely beautiful and serene to walk along or stop by a creek that runs through.”
“You are under shaded trees following a pleasant Creek and there is a side route option also available.”
Love hiking Tecolote. So green against the blue sky Beware coyotes! Was about half through the canyon today and there were two large coyotes on the trail. My dog started to growl at them and one started to come at us.
It is a bout 1.8 miles each way. All flat and dirt which makes it for an easy walk/ run. Depending on the time of the year, the river might have some water or be empty but regardless, it always green. Street parking on CM Blvd and walk on the side of Genessee to the trail head.
Hidden gem! I drove pass the trail entrance a couple times, but never had a chance to explore the area until now. The commute is easy: you can take the 41 bus and it will bring you to the trail entrance on Genesee or you can park in the local parking and take a few minutes walk.
Update: 01/08/26 We had lots of 🍄 Mushrooms near the trails, mostly by near creek areas. Fewer Birds, no dragonflies, and few butterflies for a while. Lots of green growth, and good creek flow. Balboa Tunnel running higher & foot bridge under Balboa is crooked. Many fallen trees. But still very enjoyable.
Trail conditions & character
“The commute is easy: you can take the 41 bus and it will bring you to the trail entrance on Genesee or you can park in the local parking and take a few minutes walk.”
“My dog started to growl at them and one started to come at us.”
“You are under shaded trees following a pleasant Creek and there is a side route option also available.”
“Easy flat hiking through the canyons surrounded by homes and mostly residential streets.”
Plan your run at Tecolote Canyon Hiking Area
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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
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
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Rose Canyon Trailhead
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Rose Canyon Trail Head
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Rose Canyon Open Space Park
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Rugged venue offering trails, wildlife-viewing & bird-watching among canyons & valleys.
Tecolote Canyon Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 34 reviews