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Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 581 Google reviews · Running trail in Imperial Beach, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve'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.
Coastal preserve with a beach, marshes & wildlife, plus a visitor center with trail maps.
What runners say about Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve
“In my opinion this area is very well maintained it allows your spirit, mind and body to find balance.”
“I also walked up the hill next to the campground which gives you a great view of the Estuary, the bay, and San Diego.”
“Went on an educational easy hike to see the effect of the Kings tide.”
It’s incredible how close this wildlife sanctuary is to the border. It’s a fascinating place to not just think about, but also see the juxtaposition of how codependent each and every species that creates the ecology of this amazing place is on each other compared to the politics of human interactions happening a few…
Nice trails. Very Family friendly. Hiking, 🐎 back riding or biking. Cant go wrong. All trails mostly lead to the Border state field park. The hidden 💎 in south San Diego. These are the trails located in the most southwest point in the USA. 👍
My favorite place to hike/walk around. I usual come to photograph birds and wildlife. I always see something. Usual only a couple locals walked around with their dog or jogging around. Great place to getaway for a little and relax.
Nice museum, great hiking trails, and lots to see. Come here a few times every year and get bird photos. Always find something to see here and get a few miles hiking at the same time.
Trail conditions & character
“I also walked up the hill next to the campground which gives you a great view of the Estuary, the bay, and San Diego.”
“Walk your dog, ride your bicycle or simply walk just have fun doing your thing.”
Plan your run at Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve
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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitetrnerr.org
- Phone(619) 575-3613
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–5 PM |
Running trails near Imperial Beach
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge
4.6 ★★★★★ 257 reviews
Wetland at the confluence of the Tijuana River and the sea, with walking trails, a visitor center, and a beach.
Otay Valley Regional Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 571 reviews
200-acre park offers 8 miles of hiking, biking & equestrian trails amid salt ponds & rolling hills.
Grand Caribe Shoreline Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 113 reviews
Park featuring a beach and opportunities for paddle boarding, fishing, and wildlife watching.