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Van Dam Peak
4.6 ★★★★★ 83 Google reviews · Running trail in Poway, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Van Dam Peak'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.
Hiking area also popular for mountain biking, with reviews mentioning snakes.
What runners say about Van Dam Peak
“Beautiful day to mountain bike ride up and down Van Dam peak.”
This trail takes you away from all the city chaos within 20 minutes. When I went I was not sure what to expect, at that time I was wearing my running shoes and I slipped multiple times while coming back so make sure to wear your hiking boots.
Fun, short trail that is steep in some sections that may require some 'bear walking'. There are switchbacks that are less steep. Trail from Iola Way is about 1.35 miles to the peak, with about 600 feet of elevation gain, and offers many views at the top. 60-90 minute hike round trip.
Kinda the local bike park. Great climbing and even better descending. There is a trail for everyone here. I love AM/PM hill and minion trail. Ballyhoo is also super fun. Plenty of cool features to checkout. I do see hikers occasionally but definitely more of a bike dominated area.
Challenging climb for first 10 minutes then you hike along top ridge! Definitely a pumper!
Trail conditions & character
“However it's a great leg and butt burner with views of Carmel Mountain and clear enough to see the ocean.”
“Really fun and challenging trail that provides a great workout on the climb up and a fun payoff on the trail down.”
“It has some steep downhill sections, blind jumps, and loose gravel.”
“The other route was a more technical route (Not sure what it means) but there was a YouTube vid showing large drops, jumps, and I think it's for more advanced riders.”
Plan your run at Van Dam Peak
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitepoway.org
- Phone(858) 668-4680
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Poway
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Treadwell Drive Trail
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
South Midland Rd hiking and biking trails
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Old Poway Park & Railroad
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,526 reviews
Bustling park offers a Saturday farmer’s market, vintage train rides, a museum & historic buildings.