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Walker Preserve Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 360 Google reviews · Running trail in Santee, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Walker Preserve Trail'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.
Flat trail, popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists, near the San Diego River.
What runners say about Walker Preserve Trail
“What I really liked about the trail was that it was well maintained and the scenery was very nice.”
“When we move to San Diego, I need a place to relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings, and this trail is perfect since it’s nearby.”
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Walker Preserve Trail is a beautiful short dirt trail that’s great for walking, running, or biking.”
“Go early as there is not much in the way of shade and it can get very warm very quickly.”
“It’s dog friendly, easy, and well maintained, with nice natural scenery along the way.”
Beautiful trail from Santee to Lakeside. About 6 miles long, mostly flat with beautiful spots to sit and enjoy the view of the San Diego River. There’s street parking on the Santee side and a parking lot on the Lakeside side. Go early as there is not much in the way of shade and it can get very warm very quickly.
This is a new favorite for our family of 5. We love to bike and run this path. It’s well maintained, clean, and a great variety of scenery. The path is mostly very smooth compressed gravel, with a few spots of erosion here or there. Easily doable with a jogging stroller or bike buggy.
This is a great place to have a routine walk, run or ride. The official River Walk trail begins at Magnolia and extends East all the way to Channel road in Lakeside. Nice features along the way, like a secluded wooden semicircle deck with shade.
It's such a cool place. We will definitely return for a walk. It is dog friendly too!! 🐕🐾♥️🌼🌵🏞🐝🌳
Trail conditions & character
“When we move to San Diego, I need a place to relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings, and this trail is perfect since it’s nearby.”
“There's dirt parking on both ends and a lot more at the base ball field that I mentioned.”
“Go early as there is not much in the way of shade and it can get very warm very quickly.”
“About 6 miles long, mostly flat with beautiful spots to sit and enjoy the view of the San Diego River.”
“It’s dog friendly, easy, and well maintained, with nice natural scenery along the way.”
“Nice views of the river and riparian habitat along the path, which is hard packed smooth dirt, suitable even for small stroller wheels.”
Plan your run at Walker Preserve Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
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 Santee
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Town Center Park East
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Vast and well-maintained place offering sporting facilities and playgrounds.
Shadow Hill Park
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Sky Ranch Park
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Park with a grassy area, benches and a playground for kids.
Mast Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,165 reviews
Green space with riverside trails, a picnic/BBQ area, playground, ball court & off-leash dog area.
