There are some great running options in 5,800-acre Mission Trails Regional Park, located in La Mesa, 12 miles northeast of San Diego. There are 30 miles of trail running with something for all abilities. Lake Murray is 1.5 miles south of the southeastern end of the park.
Lake Murray Path. The 3-mile paved path along the lake is very popular with runners. There nice views of the lake and area mountains. Note that it’s not possible to go all the way around the lake – it’s a 6-mile out and back. Use the separate parking lot to access the lake.
Flickr: Photos by Clark
In the main part of the park, the best option for easy running is the paved 2.6-mile road/path between the Visitor Center and the campground, called the Father Junipero Serra Trail.
Another easy and scenic option for trail running is the series of trails in the Grasslands area, such as the 1.2 mile South Grassland loop. This path is wide and open, with beautiful grasslands. Can be a real treat when there are wildflowers!
The trail map has good information on the trail and loop options, including ratings on difficulty. Look for “1”. Anything 2 or higher will be more challenging.
Easy: 1.2-mile Grassland Loop, 2.6-mile Father Junipero Serra Trail
Moderate: 2.3-mile Visitor Center loop
Challenging: 4-mile North Fortuna Trail to the challenging Fortuna Saddle Trail.
Super Challenging: 3 miles to the top of 1,591-foot Cowles Mountain, the highest point in San Diego (city).
There are some great running options in 5,800-acre Mission Trails Regional Park, located in La Mesa, 12 miles northeast of San Diego. There are 30 miles of trail running with something for all abilities. Lake Murray is 1.5 miles south of the southeastern end of the park.
Lake Murray Path. The 3-mile paved path along the lake is very popular with runners. There nice views of the lake and area mountains. Note that it’s not possible to go all the way around the lake – it’s a 6-mile out and back. Use the separate parking lot to access the lake.
Flickr: Photos by Clark
In the main part of the park, the best option for easy running is the paved 2.6-mile road/path between the Visitor Center and the campground, called the Father Junipero Serra Trail.
Another easy and scenic option for trail running is the series of trails in the Grasslands area, such as the 1.2 mile South Grassland loop. This path is wide and open, with beautiful grasslands. Can be a real treat when there are wildflowers!
The trail map has good information on the trail and loop options, including ratings on difficulty. Look for “1”. Anything 2 or higher will be more challenging.
Easy: 1.2-mile Grassland Loop, 2.6-mile Father Junipero Serra Trail
Moderate: 2.3-mile Visitor Center loop
Challenging: 4-mile North Fortuna Trail to the challenging Fortuna Saddle Trail.
Super Challenging: 3 miles to the top of 1,591-foot Cowles Mountain, the highest point in San Diego (city).
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Essentials
Lake Murray Path: 3 miles (5 km) one-way; The park has 30+ miles of trails
Lake Murray out and back is 175 feet.
Depends on trail chosen.
For Lake Murray, park at the lot there. For the trails, park at the Visitor Center
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Another great running option in the airport/convention center/downtown area. Harbor Island, Seaport Village, waterfront park. All along the water, numerous distance options.
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Essentials
Lake Murray Path: 3 miles (5 km) one-way; The park has 30+ miles of trails
Lake Murray out and back is 175 feet.
Depends on trail chosen.
For Lake Murray, park at the lot there. For the trails, park at the Visitor Center
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!