Southeast San Diego isn’t exactly renowned for its outdoor recreational opportunities. But like so many other areas in the county, one can find small islands of natural areas tucked away amid the urban sprawl. One such example is Chollas Lake Park, located about a quarter mile up the road from a large shopping center in Oak Park, just off Highway 94.
Despite having lived within 10 minutes of this park for the past 19 years, we had only recently learned of its existence. One Sunday morning, when it was too warm to tackle a more ambitious hike, we decided to head out and explore the park.
There are several separate parking areas at the lake, but we chose the eastern lot since it was the first one we came to. From the parking lot, we headed down towards the water to pick up the trail. The path loops around the lake so you can start at whatever point you like. In addition to the loop around the lake, there are some additional side trails and loops on the west side that you can combine for hikes of various lengths.
We set off in a clockwise direction. The path was cool and shaded by towering eucalyptus trees on both sides. The trail was busy with walkers, runners, and dog-walkers, but it still managed to provide a feeling of quiet peacefulness.
Rounding the first bend, an alternate course (the “Nature Trail”) branched off to the right. This trail went up the hillside a ways and eventually reconnected with the main trail. We wanted to stay along the water, however, so continued on the main path.
Along the shore of the lake was a flock of geese, most of which were settled down for a snooze. A couple of the birds were still awake, however, and posed for some pictures.
The designated duck section was apparently a few dozen feet away, and they were having nap time too.
Picnic tables were located at various points along the trail. Some were near the water, but a handful were in slightly more secluded spots among the trees.
Several fishing piers jutted out from the lake’s shore.
Just past the .3 mile marker we reached the far edge of the lake. You can cut across the dam here and head back for a short .8 mile loop.
But we decided to keep going on a bit and explore the nearby urban canyon area. As we passed the dam, on our right was a group picnic area where a large group of people were doing Tai Chi.
We went downhill, through a large grove of eucalyptus trees.
We passed through an open chain-link fence, and the trees gave way to a wide, open urban canyon.
Walking through the chaparral filled canyon, watching butterflies flit through the brush, it was hard to believe we were only about a mile away from Wal-Mart.
We soon came to another parking lot near the baseball diamond. We continued straight, past the ball field and across the lot, until we picked up the trail again on the other side.
We passed through another chain link fence and encountered a “T” junction. The right fork led up the hill to a loop around the baseball field, which would then loop back the way we had come. We decided to go left, back into the shady eucalyptus trees, and loop back on the south side of the park.
We crossed a small wooden footbridge and turned right.
We soon came to a chain link fence. On the other side were some houses and a residential area. There was a rather elaborate network of use trails around here, so we chose one at random that pointed back the way we had come to begin our return trip.
We quickly met up with a wide dirt path heading east and strolled along in the cool shade.
Soon enough we were back at the parking lot near the baseball diamond, and picked up the trail again. Rather than retracing our original route, we found a path that looked like it passed along the south edge of the park and headed that way.
The path began to climb upwards towards the rim of the canyon.
At the top of the hill, we found yet another open chain link gate.
Just beyond was a steep set of wooden risers that led to the park’s other parking area – Gloria’s Mesa.
We stayed on the path near the fence, passing through some unused picnic areas and stopping to to admire some of the local wildlife.
We followed the path back down the hill and reconnected with the south end of the lake.
We went out onto the dam a little ways just to check out the view.
Then we continued down the path along the southern shore. Here, the tranquility of the park was slightly disrupted by the sound of traffic on the nearby College Grove Drive, but overall it was still pretty quiet.
There were some thick reeds along the edge of the water here.
More picnic and barbecue areas could be found amid the trees on the water’s edge.
There was even a small playground for kids to enjoy.
Soon enough, we were back at the parking lot, and headed back to the car.
View the full photo gallery
Directions:
From Highway 94, take the College Ave exit. Head north on College Ave, then turn left onto College Grove Drive. Proceed .7 miles, the entrance to Chollas Lake Park will be on the right. map
| Total Distance: | 2.2 miles |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Total Ascent: | Negligible |
| Dog Friendly?: | Leashed dogs allowed |
| Bike Friendly?: | Bikes allowed |
| Facilities: | Bathrooms and drinking fountains at lake |
| Fees/Permits: | None |
For more information, visit:
City of San Diego Parks & Recreation: Chollas Lake Park
View trail map
http://agiledogs.smugmug.com/Category/Chollas-Lake-Park/
I just read about Chollas Lake park, and I was at those spot the author was at. It surprised me on this park, at least this year 2015 I came back to it. The last time I was there about 3 years ago, there was a cabin and what looked like a homeless man living out of it is now locked with window bars and door locked. So a little safer, and there is a couch with a book shelf with books in them. Interesting. Thanks for the review.