San Diego's Best-Kept Open Secret How does a place this beautiful have so few reviews? I've been coming to Chollas Lake for decades, and I'm still amazed at how many San Diegans don't know it exists. I recently toured a home nearby, and even the realtor had no idea this lake was here. That's a shame because this is one of Southeast San Diego's hidden treasures. This can be a destination for dramatic views & sunsets. There's even several entrances. Each gate time open and closure is different. I walk here to give my thoughts to the trees, practice walking meditation, and simply soak in the peaceful surroundings. The eucalyptus, the water, the sunshine, and the open space have a calming effect that's hard to describe until you experience it. The best trails aren't always the famous ones. The recent renovations are fantastic. The trails are clearly marked, easy to follow, and nearly impossible to get lost on. They're gentle on the knees, stroller friendly, and accessible for many wheelchairs depending on the type. While most of the route is relatively flat, there are a few hill inclines if you're looking to elevate your heart rate. If you're new to hiking, Chollas Lake is also a great place to build confidence before tackling more challenging trails. There's a visible waking loop and other short dirt trails that weave through native shrubs, giving you a taste of hiking without committing to rugged terrain. There are shaded sections throughout, with only a few sunny stretches if you choose the longer route. Restrooms are available at the entrance, portable toilets are located around the lake, and additional restrooms are near the baseball fields. There's a playground for children, plenty of space to ride a bike. Fishing has always been a favorite activity here. One thing I've always appreciated is how well people care for this park. Visitors generally clean up after their pets, and the lake remains one of the most peaceful places to time with nature. Whether you're having a bday party, holding hands, training for bigger hikes, pushing a stroller, riding a bike, casting a fishing line, or simply looking for a peaceful place to think, Chollas Lake has a way of making everyone feel welcome. And to everyone who visits, remember that the ducks call this place home. Please enjoy them from a distance and treat the wildlife with the respect they deserve. This lake has been quietly serving the community for generations, and I hope it continues to do so for many more. read more

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The walk trail can be short or long. Usually it takes about 30 minutes to walk the lake route. There are ducks to see on the lakes a lot of shade, and sometimes there is a slight breeze. Would highly recommend if you just want to get out and be one with nature. read more

Chollas Lake Park - Lake with ducks swimming. - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

Today was the perfect day to break in my new walking shoes. The park was peaceful and clean which provided a comfortable atmosphere for getting in my steps. I chose to walk around the lake because the water was so relaxing. 2026(11) read more

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Checking in for work today at Chollas Lake Park! It is a beautiful day to be out by the water. We are staying busy keeping the area clean, and the local anglers are having a great day on the docks--lots of lively bluegills being caught today! read more

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Beautiful place to take a walk and they have recently updated the park area . This is a beautiful addition to the community . It is lacking a restroom you would have to walk to lake area read more

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Chollas Lake is my childhood park and heart. I used to feed and get chased by the geese here. Which is where my love for the ornery creatures began. I learned how to fish at this lake back when the water line was much higher and the park had a prep and cleaning station. My love of hiking began here. I love this place! It is just a great neighbourhood park to go to and stretch your legs, commune with nature, get in your steps. The park could use some funding to improve things even more but it still possesses simple charm. Yes this park is great for families with small children. There are play areas. It's uneven all the way around so strollers unless the durable type will be a challenge. Yes, your four legged loved one will love walking and sniffing their way around the place. Make sure they're leashed because lots of other people have the same idea. This is a gated city park so pay attention to the open and close signs when you arrive. They do close on time. Thank you, Chollas Lake Park & Rangers for keeping this park safe for everyone! read more

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Gorgeous spot for a walk--pure, peaceful, and untouched nature. Perfect for a small picnic or enjoying coffee and conversation with a friend. Parking is available but limited, and the gate closes at 7 PM. read more

Chollas Lake Park - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

I prefer a level walk the angle seems to hurt my hips. Sometimes the lake smells of sour odors. Careful to single women watch your personal items in the car! read more

Great lake to go fishing for kids. And walking around my dogs love coming here. It has 2 playgrounds for kids. And a few trails to walk along. read more

Chollas Lake Park - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

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Everything is readily available, boat rentals, fishing equipment, hiking trails, walking of bikibg.

I drove over to this Chollas Lake Park with a friend of mine his name is Doug. This is also my first time visiting the Chollas Lake Park. Since we came last Saturday their parking lot was full of cars. I observed mom's with their children, men and women couples and a lot of single men and women who were jogging and hanging out at the park just like Doug and I were doing . I wanted to do some walking around this Chollas Lake Park with my friend Doug. We both were using our canes to help support our legs during this long walk around this beautiful Cholla Lake Park. The first thing I did was park my car in their parking lot, then we walked from the parking lot to get onto the trails that leads to this Chollas Lake Park. I saw a bridge where the Chollas Lake Park had all kinds of really cute ducks, huge geese and these black coots birds swimming inside this lake. When I walked by this white duck with orange webbed feet that was laying down right nearby this Chollas Lake Park. This one white duck was quacking at me and it was so cute! I love ducks they are my favorite birds. Me and Doug walked onto the little bridge that was on the Chollas Lake Park I saw there were a little of branches located inside this lake and the water had a brownish color to it. Last Saturday was a perfect day for us to enjoy this beautiful Chollas Lake Park because the weather was a cool breeze and in the early 70 degrees in the afternoon. Afterwards, we walked off the bridge and then I brought some Gatorade in Fruit Punch with me to enjoy drinking when we sat down at a picnic table to rest and take some breaks from walking. Even though this Chollas Lake Park was crowded with a lot of people it was also very quiet and peaceful. I had an awesome time just being able to relax and to feel de-stressed from my career in working as the House Manager for this Aging and Independent Living Home. This Chollas Lake Park is an AMAZING place! Doug my friend and I we walked around this whole lake together. We also saw children with their parents fishing in the Chollas Lake Park. The kinds of fish that live in this lake are bass and trout. There are also a lot of Rules that are located on their signs throughout this park. These RULES said: 1. Only Children are allowed to go fishing no Adults are allowed to fish. There is a 2 Fish limit per child. 2. No Smoking Cigarettes or No Alcohol is allowed. 3. No Swimming . 4. Dogs have to be on a 6 feet leash. 5. No Drinking Alcohol. 6. No Fighting. 7. No Overnight Stays using your Recreational Vehicle. 8. No Camping Overnight. 9. No Dumping Trash . 10. Place Trash in proper Trash Bins and Recycling Bins. 11. No Feeding the Wildlife Birds. Wow! that's a lot of RULES! There are BBQ Pits where people can have a picnic with their friends and their families. There are also Gender Neutral Restrooms located on the Chollas Lake Park. I also saw some water fountains, and some really fun walking trails. I had an awesome time visiting this Chollas Lake Park . Next time I will invite my other friend Michelle to go with me. I definitely recommend this place to everyone. read more

Great place to work out & sight see at the same time. Haven't been here in quite a long time, years in fact & it has improved with added playgrounds for the children. *don't feed the wildlife* Some folk don't listen. Watched a woman feeding the ducks & geese with a child taking pics. When the geese arrived it became a problem. Iykyk they're wild & began rushing the child for the . He was backing up fast throwing the bread at them hard Those geese had them retreating quickly. Apparently there are mud & bobcats, coyotes (typical), quails &rattle (glad I didn't come across) best to come early before it gets really warm. No sighting for me other than birds, prairie dogs/ squirrels(use to people), ducks, geese, black birds (that talk or sqwack at you ) & lizzards. Good walk read more

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Absolutely love this trail, they have a playground for kids which I love to stop at so my child can play. The lake is small but so cute and cozy. There is plenty of parking and so many people around. It's a cute nature lake close to the city. We love coming in the morning can't recommend ebough! read more

Chollas Lake Park - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

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Went to Birrieria La Loteria to pick up some food and then went to Chollas Lake Park to enjoy our food and the scenery. Lots of ducks, chimpmunks/squirrels, and dirt. Parking lot is a little small and you might have to wait for a spot. It was nice eating in nature and walking around. Really popular place to hang out so enjoy the people and dog watching. There are some characters here. read more

Chollas lake/park is really pretty and popular. So it can get really jam-packed. The mornings are a bit better than evenings. Great place to have a picnic. Also has wonderful trails. My only complaint is that the restrooms are freaking disgusting. You'd think they'd take a little more pride, especially since this is a very popular place. read more

Chollas Park is a decent spot for a walk, especially if you're with your dog. We visited on a Sunday afternoon and found a few mini trails to explore. I'd say there are about 3 to 5 of them. I took the higher ground trail, which offered a nice view of a baseball field and parts of the city. It was mostly dirt paths, and with the sun out, it was a bit exposed. There were a few houses in the distance, but it wasn't too crowded. On the way down, I stumbled into a shaded area with some greenery, which was a nice change of pace. I also noticed a few dirt bikes zooming through, but it didn't disrupt the vibe too much. The trails weren't super long, and I ended up cutting my exploration short, but it was still a nice walk overall. There's a parking lot with around 40 spots, so finding a spot wasn't too hard. It's a solid option for a short, relaxing outdoor outing, but nothing too spectacular. Spent about 45 minutes here. It was nice! read more

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We had a great visit. There is a dirt path all around the lake perfect for a stroll. Fishing is allowed, boating and feeding ducks is not allowed. Dogs are allowed on a leash only. There are dog poop bag stations. There are picnic tables, bathrooms with outside sinks, trash bins, a playground and swings. There is a ranger around. Parking is free but limited in the small parking lot. We loved all the fearless ducks, pigeons and squirrels. Currently there is a momma duck with 10 baby ducklings. Please remind children not to hurt wildlife if you should witness it here. Unfortunately, one unsupervised child was strangling and trying to drown one of the tiny ducklings. I called the number provided on yelp to report the incident but never received a call back. read more

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It's peaceful when you can find parking. There's handicap spots. Good place to bring family read more

Chollas Lake Park - Looking out my windshield of my car at part of Chollas., and walkers - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

Never ventured out here until today. It's a nice little lake with a walking/biking loop that goes around the water. There are break off trails to venture out to other parts. There is a crossroad sign pointing out the other parts as well as certain distances to other countries with Chollas Lake being the starting point. There are some picnic areas and I saw a small basketball court. Fishing is allowed for those under 15 years old according to the signs. I'm interested in taking my mountain bike out to this lake for some two wheel fun soon. read more

Chollas Lake Park - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

Went on a nature walk yesterday. I have been going to this lake since I was as a kid. It's so nice to get away from work/life obstacles for a bit and so convenient that this lake is local. There are different birds to look at and phenomenal scenery. This walk is ideal for either kids or adults. There is some incline part of the walk if you prefer some burn, but most is leveled. There is also mini hike trail as well that is a bit hidden so don't miss it. There is small figurines carved In the trees/trunks so that is neat. Also playgrounds, benches, tables to enjoy with family. Fishing is only 15 and younger so much memories made here. read more

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I love Chollas Lake. I've been going here since I was a kid. I am glad they are doing some updated to it and that families can still enjoy the great outdoors on a smaller scale. read more

This is a nice and easy walk! Lots of wildlife around. I usually come to bring my pups. We can do a lap in about 15 mins. Depending on the weather we might do 2-3 laps. But if it's too sunny just one so my pups don't over heat. So usually prefer to coming early when possible. There's ample parking available in the lot. Usually they are full but I've always been able to find a spot. If not, there's plenty of street parking and even up the hill a little but the playground. You can park there and there's a gate that opens into the lake pathway as well. Also has a playground for the kids inside. It's a peaceful time here for the most part. Lots of ducks and geese. read more

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Chollas Lake has gone way down hill. Took my dog late morning today and found a big dead turtle in the water, older guys fishing inside the reeds, guys smoking , while fishing, and tossing their butts where ever they were fishing and so much fishing line, hooks and trash! One morning I picked up 50 plus butts while walking my dog. It is disgusting! The rangers never get out of their trucks to inspect any area around the lake. This is on a Wednesday so must really be bad on Mondays. Areas reported three years ago have still not been fixed. One such area has rusted metal pointed spikes sticking out just waiting to stab someone. I started walking this lake when I got my pup. He is almost 5 now and we used to come twice a day. Now once a week as found other places that are better. So sad because it used to be a delight to come here! read more

Haven't been to this lake since I was a kid! My friend and I came here and walked around the lake and they also have a trail on the back side! Pretty good place to get your steps in! Lots of parking and wasn't packed at all on a weekend! read more

Chollas Lake Park - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

I love going there. They have one of the best security teams books you get to read and the best scenery in the neighborhood. Plus, you get to have picnics just don't feed the animals even if they walk too close to you begging even harder for food. I also love going on walks there too. read more

Chollas Lake Park - Part of our garden and empty spades of land in the background with trees. - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

Great park for a run or a dog walk. Solid footing. Picturesque scenery with the ducks and geese. The loop is about a mile and a half. read more

Chollas Lake Park - Great solid footing for running the whole circle or brisk walking. - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

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My go to place when I want a break from the gym, very close to me. They have bbq area, kids play area, shelter (you can reserve for events), bathrooms, work out equipments on the top level of the lake, plenty of parking outside on the street, you can fish here but up to a certain age. Put on your walking shoes and go for a walk here! Plenty of stuff to see, ducks, people, funny faces on carved tree stumps. read more

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I've been coming to Chollas Lake since I was a kid and have many fond memories of birthday parties and school field trips. I now take my own son here to get our steps in, feed the ducks, and just generally enjoy being outdoors. Even though it's in the middle of Oak Park and a stone's throw away from College Grove Shopping Center, you feel like you're out in nature. I prefer to park at the top lot that's a little further west down College Grove Drive because it's less crowded. There's a fantastic new play structure up there and different fitness equipment for working out. You can also access the back canyons that lead to North Chollas Community Park, which has great views of San Diego all the way to downtown. If you're looking for a leisurely stroll that isn't all the way on the outskirts of the city, this is the place. read more

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Chollas Lake park is a beautiful lake to go to with friends and family to get out of the hustle and bustle of San Diego life and just to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery the lake has to offer. Its just a short drive from Downtown located in Lemon Grove and has ample parking inside the park or out on the street. They have a childrens park there as well with state of the art equipment that is fun for the whole family. There is even excersise equipment you can use as well to get that last minute cardio work out you needed for the week. Along down from the park they have a dirt trail surrounding the lake where runners can run or you can take a walk around the lake. There were plenty of runners there running the trail as well as familys walking there beloved pets ( must be on a leash.) The lake is a decent size water resevoir with plenty of ducks and geese to sit back and watch them swim in mother nature. There is also a fishing pier that is there as well with rules posted around the lake that applys to fishing and what you can keep. The fishing that is allowed is 15 and under with just one pole and hook. They have clean restrooms along with hand washing stations at the lake as well and even have some swings to kids can play on. Chollas Lake park is a wonderful free place to go to get a nice jog in or even celebrate a birthday party with the numerous BBQ grills they have and gazebos that must be reserved prior. Just make sure you look at the front gate to see the gate close time when parking your car because once it closes it closes and also maybe bigfoot due to the many tridents that was seen. read more

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This was one of the only parks that was open through the early part of the pandemic so my dog and I would come here frequently. It's a big park that has an east walking loop with other trails that connect to it. So even if it's busy, you can usually find your own area to walk! It was always a good place to take my dog to jog or walk to tire her out quickly! There's a ton of street parking! Also a lot of geese! Keep your distance. They have hissed at us a few times and it always spooks my dog lol. There are different areas in the park that have gorgeous flowers and gardens! read more

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Chollas Lake Park is a welcome urban oasis. It has an interesting history, having originally served as the reservoir for the entire city. Now it's a place for San Diegans to enjoy family activities. The only reason I have ever visited has been for Ranger Carey's guided tours, which I highly recommend. I have participated in his Ethnobotany Hike and his Wildlife Hike, and my wife and I really enjoyed both. He is a font of information, a great presenter, and a great guy. Look for the next scheduled hikes in the San Diego Day Hikers Meetup.com group. Not having kids, I may be a little biased, but these hikes probably wouldn't interest them. You can't really "hike" per se in this park, but you can get your steps in while checking out a variety of flora and fauna. I hope Ranger Carey schedules a history hike soon. Please do not feed the wildlife! read more

Ahoy there mate! what a hidden gem! right smack in the middle of our busy city in an unassuming spot. if you turn left before the main entrance there is a LARGE expansive playground with multiple structures, see saws, climbing turtles, and other activities includinf the best part! the sunken ship with logs my kids could spend hours here. we usually start at the playground then hop back into the car, go down to the main entrance and get back out there in that lot is a bathroom, easy access to the lake where another small, wooden climbing structure is, and lots of ducks to feed. follow the gorgeous hiking trail around the lake under the shade of large, mature trees and spend time exploring nature. this place has it all read more

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Nice place to go for a walk, run or enjoying some time alone. Nice lake view, and good place to take your kids. Small parking usually pretty full mornings. read more

Was looking for a local park and stumbled across this little gem. Pros: Plenty of parking, dogs allowed (on leash), easy walking trail around the lake, well maintained and clean. Lots of ducks! There's also a neat little dock you can walk out on and sunbathe. Cons: No swimming, some stinging nettle plants spotted throughout the property (which are not great for kids or dogs). read more

Chollas Lake Park - Dock at Chollas Lake Park - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

'Wildlife' accustomed to humans & canines, Went walking (slowly) tday, so relaxing. Scoutie thoroughly enjoyed all the 'new' scents, sweet pup. . Love the cleanliness here, despite ongoing visitors. Quiet spot for walking, chilling, nature watching, all ages, races, getting along effortlessly. There were several staff available, should the need arise. read more

Beautiful place!! I love being there. It was a lot of fun exciting times. I hope to go there again in the future

Very unleveled walk rough on hips. Not secured parking lot trunk broken into twice. Sketchy area for single people. Bad odors and flies. Lake Murray is much cleaner and patrols in tucks are regular. read more

Cute little nature area. Great for running, walking, exploring and picnics. There are ducks and geese that can be aggressive so I would stay clear. Lots of parking and good family fun. read more

Beautiful park with pier for fishing, lots of birds and a nice walking path around the lake. I did not walk all the way around the lake this time as the park closes completely at 7PM. read more

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Beautiful park in the cut, not in the best area. So lock your car doors and be observant. Great for walking your dogs. Plenty of space to isolate from others. Ducks are here all year long. Do not feed the ducks people. Smfh! read more