This is a quite beautiful trail and short too. There are actually two sections where you'll see a…read more'waterfall' so make sure you pay attention. There are some areas where the terrain is uneven and you'll be walking over rocks and some bigger rocks, so be cautious if you have bad ankles. It can also get muddy in some sections so don't wear shoes that you don't want to get dirty.

Good hike, the trails get a little confusing and could be marked a little better, but a nice hike,…read morenot very challenging, but a nice walk through nature, one trail, that starts to climb is fairly narrow, be careful. I saw a snake, didn't look threatening, but I don't know much about snakes, other favorite being the black mamba #Kobe!!! Another hiker alerted us that she had seen a few snakes on the way coming up, we were headed down, but didn't run into them. One trail runs along a creek, very peaceful. A wedding was taking place at the oak trail center. There's also a nice lap you could do around the reservoir, check out the personalized rock collection or leave one of your own!

I live across from the park and I will state that the trails are amazing. There are trails for…read moreeveryone with different types of difficulty. Go early in the morning or after 5ish as it gets very hot in the summer. Happy hiking!

I was excited to discover this park recently, and had a fun time checking out the Visitor's Center…read more(mostly the outside as it closes at 5 pm and we arrived a few minutes before on our first visit) .We took a short hike nearby (the Visitor's Loop, about 1.5 miles). This park encompasses a mind-boggling 6,000+ acres, with 43+ miles of trails...the rugged, hilly landscape is pretty amazing. We're looking forward to hiking some of the other trails, one near a historic dam (Old Mission Dam) and a lake or two (or more). There is a campground somewhere. I'd bring water and sunscreen and a hat, as there isn't a lot of shade. There are several places I think you can park but it's confusing...I'd start with the Visitor's Center parking lot. There was construction going on when we last visited. Most of the parking lots closest to the Center and nearest the trailheads close at 7 during the summer (earlier during the winter months, check out the website for accurate hours). I'm only giving the park four stars for its limited and confusing parking after hours and lack of helpful information provided when I was at the visitor's center on a subsequent visit. There is no parking or entrance fee, though, so that is a plus....

This is a surprising hidden gem!…read more - lots of parking - not terribly busy - restrooms and trashcans on site - extensive trail options - dog friendly - horseback trails - kid/family friendly - good views - shaded picnic-friendly areas I came here with my dog around 11 on a Sunday. It is pretty warm out this way, so definitely more of a winter/early spring/late fall location. There's NICE restrooms on site. The initial trail area has lots of flat and shaded regions for picnics or just sitting to enjoy nature. Multiple trash receptacles. I even saw a sign for drinking water (although I didn't look further into this so I can't confirm if there actually is). There are TONS of trail options and spinoffs. Nearly all trails marked and those listed on the all trails map appear to be well maintained. This is not solely an out and back or loop trail though. I would definitely recommend downloading the map in advance so you don't get lost as directions are not clearly marked once on the trail. It does also appear that they are building some sort of community or information structure. At the main trail section (where all the oak trees and flat area for picnics are) there is also a guided storybook trail for kids, where every 50-100 feet there is a wooden box with a numbered page from a Dr Seuss book to help keep kids engaged and moving along the trail. Views are very pretty, especially if you make the hike up towards the water tower. I would consider this trail moderately busy. Between 11:15 when we started and 12:15 when we ended, we encountered ~6 groups/families of hikers, one person on horseback, and a couple of people with dogs. All dogs were leashed. Once we got out to the main section/incline of the hike though, we encountered far fewer people. All in all, a beautiful spot and I would highly recommend this hike if you're looking for a casual walk or a family nature day!

A fairy tale-like space. We started a hike at the base of the mountain near the Walmart parking…read morelot and stopped here before the summit. There is a small "Hansel and Gretel" house to explore and rocks to scramble. If you decide to hike you get a nice overlook of Escondido.

A hidden gem. In the middle of a heavily developed area that has plenty of small, manicured parks…read moredesigned around baseball diamonds and jungle gyms (there's nothing wrong with those!) this is the opposite. Twenty-nine heavily wooded acres - large enough to feel like you're in the wilderness, with a small creek (which would probably be bigger if we weren't in the middle of a 6 month drought), and a few lighty groomed trails. It was literally empty at 1:30 on a hot Saturday afternoon. It was hot out, but under the shade of the huge trees it was very comfortable, extremely peacefull.

I found this park as part of my goal to find local parks and trails amid the COVID-19 outbreak to…read moreget some exercise. It's a 29 acre natural preserve park with out equipment nor restrooms; but it does offer a small creek that meanders through the park. Also, the park has a mature eucalyptus grove, a trail that finds its way around the perimeter of the park, and wild grassy open areas. It's not a maintained open area. You can bring your dogs for a walk. The trail is not very long and it's pretty easy, accept when you have to cross near the creek. It's nice to see these open spaces between communities.

Lake Murray is so beautiful and I enjoy coming here! I've been here a few times to walk the trail…read moreand also sit by the lake and read on a nice sunny morning. The birds can be a bit annoying, but guess that comes with the great outdoors. Definitely a nice spot to chill, take a walk and get those steps in. This area feels safe and well maintained. When I went, there weren't too many people, so it was pretty peaceful. The trail can get busy and there are bathrooms along the way (I didn't use them though) There's plenty of parking here, but just be sure you leave on time for closing. I've heard they lock up and it can be an issue with getting out. (not sure how true this is but I won't chance it) There is more parking elsewhere with trail access too, I just personally haven't found it.

Lake Murray Service road walking trail is one of my go-to workouts--about 5.5 miles to the locked…read moregate and back. After entering the main entrance, follow the road and turn right where you will see a yellow locked gate. This is the beginning of the paved walking trail. There's plenty of parking at the main entrance, and the paved trail is perfect for walkers, runners, bikers, and even kids tagging along. It's basically a choose-your-own-adventure: bird watching, fishing (permit required), or just a casual picnic. Bonus perks: lots of porta potties and benches when you need a breather. If you're holding out for a real restroom, there's one just past the second baseball field--plan accordingly. Photo is attached to show where to locate this. Heads up: the main gate is closed every 2nd Tuesday of the month, but don't panic--you can still access the trail through the neighborhood entrance off Baltimore Drive. Hope you enjoy this walking trail as much as I do.

Very nice place for a family photo session. I can not speak to anything else at this location but…read morethe bridge was a last minute go too that was local and free. Walkers were mindful and our pictures came out great!

Very nice, well maintained trails. There are a bunch of different paths to take. Not a lot of tree…read morecover so I would recommend bringing water and a hat. Plenty of parking in the lot outside the trail or in front of the bridge which is also cool to walk across.

This place is connected to the Mission Trails system. It appears to connect to all the trails on…read moreMission Trails. I saw plenty of trails for bikes and hikers. Obviously based on the name horses are allowed on certain parts of the trails. Lots of pretty sites on the trail and the water system here connects to the Old Misson Trail dam. I enjoyed this hike.

Great place ! Even when a lot of cars! Weekends! Week day! So nice! Lots of open back areas space…read moreto enjoy, without all the hoopla ! Nice little camp ground at entrance! Very laid back. Walk! Bike! Hike . Climb.

Situated 1365' above San Diego and east of downtown, Mt. Helix Park is a hidden gem to most who…read morelive in or visit San Diego. It is well worth taking the scenic drive up Mt. Helix, starting in neighborhoods and stopping at or near the summit. Parking near the top is very limited, and the road is one way, so be prepared to take the first space you find as you approach the summit and walk to the top. At the summit, you'll enjoy spectacular views that stretch from the mountains to the east, south toward Mexico, and to the Pacific coastline to the west. Here you'll also find an open air amphitheater used for concerts, as well as lookout points and trail heads. Plan to spend time here absorbing the views, fresh air, peaceful surroundings ... and maybe a picnic. I highly recomend a visit.

Amazing, only issue is parking. I'd make sure to come early or park at the bottom and get a decent…read morewalk.