Coming to this location for a family hike was a great decision. We have had a very trial ridden…read morepast three weeks and we needed some time to get away for a special hike. When you approach this area, you can easily be misdirected to the county regional park. To avoid this before you go up the hill to the entrance of the county regional park make a right into the driveway that shows the Sweetwater Reservoir. Once you get in there, you will go along a long dirt road to a parking lot that is eventually located next to the Reservoir fishing area. It is a beautiful trail and it's wonderful to be able to walk around the water and see ducks and birds and other wildlife as well as beautiful plants like Manzanita and chaparral. It is a wonderful trail hike, with beautiful and refreshing wind and sunshine. They have Porta potties that are super clean and well-maintained. I would say the porta potties are about a half a mile apart. They also have a bench with an overlook platform along the trail, and everything that we encountered seem to be very clean and well maintained. We will definitely visit this place again and it is definitely a wonderful place to hike. We were able to get out and started to explore the trail and after about 15 minutes, we realized that there was a Ranger honking at us with his siren coming around the bend. He made his way up to us in his truck and indicated that he would be closing the gate to the park in the next five minutes. We told him that we were told by the Park Ranger at the SD County Park check in booth that this trail closes at 8 PM tonight. He then said that we were not the only family to tell him that but that the Sweetwater Reservoir Trail Park actually closes at 5 PM because it's not a part of the SD County Regional Parks; they close at 8p. We rushed back to our vehicle, which was about a mile and a half away and we were able to get in and leave. We were very lucky that this Park Ranger decided to wait for us because we would've been locked into four or five gates and not able to actually get out of the park, even to get an Uber. This was great to understand and know so that when we go next time, we'll go a lot earlier before 5 PM.

The event space rental was wonderful. I helped one of my best friends plan her wedding here in…read moreAugust, and everything turned out beautifully. I was worried about the heat, but the indoor area was very well air conditioned. The outdoor ceremony by the lake was also surprisingly pleasant and made for a gorgeous backdrop. The space included several tables and chairs, which was a huge help. Everything was very straightforward from start to finish. I would definitely book again and highly recommend it.

I feel bad about leaving negative feedback on a FREE park, of all things. But I felt that the space…read morewas unsafe and dirty, so based on my recent impressions, I don't recommend this hike. We arrived before 8AM so the parking lots at the staging areas still had their gates closed. We parked on Hollister, around a block before Main. It did not look like there were any parking restrictions. So we started the hike on the western side of the park, which based on prior Yelp reviews, probably is not the best area to hike. As we progressed through the hike, we headed past multiple tents (unclear if seeing a portion of a homeless encampment or just scattered tents). We got startled by someone who seemed to materialize suddenly outside a tent into the trail. But what made us leave the area was an individual who was yelling angrily and cursing heading toward us. Maybe he was just not a morning person, but we clearly couldn't go any further. Other issues: Each dog we came across was an unleashed dog. The owners would be far behind, so the first two times, I thought they were wild dogs and was not certain of their friendliness. As an avid hiker, this does not seem to be the usual hiking etiquette. Trail is clearly demarcated and paved, but it seemed to have squashed piles of poo versus mud. Initially we went in the wrong direction and went under a dark bridge (see photo, which makes it look less ominous than it actually was). I think this direction actually does take people on a specific trail, but this one was not part of the 8mi out-and-back hike we were planning. If you end up here, you likely took a wrong turn. As we walked, I felt that the park smelled like eucalyptus mixed with something not so pleasant. Not sure what it was, but we had to switch frequently to mouth -breathing, which is not a typical problem I have during hikes. It was meant to be an 8mi hike but we turned back early because we did not feel very comfortable after being possibly chased so ended up just completing 1.6mi. Again, I hate to criticize parks, especially such a large natural space in a sea of urbanity. But this was not a fun hike, and I will never return unless the area becomes less unwelcoming.

I have walked the full length of this park, and now I understand the mixed reviews. It is an urban…read morepark with the good, bad, and the ugly. If you are near Chula Vista, it is great having a nature trail within a few miles from Downtown CV. First of all, it's a misnomer to call it a park. It is a four mile hiking path, so expect to walk eight miles if you want to do the full length since it is one way. Its endpoints are near Highway 5 and 805. The western canyon section is my favorite. You walk parallel to the river with a view of Otay Mountain in the distance. It has dense fauna so you forget about the houses above you and the glimpses of the main road. The trail is not well marked, but it is pretty straight and level so you can't really get lost. On the western portion there are paths that crisscross. The fire utility access road on a higher plain, the "main" path, and a segway closer to the river. It is mixed surfaces varying between sandy loam, gravel, and small loss rock. You can make it with sneakers, but I prefer hiking boots . In contrast, the western portion is a bit like an apocalyptic movie set. Personally I wouldn't go pass Fenton Pond. As I reached towards the Imperial Beach border, there were underpass sections with some sketchy folks. I came across a few tents and a zombie like woman with her long hair covering her face. The path shares a section with Bella Terra nursery, which makes spruces up the barren landscape but there was an overwhelming smell of fertilizer. There is a constant hum of traffic and the nearby trolley. Since it is near urban centers, you will find graffiti and garbage anywhere by main roads. There are multiple entry points, but unless you are local they are not easy to find. I recommend starting at the ranger station on Beyer Blvd. with a parking lot and good signage. If you are within thirty minute drive, I would recommend visiting this "park." My last tip is to cross the street from the parking lot in lieu of looping around the underpass.

Nice open park, with two playgrounds. One is for older kids with lots of things to climb on and two…read moreswings. The tot playground is still decent for younger kids. Ample room to run around, play soccer or basketball on the court. There is. A nice track/sidewalk that goes around the loop. Only downside, no bathrooms.

7/19/23 First time here, looking for a place to walk my dog that is cool and shady amidst this…read morepending heatwave! Here are my first impressions... Pros: *YES!!! Lots of shade and cool at around 5p in July! *Not terribly crowded when we walked here...hidden gem! *Good sized grassy area to set up sports practice, have a picnic, or rest awhile...when I was here there was a kids soccer camp with just 2 groups of kiddos CONS: *Cobwebs in the drinking fountain near the playground...bring your own water! (See picture) *Cobwebs in the doggie poo bag dispenser....please remember to bring your own bags and pick up after your pup! (See picture) NOTES: *Yelp map does not take you to the park....it takes you about 0.5 miles past to a random intersection. (See pictures) After posting this review, I will let Yelp know. Use directions from the CV Parks & Rec website instead (https://www.chulavistaca.gov/departments/public-works/parks/locations-features-amenities-photos/explorer-park) *I didn't see a parking lot...I parked on the street as did others. Parking was not a problem when I was here. Can't say for sure on holidays.

Cute park away from busy streets. Parking was easy and there is a big open field to run with pets.read more

Great park to take kids to! They have a nice playground with squishy rubber ground underneath it. A…read morehuge green field to run around in. They have grills and picnic tables too. You can get a nice view of the mountains from this park as well.

We had a great time with Emil on a 1 hr ride through rain and snow flurries. The ride was safe,…read morewell paced and super fun. I would recommend wearing some waterproof pants/jacket if you are going during such weather. This is my new favorite activity! Can't wait to do it again.

I booked this adventure for 2 reasons: (1) to FINALLY get out of the house during this pandemic…read moreespecially since all we have been doing is working and we have been working more than ever since our job is considered 'essential', and (2) celebrate my boyfriends 30th birthday. This was my first time on a quad/ATV and my boyfriend has been riding dirt bikes since he was like 6yrs old. I love being outdoors & going on new adventures, and he loves riding ... so the mixture of those things i came upon this place. For birthdays I love and prefer creating memories instead of giving materialistic gifts. Example: For his 28th birthday I booked us a little personal speed boat in San Diego. Upon arrival check-in was easy, quick, and they gave us hand sanitizer so we felt assured. They had helmets and other PPE lined up and available for us to use, however we had brought our own (riding gloves, riding jerseys, riding DOT certified helmets, and googles) which they allow. Our guide Jorge was funny and very easy going. The ride overall was really fun!! During our ride our guide also took pictures of us and he took some awesome ones with amazing backdrops! The only complaint I have was that I only booked us the 1 hour ride. Next time we are doing the 2 hour ride for sure! And maybe the Big Bear location as well.

A very good park that many say it's in NC some say Bonita, either one it's a good park for…read morebirthdays, events & just to chill & grill & bring the kids. Been coming here since the 80's & till this day they still have the train & it's cool. It's 2 parks connected so 2 lots. They have a Playground & baseball field & basketball courts. The park is well kept, good grass, clean & restrooms are clean which is great because most parks don't keep that clean. Park Rangers/staff to go around to make sure everything is cool which is good. Reserve the tent places if it's a big event for weekend uses because it can get busy. If drinking please use the red cup don't be an ass & get caught & mess it up for the rest of us, don't be that guy. And don't liter, clean up after yourself. Overall good park with good, clean vibes :)

I've been coming to this park since I was a teenager. This has always been my favorite park. I've…read morehad parties, bbq's here. I've worked out jogging around the whole park. Played softball and other sports for fun. It is very clean and quite big and now I take my dog to the dog park. Bathrooms are clean. It's very well kept. Plenty of parking. If you're looking for a place have a party, play sports or just hang out, this is a great park to come to.

Admit it or not, we all love our little "secrets". Right?.?.. ~ Vicious rumors aside: Ive got a…read moresecret for you thats hidden, quiet, beautiful and peaceful. The perfect place to meet with friends, loved ones, a secret rendezvous or just chillin on your own. This is your spot. Day or night, the quietest yet most beautiful, quaint park. Take in the splendor of Americas Finest City, with that someone special ;) ~ See you there, again. Ciao ~ oh, and what's your little secret? .... ;)

I stumbled upon this little park while visiting Coronado Island for the first time and I am so glad…read moreI did. It was so serene and peaceful- the perfect spot to rest if you need some peace and quiet. We went on a weekday afternoon and there was only one other person there. The views are absolutely stunning. They have a few benches to sit down, but I would say bring a small blanket to lie down on the grass next to the water. We parked right across the street in the residential area. I would assume this place gets really busy on the weekends and parking might be tough. It's super worth a visit, even if you can only stop by for a minute to take in the views!

My kids love it here. The ramps help face their fears. Each time they get better and better.read more

It's a cool little use of space for kids that like to do more mountain or dirt terrain type biking…read more Parking is a little difficult because it's tucked away behind apts... but there was available street parking within walking distance. If you have young elementary school children... there needs to be some middle to upper level confidence on your bike to tackle some of the tracks. I recommend having your little one walk their bike through the tracks to understand the physical feel of the grade. There are some pretty steep bumps and the kiddo needs to understand enough about pedaling through to the apex of the bump... or gravity will pull them back down and you might have some owchies. The black track is easier than the wooden tracks but does have some sharp turns. Wear sunscreen. Long pants. Helmet and bring water. Pretty fun but do approach with some caution.