Variety Of Trails For Runners In San Diego, California

Imagine yourself in an area made up of a single trail, there could be a body of water nearby, flat ground that is isolated, or even a forested place where you can hear all the sounds of nature around you. The feeling of the cool air from an early morning run, or the accomplishment of finishing an afternoon workout makes that the journey of it all worth it. 

All that in mind, there is a sense of tranquility, where the run becomes easier with your mental focus more on the enjoyment of your surroundings than on the pain of endurance you're trying to build up.

To get a better view of a runner's perspective, you need to actually imagine what it is like to be the one running on these kinds of trails. The environment and the time of day can have a big impact how on we feel and how well we do. Flat ground can be easy, but also a bit boring. Running is a constant and repetitive motion, so finding a trail that is interesting by having plants, hills/mountains, or even a small river can make a difference. 

An exploration of a new area brings a new experience that can satisfy the natural curiosity a person may have. The best runs are the ones that are uninterrupted by cars, streetlights, and people. Maintaining a state of concentration can be difficult, so being within a more natural setting is much more peaceful. 

My short background with running starts when I was 18, I decided to train and compete in community college level cross country and track. So after a couple of stumbles and a whole year of continued training, I began racing at 19. I competed for 2 years after, but now I just run for fun.

I have an understanding of the types of training schedules that are required for long distance runners, and these are the trails that were common for me during my time of building up my abilities to be a cross country runner. 

   1. Sweetwater River Trail

Located in Rancho San Diego, El Cajon. This trail starts along a bridge, and actually has two entrances that can be entered on either side of the bridge. They both eventually meet up together, but intertwining in the middle of them are other paths and trails. This trail contains hills, mountains, another smaller bridge, a meadow, and even a lake that connects with a small river if you are able to find the right trails to follow. 

There may be a person walking their dog, or just going for a walk on their own, on the main part of the trail, but it is mostly secluded. A warning of caution though, there are rattlesnakes that inhabit this area far into the trail, especially in the summertime. It's best to go with a group, or at least one other person.

From personal experience with this trail, I have different names that I labeled within it. I have always known this trail as Death Valley, because during summer training, this trail was the worst in heat, along with actively trying to avoid rattlesnakes.

Inside the trail you will find a small bridge, which I labeled as the Troll Bridge. Finally, we get to a path that is well hidden and close to the end of the main trail, but leads over the small river. When crossing the river, you have to step on singular large stones, so of course I had to call that part the Indiana Jones Pathway. 

From a more in-depth analysis, this is a trail that has certain degree of solitude, where one can witness a refuge of coastal scrub that are either threatened or endangered. Its also considered to be an easy hike, for any hikers out there.

   2. Rohr Park

This one is found in Bonita, and actually is a very popular destination among many people. There is a workout area, a small basketball court, a park, and a few open areas for dogs.

While this is a very crowded area, there are also trails close by that lead into other places that are more isolated than the actual park. It takes some exploring and little bit of distance, but finding them and getting to know each of them is worth the effort. These trails have the ability to be extremely long or short, with loops that make a certain mileage if you have goal you want to achieve. 

I have yet to explore all of the trails here, but I know it is a great place to train for long distance runners. The loops make it helpful whenever I had a minimum amount miles I wanted to run that day. These winding trails can extend for a long distance, and even have some switchbacks that are necessary for any hill workouts. 

You may find out that it's possible to get lost, but its not hard to find your way back to another main trail or the road. In my opinion, getting lost is all part of the experience of having fun and learning more about your surroundings. 

A small history mentioned by Recreation Chula Vista states that the city has the opportunity to create a park tailored to their imaginative themes, with many attractions. The most unique being a model of a railroad that has a main appeal to kids. The gazebo picnic areas are also available to rent out for any parties or gatherings. 

   3. Mission Trails Kwaay-Paay Peak Hike

This is also another common destination that can be found within San Diego, because its used by hikers, dog walkers, bikers, and walkers. It cannot be counted out entirely though, because there are a variety of trails found here, and it is a great place for a workout on slight inclined hills. 

The warnings I have here are similar to that of the Sweetwater River Trail. There may be some rattlesnakes, but I have yet to see one. I do know for a fact that coyotes like to wander around the trails, so I would avoid them early in the morning or early evening. Again, it is best to go with another person or a group. I want to also express some caution on rainy days.

Weather is a big contributor on how these areas will look and feel while exploring through them. There are areas that gather mud, so when you run through it, it will make your feet feel much heavier and more difficult to move. 

   4. Sloane Canyon Rd.

This trail is found in San Diego County. Its a bit of a long trail and contains many hills. The route is also singular, meaning that there is pretty much only one way to go.

It begins across the street from a school district and leads through some winding turns that start as a gradual hill, turning into a more elevated hill that will then extend downwards after reaching the top in the same kind of elevation. Much greenery can be seen when you are further into the trail and it will feel like a way to become more with nature. 

Caution is needed for this area as well, such as one will need to watch out for bees because this area does have some hives hidden within the trees and rocks. Also, look out for a car at least once, because there is private property located along this trail. Its more beneficial to go in a group and early in the morning, because it will get very hot when the sun reaches the trail in full view.

I have heard rumors that supposedly, this trail is haunted. The only time I have ever felt uncomfortable on this trail is due to it being completely surrounded by wildlife. That combined with me being alone, makes me feel a little uncomfortable. I don't really know if the haunting rumors are true or not, but I didn't feel a ghostly presence when I was there.

   5. Rancho San Diego Trail

This is a trail that is obviously located in Rancho San Diego. It's straight forward, and is a little bit hidden. You can find this trail behind the small shopping center that contains a Target and Albertsons. One of the entrances is located past the YMCA.

Technically, this trail doesn't really have a name, but I have always known it as Target Trail, because of its close proximity to Target. It will go on for a little bit longer than a mile. When you leave the area with some trees, it will follow along the side of a road, but it still maintains its ground as a trail until you reach a stoplight next to a Jack in the Box. The ground is pretty flat, so it is an easy trail to navigate through. 

Some people use this trail to train on, to walk their dogs, and maybe even a homeless person can be seen on this trail early in the morning. I caution the area that crosses with a sewer, because whenever is rains, that small dip in the ground will become flooded. 

With all that being said, please stay safe out there and have fun!