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If you’re a runner with zero experience, these trails are short, flat, and well maintained, just like a good crew cut.
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1. Balboa Park trail #1
1.5 miles ✹ EASY
Start at Sixth Avenue and Upas Street and follow the #1 green circle markers.
This trail stays away from the busier areas of Balboa Park, so new runners can get their workouts in away from the curious eyes of tourists. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can extend your run about a mile by tracing the loop south of Laurel Street.
2. Lake Miramar
4.9 miles ✹ EASY
Follow the path around Lake Miramar, starting and ending at the parking lot off Scripps Lake Drive.
Like to count down how far you have left to run? (And really, who doesn’t?) This path offers markers every quarter mile for just that purpose. The lake makes for a picturesque view. There are usually plenty of other runners, walkers, bikers, and stroller-pushers along the path, so you’ll be in good company.
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3. Grasslands Loop
1.75 miles ✹ EASY
Off Mission Gorge Road on the Father Junipero Serra Trail in Mission Trails Regional Park.
For a beginner’s attempt at trail running (not on paved roads or paths), the Grassland Loop provides a friendly welcome. The wide trail only has a few small hills and provides a smooth—not rocky—running path. Take in the rolling green hills and pretty wildflowers as you run.
HIKE THE HILLS
Steeper and tougher than trail running routes, these are best reserved for experienced trail runners or those with hiking boots.
4. El Capitan
11.2 miles ✹ MOST DIFFICULT
El Capitan Preserve. The trailhead is on the right side of Wildcat Canyon Road.
This trail is hot, dusty, and steep, but the views are worth it. The trail to the top goes down as well as up and up and up, making this climb one of the few that actually is “uphill both ways.” Warning: The trail descends before the final ascent to the summit. Don’t turn back too soon. If—when!—you make it to the top, you are treated to a 360-degree view of San Diego and the satisfaction of knowing you really earned it.
5. Mt. Woodson
6.4 miles ✹ DIFFICULT
Lake Poway
How could you not want to hike a path that includes something called “Potato Chip Rock”? Unfortunately, the rock is less mid-hike snack and more about-to-break-off piece of stone. Still, the precariousness will stop you in your tracks. Views along the way are gorgeous and far-reaching, although the very top can be a bit of a disappointment, unless you are really into radio towers. For a more serene place to celebrate your climb, take a turnoff to the left shortly before you reach the summit.
