Chollas Lake

 

Close to downtown and every other part of the city, Chollas Lake is in the heart of San Diego. What's Up San Diego? This is one of San Diego's best kept secrets.

15 Minute from downtown, a lot of people drive by Chollas Lake every day and never even know the lake is there.

This is a great place for family fun.  Chollas Lake is a wilderness park (meaning no grass anywhere)  The lake is located in the middle of the city @  6350 Collage Grove Way, Open from 6:30 to sunset.

San Diego Activities

Chollas Lake is a good place for large and small picnics ...  With the usual picnic tables, barbecues, and playgrounds.  The difference is, everything is surrounded by  shady Eucalyptus tree.

My family and myself love to go to this 60 acre urban wilderness .   For people in the know, this is a mecca for runners, fitness walkers and "casual strollers, which we are".  If you would like to go alone, which I do sometimes just to think.  There's  always dozens of people going around the lakes - 0.75 mile circuit, it's never too crowded and you always have your space.

Seniors especially love Chollas, since it's a good, safe place to practice a daily exercise program.

The parking lot at Chollas Lake can become full quickly but there's always plenty of parking out on the street.

The lake is open for fishing daily, to kids 15 and under. Fishing derbies are held in March and November and there has been some record catches.

Chollas Lake offers a free fishing clinic to 15 and under on Sundays between 10 and 2

Fishing poles and bait are provided, any questions you might have about fishing are answer. Even if you bring your own equipment, instructions will be given to you if need.

Adult photo I.D. required.

In addition to the  walking circuit around the lake, there is also a nature trail starting at the right side of the lake office by the covered picnic tables. Trail guides should be available at the start of the trail or ask the office for directions.

At the north end of the lake there  is a path leading down into a 80 acre Canyon area. The trails will lead you to a ballfield, picnic areas and playgrounds. Some people like to use this path to extend their run or walk.

At the North and of the lake there are steps leading up to Gloria's Mesa another picnic and playground area with little shade.

The Gloria's Mesa playground and picnic area are also accessible from college grove way.  With it's own parking lot and lake access,  a lot of walker's and runners start from here, head down to the Baseball field, come back through the canyon, come up the hill and do laps around the Lake.

There's something for every body at Chollas Lake and it's close by.

Call (619)527-7683 for more information, the Lake offers a lot of activities.

Whats Up San Diego?