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Program Guide  Chollas Lake Map

Join Us for Some Fun and Fresh Air

Walk/Jog/Run/Bike for Fitness

Begins 6:30am daily. Come enjoy the breeze, the peaceful water, and local wildlife while you exercise. Don’t forget to hit the Nature Trails for some elevation change and enjoyment of native flora and fauna.

Fishing Clinic

Saturdays and Sundays 11:30am to 2:30pm. If you need to borrow a pole, please arrive before 1:30pm. Open to children 15 years of age and under. No experience or equipment necessary. Fishing lessons, bait, and fun provided. Need help with your own equipment? Instructors will be s 1alwato assist.
No need to register; this is a free drop-in program.

Adult Walking Class, while viewing the PDF in your browser you may need to press F5 to see the latest version.

Takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:00am to 12:00pm. Join us for light exercise and camaraderie as we do 2-3 laps around the lake. The terrain is mostly flat and easy to access. Meets by the recreation office (the small building between the main parking lot and the lake). Adults only.
No need to register, this is a free drop-in program.

Intro to Archery

Takes place Sundays 11:00am to 12:00pm for ages 8 and up; the adult course takes place Monday 2:30pm – 3:30pm. Learn correct posture, aim, and safety; play some shooting games and have some fun! Ages 7 and up. **Please note: the archery area is available to use only under the supervision of a City of San Diego instructor.**
Bring your own equipment or use ours for free.
No need to register, this is a free drop-in program.

Borrow-A-Game

Takes place Mondays 12:00pm – 1:30pm. Go to the main picnic shelter and use our carom sets, the Sorry game, Monopoly, Yahtzee, Chutes and Ladders, Carom, Battleship, Uno, Checkers and Chess, Monopoly, and many more games. Use an ID card to check out a game and enjoy good company & fresh air. Bring the whole family!
No need to register, this is a free drop-in program.

Planning a party or gathering?

For events with fewer than 50 people, picnic shelters may be rented for $32.11 per hour; email LCBaker@sandiego.gov at least one week in advance to secure a permit. Another option is to use any of the free picnic tables at the lake that do not have a roof over them.

Don’t Forget the Playgrounds

Need to wear out the little ones? Try the large playground at Gloria's Mesa, one driveway west of the main parking lot. Prefer to stay by the lake? Enjoy the small playground on the south side of the lake, with swings facing the water.

Community Recreation Group Meetings

The Chollas Lake Community Recreation Group meets on the 4^th Tuesday of even-numbered months. The exception is December, when the meeting is on the 3^rd Tuesday. Meetings begin at 6:00 pm at the Teen Challenge facility at 5450 Lea St, San Diego, CA 92105. Have questions? Call 619-527-7683 or email LCBaker@sandiego.gov.

Gate Closure Schedule

The main gate at the East entrance of the park next to the lake closes 30 minutes before sunset. Other gates close BEFORE the East gate. Please note the closing time posted at your point of entry.

Chollas Lake’s planned closures are on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. For information on park closures, please call 619-527-7683 or email LCBaker@sandiego.gov.

Check out our Program Guide and our Chollas Lake Map for more information.

History of the Lake

As a reservoir built in 1901, Chollas Lake helped serve early San Diego's water supply. In 1966 it was turned over to the Parks & Recreation Department, and was designated a youth fishing lake (for children ages 15 and under only) in 1971.

Directions and Bus Route

Map this location

From Interstate 805 take the state Route 94 freeway east and exit on Broadway/College Avenue. Turn right on College Avenue and then left on College Grove Drive. The entrance is on the right, just past College Grove Way.

The park is accessible by bus via SDMTS Routes 5, 856, 916 and 936.