Chollas Lake Park

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Program Guide   Chollas Lake Map

Join Us for Some Fun and Fresh Air

Walk/Jog/Run/Bike for Fitness

Begins 6:30 a.m. 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

Sundays 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. If you need to borrow a pole, please arrive before 1:30 pm. 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 happy to assist. No need to register; this is a free drop-in program.

Adult Walking Class

Takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 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 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., starting January 29^th. 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.

Planning a party or gathering?

For events with fewer than 50 people, picnic shelters may be rented for $31.07 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.

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. The following are main gate closing times in 2023, which change seasonally:

2/12 5:30 p.m.
3/12 7:00 p.m. (change to daylight-saving time)
4/30 7:30 p.m.
8/20 7:00 p.m.
9/10 6:30 p.m.
10/1 6:00 p.m.
11/5 5:00 p.m.

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.