Coming to this location for a family hike was a great decision. We have had a very trial ridden…read morepast three weeks and we needed some time to get away for a special hike. When you approach this area, you can easily be misdirected to the county regional park. To avoid this before you go up the hill to the entrance of the county regional park make a right into the driveway that shows the Sweetwater Reservoir. Once you get in there, you will go along a long dirt road to a parking lot that is eventually located next to the Reservoir fishing area. It is a beautiful trail and it's wonderful to be able to walk around the water and see ducks and birds and other wildlife as well as beautiful plants like Manzanita and chaparral. It is a wonderful trail hike, with beautiful and refreshing wind and sunshine. They have Porta potties that are super clean and well-maintained. I would say the porta potties are about a half a mile apart. They also have a bench with an overlook platform along the trail, and everything that we encountered seem to be very clean and well maintained. We will definitely visit this place again and it is definitely a wonderful place to hike. We were able to get out and started to explore the trail and after about 15 minutes, we realized that there was a Ranger honking at us with his siren coming around the bend. He made his way up to us in his truck and indicated that he would be closing the gate to the park in the next five minutes. We told him that we were told by the Park Ranger at the SD County Park check in booth that this trail closes at 8 PM tonight. He then said that we were not the only family to tell him that but that the Sweetwater Reservoir Trail Park actually closes at 5 PM because it's not a part of the SD County Regional Parks; they close at 8p. We rushed back to our vehicle, which was about a mile and a half away and we were able to get in and leave. We were very lucky that this Park Ranger decided to wait for us because we would've been locked into four or five gates and not able to actually get out of the park, even to get an Uber. This was great to understand and know so that when we go next time, we'll go a lot earlier before 5 PM.

I was in the Bonita community earlier this summer and wanted to do a medium length hike, A search…read moreresult came back with this trail at the Sweetwater Summit Regional Park. The staff member at the guard station indicated that I could use the day lot to park my vehicle since I was only hiking and not camping on the grounds. The path was pretty well maintained, but it also doubled as a horseback riding trail so occasionally one would have to dodge the mounds of dung left behind. Sweetwater Reservoir was off to the north of the trail. That body of water gave a nice scenic backdrop. The trek was up and down the foothills before looping back towards the start for a total of just over five miles. I expected to see more mountain bikers because the contours and breaks were conducive for that type of cycling without being too strenuous. There was no shade except for a hut at the peak of the hike. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of water were a must during the daytime. I would rate this hike as moderate because there were a couple of spots where the ascent did make one breathe much harder than usual. My overall rating for this trek was between three and four stars.

We attended the grand opening of the new playground yesterday, and the new structures are…read moreimpressive. There are two sections, one for children 2-5 years old, and one for older children, 5-12 years old, as well as a swingset area. The playground is also ADA-compliant and was funded by Prop 68.

I love what they've done with this park - tore down all of the old equipment and replaced it with…read morebrand new equipment with sun shades above. Basketball court, plenty of picnic tables and bbq grills. They need to remodel the restrooms and water fountain- ick

Beautiful well kept park with lots of open space to walk . This park has baseball fields tennis…read morecourts and a private community pool . The playground structure is very small but updated . If you need a take a walk and enjoy the view this park offers that you can even see to the Coronado bridge and see the water . Found this park on all trails as an easy paved walk

The water fit classes are super helpful and fun. I took classes for about 3 months after hip…read moresurgery, I know my recovery was much smoother with these classes to improve my strength!

I wouldn't say this place is in the best neighborhood but I grew up around here and feel…read morecomfortable in the hood. It's a great place to walk and they have workout equipment along the way. Also a wonderful playground for the kiddos.

A great local park that host regional baseball games…read more Nice place to relax, go for a walk, work out, take the kids, dogs. Limited parking though

San Diego's Best-Kept Open Secret How does a place this…read morebeautiful have so few reviews? I've been coming to Chollas Lake for decades, and I'm still amazed at how many San Diegans don't know it exists. I recently toured a home nearby, and even the realtor had no idea this lake was here. That's a shame because this is one of Southeast San Diego's hidden treasures. This can be a destination for dramatic views & sunsets. There's even several entrances. Each gate time open and closure is different. I walk here to give my thoughts to the trees, practice walking meditation, and simply soak in the peaceful surroundings. The eucalyptus, the water, the sunshine, and the open space have a calming effect that's hard to describe until you experience it. The best trails aren't always the famous ones. The recent renovations are fantastic. The trails are clearly marked, easy to follow, and nearly impossible to get lost on. They're gentle on the knees, stroller friendly, and accessible for many wheelchairs depending on the type. While most of the route is relatively flat, there are a few hill inclines if you're looking to elevate your heart rate. If you're new to hiking, Chollas Lake is also a great place to build confidence before tackling more challenging trails. There's a visible waking loop and other short dirt trails that weave through native shrubs, giving you a taste of hiking without committing to rugged terrain. There are shaded sections throughout, with only a few sunny stretches if you choose the longer route. Restrooms are available at the entrance, portable toilets are located around the lake, and additional restrooms are near the baseball fields. There's a playground for children, plenty of space to ride a bike. Fishing has always been a favorite activity here. One thing I've always appreciated is how well people care for this park. Visitors generally clean up after their pets, and the lake remains one of the most peaceful places to time with nature. Whether you're having a bday party, holding hands, training for bigger hikes, pushing a stroller, riding a bike, casting a fishing line, or simply looking for a peaceful place to think, Chollas Lake has a way of making everyone feel welcome. And to everyone who visits, remember that the ducks call this place home. Please enjoy them from a distance and treat the wildlife with the respect they deserve. This lake has been quietly serving the community for generations, and I hope it continues to do so for many more.

The walk trail can be short or long…read more Usually it takes about 30 minutes to walk the lake route. There are ducks to see on the lakes a lot of shade, and sometimes there is a slight breeze. Would highly recommend if you just want to get out and be one with nature.

This used to be a "community park" for the public but as of June this year it's been commodified…read moreand commandeered by the dreaded HOA. Lived here for 18 years of my life, a 2 minute drive away, and now I technically can't even use the basketball courts much less the tennis courts. More and more parks have become places for members only, like microcosms of mini country clubs, and I'm absolutely over it. I'm just tired, what else can I say.

It's very relaxing that this park is reserved to the HOA residents. It's a place to bring my…read morechildren and not have to worry about strangers walking around with loose pets Or leaving their trash. The pool and bathrooms are always clean with a welcoming presence from staff members.

very clean and a great place for our daughter to roam. the playground is nice and we love that it's…read moresand and not bark

A nice neighborhood park a couple blocks from me. They have a new play structure for the little…read moreones. They have several picnic tables and a couple charcoal grills. There is a largish field of grass. The field is big enough for baseball, football, soccer and such. The only bad thing is that there is no restroom. Perhaps whoever planned the park felt that only the folks that live in the neighborhood would visit and they could go home to use the restroom.