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Lake Murray
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: La Mesa
5540 Kiowa Drive
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-2050
5540 Kiowa Drive
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-2050
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
36 reviews for Lake Murray
i've been living in la mesa for close to 4 years now and i've only recently started coming to lake murray. i can't believe i didn't start coming here sooner.
now, at least once a week, i come here to bike or simply walk my dog. i love the scenery, i love the trail, i love all the like-minded people gettin their exercise kick.
it's also a great place to have a picnic or bbq (the company i work for once held it's summer bbq here) or even go fishing. very kid friendly with lots of cute ducks in the lake that add to the natural beauty that is our earth.
the only thing i don't like about the lake is that you can't go alllll the way around it. you go 5.5k one way and then have to track back. but i do like that at the end of the trail, people have posted a sign that says "your lap doesn't count unless you touch this sign." what a great way to encourage people and know that plenty of others are making the same commitment. i never walk/jog/bike it without tappin the sign as i turn back around. oh and i don't like the bugs. there are a lot of bugs so be careful not to drop your mouth open on a bike or jog/run no matter how outta breath you feel. maintain that "in thru the nose, out thru the mouth" and you'll be good!
altogether, this is an awesome place to enjoy nature, spend family/pet time, and get in a work out all at the same time.
to the regulars of lake murray who zoom pass me as i'm trying to make it the 11k stretch back and forth... i'll be catchin up to you soon damn it. me AND my dog! thanks for the encouragement!
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I love hiking here, it's so relaxing and you can pass people doing so many other activities. There's even a separate way for bikers to go so they don't run over the hikers. I find it very peaceful and beautiful, just make sure to bring water with you if you're going to take the long way and watch out for those disgusting worms on the ground, there's a section where they're EVERYWHERE! Or maybe it's just in the summer time.
I bring my dogs here sometimes and they love it as well.
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Ah..never thought i would be writing a review about lake murray. I grew up right near the lake and used to love feeding the ducks here. I personally dont like walking in a circle with a bunch of other people like a maze rat but maybe im just grumpy.
Lake murray has tennis courts(lake murray tennis club), baseball fields, rowboats, and a lot of nice benches to rest on and just relax by the water. Nice place to ride your bike, but not when its crowded its hard to menuver around people who dont stay to the right side of the road.
It is $8 to rent a rowboat for the day. Paddle out onto the water, drink a cold tasty beer, read a book, relax. ahhhhhh
The Lake Murray Run is a winner! It is an out and back, but rather scenic. And mileage is marked. You can accrue about 6.6 miles total.
If you like to run, Athletic-Minded Traveler recently posted their 5 best San Diego runs. The upside is that these runs are recommended by experts and include a variety of terrain. The runs are listed on their blog, but keep in mind that this site also recommends and provides maps for runs in nearly 100 destinations...again expert created.
Here is the link: http://www.athleticmin...
Best place to come and get some sort of a workout.
This little gem is tucked away behind the del cerro mountains and in between Cowles Mt.
No matter what time of the day you can always find some inner peace when visiting this place.
I love walking my dogs here. Always plenty of friendly walkers/bikers/joggers that offer a friendly hello or oh how cute to the doggies. Yes I'm the one with the three poodles all different colors and sizes. Never knew how much attention those three would bring.
I've had grand picnics here with that family and it's nice to have clean restroom facilities specially when you're there picnicking all day long.
Along the walk they also have porta-potty type outhouses. I would say there's about four along the whole trail. Nice if you find yourself having to go somewhere in the 3 1/2 mile trail.
The only thing that is no fun is the trail is not connected. You reach the end and say hello again to the 3 1/2 miles you just walked!
There are many rattlesnake warnings and my husband's seen one sunning itself along the walkway once, so that's something to always be careful about.
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I love Lake Murray. When you drive in, there is a Starbucks. It has ample parking. You can feed the ducks and swans. During flower season, there are yellow flowers which trim the lake as you drive in. You can rent a boat for a small fee.
You can walk, rollerblade, or bike half way around the lake which I think is 6.8 miles. Each way is 3.4. Dogs are allowed. There is a gate att the end of the 3.4 mile which leads to a waterplant, because the Lake is actually a municipal water supply. There are benches to sit on along the trail. And a sign which says "It doesn't count if you don't touch this." Towards the end of the lake there is a golf course and baseball fields.
You don't need to feel scared on this trail for the first time because of lack of people or mountain lions, because it is a paved well-traveled public trail. A lot of people walk here every day for excercise. In fact, sometimes you will see the same faces.
The best part about Lake Murray is that it is doable in the summer, because there is always a lovely breeze no matter how hot it is. It is a relaxing lake to visit.
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At about 6 miles from start-to-end and back to start, this is a great place to walk, jog, or ride; that is, if you live nearby.
Cyclists beware: I've gotten several flat tires while riding around the lake because tiny bits of local flora find their way onto the paved path.
Sometimes the people who reach the end of the trail are overly obsessive about making sure to touch the lone metal sign on the gate. It seems they feel they haven't 'officially completed the entire trail' unless they touch the sign. This minor neuroticism is rather amusing to watch.
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Oddly, I felt highly out of place here. Perhaps it was because it was during my fun-employment cardio adventure time, which happens to be when everyone but the Stay at Home Moms are in an office working. Honestly, I think I was the only person there without a stroller. Alone or in a group, this is the hot-spot for SAHMs and SAHDads. I'm sure the kids love it too - birds chirping, bunnies hopping, doggies barking and what parent wouldn't love the chance to get kids outside for a minute while working on their hot-bods as well?
I do enjoy that the lake has both flat ground and hills, it's a pretty good fit for cross-training on the lighter end of the CT scale. It's also not as challenging as Cowles Mountain, which helps when you're trying to get someone else to join you for a brisk run (or walk, whatever).
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The lake is open for general recreation for picnics, fishing, boating and a hiking trail. It lies between the cities of San Diego, La Mesa and Santee.
A great place to ride your bike, jog, walk, run, rollerblade and enjoy the wildlife; birds chirping, tons of baby squirrels and ducks. You can only go as far as the dam gate approximately 3.2 miles and then must return to complete your lap. It was a busy Saturday morning at Lake Murray; walkers plus their dogs, runners, bikers like me and incline skaters.
If you are planning for a picnic, there are 10 barbecue pits and 64 picnic tables located around the lake. No swimming, no camping and no water skis allowed. I think there are 3 entrances to the park and there's plenty of parking spaces.
A fun saturday to ride your bike.
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Lake Murray is the bomb. Serenity in the middle of the city and it is free.
That's almost all I need to know.
The people who go there are generally fairly considerate and the service road around the lake offers a terrific 'track' and great views.
The wildlife is really something and includes a variety of waterfowl, birds, and four legged critters...not to mention the two legged ones.
The port-a-pottys are not as well maintained as they could be but these are tough economic times. They are only cleaned out on Mondays and some of the City Workers seem a bit lazy about their jobs in this regard. They could be much more thorough.
I'm tempted to give it 4 instead of 5 stars but this place renews me several times a week.
There are lots of cute women my age (54) there and that's a bonus too.
:)
Very happy to have Lake Murray nearby!
I live in University Heights and have Urban Living-itis from time to time...well, weekly. My dog has "Condo-itis" ALL the time. So, Lake Murray is the PERFECT cure for both of us...and it's closer than Miramar Lake.
What I like better than Miramar Lake is that the people seem to actually LEASH their dogs! (We did see ONE off-leash dog there on Memorial Day, but...it was SUPER crowded and with all the other leashed dogs there, that was negligible.)
My dog gets a bit anxious when off-leash dogs rush her, so to walk her in a pretty safe spot, with a paved path that's wide enough for bicyclists, roller bladers, and other pedestrians...that is GREAT!
There are spots to pull off and get some lakefront time. There are benches scattered along the path. Parking is plentiful. And there are boats to rent and a spot to put in your own. I'm not informed on all of that, but just for the walking....I'm a fan.
Oh, and there is a drive-through Starbuck's just as you turn to get to Lake Murray...so, bring your mug or bottle and stock up on some iced tea or fresh water before you head out!
I always thought about Lake Murray as good place to get some exercise and enjoy the weather, but I recently came here on a date and was pleasantly surprised, this is a good idea guys if you want to impress someone. There are small boats you can rent, the paddle boats are $10.00 and are a good way of showing of your harm strength but there are also motor boats for $10 more. You can fish here but need to purchase your license and pay a fee at the lake. So after a romantic stroll on the lake, we moved over to the tables around the lake and was surprised with a picnic basket filled with yummy cheese and wine. Overall it was a wonderful evening and we still walked around a little bit. So if you are looking for something out of the ordinary for a weekend I recommend this.
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All this month I Have been thinking about were to go and what to do. So I decided to start working out and finally get into shape once and for all. Not that I am that out of shape. A friend of mine told me about Lake Murray. I love to take long walks and think.
She said that I have to slap the sign to really say that you walked the entire route. Today is so awesome to take a hike. It is a really great place to ride your bike, walk your dog, get in touch with Nature.
I liked it very much to be out in the open like that. Best of all it is FREE!! So grab your running shoes and get going!! Cheers!!
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I hate running.
And, honestly, it hates me too.
The beauty of Lake Murray is that it doesn't stun the gasping, limping jogger with steep hills and surprise terrain. It merely winds and ebbs, gracefully pulling you in and out of the shade at exactly the right moment.
The running trail (or biking or skating, or CRAWLING because you're not ACTUALLY a runner and you just made it three miles and now you have to TURN AROUND) is paved and divided for two directions. Not everyone understands that they are to stay to the right, but as long as you drive in the united states, it SHOULD make sense.
Seriously, people, how hard could it BE?
The lake itself is beautiful, outhouses are placed strategically from start to finish, and the mileage is haphazardly marked, allowing for one to feel mildly accomplished, even though they aren't sure they actually ran as far as they think.
LOCK YOUR CAR.
I hear stories.
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful... (bring sunscreen, it gets steamy).
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Being that it was overcast, we ditched plans to wine taste in Temecula Valley and drove over to Lake Murray for a picnic instead. Our plans for laying out and reading were dashed when we realized we'd driven to an area with patches of hard, uneven, pebbled earth! It was much too cold to sit anyway so we decided to take a leisurely walk.
The trail was nicely maintained, with beautiful flora and fauna, and we passed a ton of athletically geared couples and families walking, biking and running along the trail. It's also a great place to walk since there are other trails besides the graveled one we stayed on. About 30 minutes into our leisurely walk we stopped a lady to ask whether the trail looped back to the parking lot, and she amusedly informed us that it dead-ended, so the only way for us to get back was to turn back around and walk all the way back. Thank goodness we asked!
On our way back, we saw a beautiful, elegant swan gliding leisurely over the placid water through the reeds. An unexpected change of plans turned into an amazingly peaceful walk in beautiful Lake Murray! It's not Golden Gate Park, but it is definitely a special place I will come to again.
Lake Murray is not the most beautiful place on this planet.
In fact, its beauty is dwarfed by nearby Cowles Mountain, but it still holds a special place in my heart and is a truly wonderful resource.
The path around the lake is paved and is used by many many runners, walkers, roller bladers and cyclists. The path does not complete a loop of the lake, and the farthest out you can go gives you about 3 miles before you must turn around.
Sometimes the path gets a bit congested, so remember to not run into anything. Sometimes that hurts. Other times it hurts what you run into. Try to avoid it.
There is fishing here too, though I have never tried it.
The lake is a part of Mission Trails Park, and you can escape the confines of the area near the golf course and if you head north about 0.5 miles, you can access the trail to the top of Cowles ... This is a much more challenging trail ... but worth the effort if you get a chance.
Overall, despite a minor level of overuse as well as not exactly beautiful surroundings, this is one of the best recreational resources in the heart of the Eastern area of San Diego in La Mesa.
Worth a visit. Worth a run.
Bring a friend and have some fun.
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Kensington is a great walking neighborhood, but sometimes, you just want to get off the beaten path and have some uninterrupted time away from cars and neighbors ... that time was today, so we went to Lake Murray for the first time in at least two years. We're only a 10-minute drive from this little sanctuary, but we just hadn't thought about it in awhile!
It was a gorgeous 75 degrees there this afternoon with just a slight breeze off the lake. Because it was a weekday, the path was lightly populated with a pleasant mix of walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and skateboarders. There were also a lot of boaters on the lake, but they were greatly outnumbered by ducks.
One of the coolest parts about the path is that you get a nice mix of grades to mix up your walk/jog/ride ... and, because the path changes directions, you're never facing the sun or the breeze at all times.
Only two minor issues ... no matter when you go, you'll have a guy who is convinced that he's going to be riding with Lance Armstrong in next year's Tour de France going way too fast ... that, and even a teeny weeny bit of live grass would be excellent, but with the city's budget troubles, that ain't happening any time soon.
Enjoy it for what it is ... a nice little escape from most of the world for just a short drive from many places in San Diego.
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Lake Murray is pretty fetch.
When I was a kid, I'd go trout fishing there. You go to the little shack to purchase a license and rent a row boat and fish like you've never fished before. Of course I never really caught anything, and most of the time, there's not much fish in the lake. It's really cool to picnic at though, or do the whole "yogging" thing.
The lake is one of the reasons I call San Carlos/Del Cerro home. I'm close to a small body of fresh water, a large monster of a hill we call Cowles Mountain, and a bunch of 24 hour food places because I'm a total glutton.
Lake Murray and Cowles Mountain are there to say, "Hey, come here and hang out, I won't bite." Working out at the Lake is very relaxing. It's quiet and not a real lengthy trail. Less than 6 miles back and fourth, and you're done for the day. The mountain is more of a battle since it's uphill, so if that looks ominous to you, start at the lake and work your way up. Baby steps.
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When I first moved to San Diego almost 3 years ago, I happened onto to Lake Murray and felt like Lewis & Clarke, Cortez, Marco Polo and Columbus all rolled into one. Cresting the hill of Baltimore Dr and looking over to the left with the setting sun in the back drop I was floored by how beautiful it is.
Personally I like walking the lake around sunset because it is generally cooler. However on the weekend especially, you have to contend with the Tour de France bevy of bicyclist who frequest the lake. And the spandex clad ones do the lake at break neck speeds. Since the terrain is predictable a lot of kids are learning to ride on the path also, so watch out for them.
If you're looking for a scenic walk or jog or bike or whatever, check out Lake Murray you will not be disappointed!
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Love this place. My doggies have so much time everytime I take them. I love that its very open, and that there is plenty of room to walk and run for the amount of people who are there. Also, I love the birds..so does my weinerdog!
I used to live right by this park and would run there pretty often. The view is great and you rarely hear any cars. The runners are friendly.
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The first time I was ever at Lake Murray was on my birthday scavenger hunt, much like Fiesta Island, except I spent a great deal more time here deciphering code...
More recently, my friend Ashley and I have taken walks around the lake while catching up. Never overly crowded, not too many dogs, great paved path, and can easily have a conversation.
The only thing I don't like is the constant bugs that suddenly appear in a large swarm in front of your face. But I can deal. Because I'm from MN, and at least they aren't mosquitos the size of golf balls.
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love love love lake murray, walk there with kids, jog there without kids, take the dog, see the squirrels... in the Summer go early or late- or you'll reap the bennys of a sweet sunburn. FYI- it's 3.2 miles from the ENTRANCE gate to the gate at the very end..... not from the parking lot... so, if you want a full 10k you need to start at the main gate. Good to know.
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Lake Murray Reservoir is part of the Mission Trails Regional Park and open every day for picnicking (10 barbecues and 64 picnic tables), walking, jogging, fishing and boating. Rent a boat on Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday. They have rowboats, boats with 5 HP outboard motors, and canoes. Bring your own boat for a $5 fee.
Check this site for the latest info:
http://www.sandiego.go...
The lake is very popular for bicycling, jogging, walking, rollerblading because of the paved 3.2 mile path going from the parking lot to the dam gate. It's one way so you much return the way you came for a total of 6.4 miles round trip. Dogs are required to be on a leash.
I can't wait until it gets light out later so I can go running there after work. It's pretty peaceful and not difficult to run, walk, bike, uh, rollerblade? (people still do that?) It's about 3 miles each way and you have to walk to a certain point, or the end, and turn around and go back the way you came, it doesn't loop around. Sometimes there are geese and ducks wandering around. In the evening there are these little fly like thingys that like to fly into your face and sometimes your mouth. They don't taste very good.
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I can't believe a beautiful lake such as Lake Murray can be found not too far away from San Diego and La Mesa. I'm surprised that I didn't see more people taking advantage of all the outdoor activities that could be done here. I had a great run with the picturesque setting of the sun shining upon the lake near sunset, small mountains in the background, and green all over. It is about a 5K road around the lake up to a gate, turn around to make it a challenging, yet satisfying 10K (6.2 mi).
This will be a regular exercise (running/cycling) venue for me from now on. Simply beautiful!
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Really beautiful local lake that's family friendly. Excellent for walking/jogging and taking in the mountain & water views. The no entrance fee is a definite plus!
I love Lake Murray and think it's an underrated gem. I've been going here for 10 years because it's a pretty place to walk or ride your bike away from cars. I love it when the yellow wildflowers are blooming in the spring. Dogs love it too. I think people miss Lake Murray because it's in La Mesa. It's good for families, friends, whatever. The trail is not a complete loop. It's about 3.5 miles one way. Beware no bathrooms -only port a potty type things.
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I love this lake. "Hi how ya doing'"? Everyone is so friendly. "Oh thanks for telling me my daughter 's shoestrings are untied" Omg can I say "The Walton's would visit here". Nice scenery and "Oh fine and how are you"? We love to feed the ducks and the swans are so beautiful. "Oh you have a good day too" Wow, I can't believe how friendly everyone is. Are you sure this isn't The Brady's go camping episode. "and yes it is a beautiful day" Fishing and boating and..."oh thanks I got them at Target, very comfortable" I have to admit this place is so friendly I felt like I was on Yelp. Loved the trail, Great for biking and wonderful for kids and family. "You too have a nice day"!
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i love lake murray. got a tip from my yoga instructor, checked it out last weekend and am heading back this weekend. the lake is beautiful and as my friend and walked around last weekend we both felt like we were somewhere else--perhaps michigan, wisconsin, oregon. we couldn't figure it out. but it was peaceful and felt like fall.
it was also great that so many (but not too many) people were out and about. families, bikers, rollerbladers, couples, joggers, runners, walkers, leisurely walkers, old and young. it was a great mix of sd peeps.
only drawback--the loop is paved, it would be awesome if there was a dirt trail too (for the running knees)
It's shocking how entertaining a lake can be. It's pretty and a good place to walk/ run/ bike/ rollerblade (lol). It's also a fun place to stand on piers, feed ducks, hire boats and get completely confused, and fish I guess. Just don't do anything illegal here after dark. The La Mesa police really don't have anything better to do than look for small crimes being committed in a totally nondisruptive way.
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been here a couple of times to walk with friends and it's a very nice place to walk.
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The husband and I like to go here for a bike ride. It has a great paved path for walking, running, biking, skating, and so on. We were a little surprised to find out that the paved path didn't go all the way around the lake. We were forced to ride all the way back around, but it was such a nice day, that we enjoyed the ride. I'd like to come back and rent a row boat so we can hang out on the water.
I absolutely love this park. There is always plenty of parking and the facilities are clean. There are small coves and beaches you can hang out by, even play volleyball or tables you can picnic at. It is also a fantastic place to exercise, walk dogs, or even take a stroll at because the lake is shaped like a leaf and at each peak there are places to sit and rest and use as checkpoints. They even have mileage checkpoints throughout the trails around the lake. There are fishing and boating options at the lake as well and on special occassions there are even fireworks displays which were very pretty to see off the reflections of the lake. Plus it's nice to have all the geese and ducks wandering around the lake. It's a great experience just to relax and get away from the city and really feel like you are outdoors.
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i love this place to do almost everything. I can bring my dogs and enjoy a walk or a run. Can bring my skates and skate around also with my dogs, as long as they don't pull me and make me fall. The lake is very nice and beautiful for you to enjoy the scenery. You can feed the ducks and have a good time, have a picnic if you like. Everything is great about this park, except the fact that they dont have a water fountain in the 3 miles that you walk and then walk another 3 miles to get back to your car.
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great place for people of all ages, fishing, boating or just feeding the birds. but don't try to walk around the circle like we did, it was cut off by the water facility.
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