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Program Guide  Chollas Lake Map

Join Us for Some Fun and Fresh Air

The Spirit of Giving at Chollas Lake Event

See our Holiday Event Flyer for details.

Walk/Jog/Run/Bike for Fitness

It begins at 6:30 a.m. daily. Come enjoy the breeze, the peaceful water and the 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

The Fishing Clinic takes place on Saturday and Sunday for kids ages 15 and under. Chollas Lake is the only youth-only fishing lake in San Diego County. Learn about technique, safety, knots, types of bait, and types of fish in the lake.

Intro to Archery

Intro to Archery takes place on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for ages 8 and up and Mondays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. for ages 18 and up. No equipment or registration is required, but closed-toe shoes are preferred.

Borrow-A-Game

This program occurs on Mondays from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Day Camp Area. It includes Mahjong, Yahtzee, checkers and chess, arcade-style basketball, dominoes, disc golf, bean bag toss, board games and more! No registration is required.

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 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, which has one driveway west of the main parking lot. If you 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 is open to the public and meets on the fourth Tuesday of even-numbered months. The exception is December when the meeting is on the third Tuesday. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. 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.

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 and 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.