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Program Guide  Chollas Lake Map

Join Us for Some Fun and Fresh Air

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.

Morning Mingle Walk

Seniors Only! Join us on Wednesday mornings 9:00 am – 10:00 am for iced coffee and tea while doing a lap or two around the lake, and enjoy the feel of nature all around. Learn some facts about the lake and its residents from friendly park staff, and enjoy some lively conversation! Meets at the Fishing Clinic. Click on this Link for more information.

Fishing Clinic

The Fishing Clinic is for kids ages 15 and under and takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Chollas Lake is the only youth-only fishing lake in San Diego County. Learn about techniques, safety, knots, types of bait, and types of fish in the lake.

Take advantage of Spring Break Hours: April 1-3 & 8-10, from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm.

Intro to Archery

Intro to Archery takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. for ages 8 and up, and the Adult-only session is on Mondays from 4:00 – 5:00 pm beginning 3/9. Learn posture, technique, aim, and play shooting games. Limit of 15 participants per session; please arrive 5-10 minutes early. No equipment or registration is required, but closed-toe shoes and sun protection are preferred.

Stroller Story Time

New Program begins April 16! Parents & Caregivers - do you need a break? Head over to Stroller Story Time for kiddos aged 0-4! Meets every Thursday at 12:00 pm at the Day Camp Area. Come join us for coloring, puzzles, games, books, and story time led by our friendly staff. This is a free drop in program; no registration is necessary. Guardians must attend with and supervise children. More information is provided in the link here.

Borrow-A-Game

Games are available to borrow at Chollas Lake on Mondays from 3:00 – 4:30 pm. Come check out our selection, pick out something fun and have a memorable afternoon at the lake! Be sure to bring an ID to check out equipment.

Planning a party or gathering?

For events with fewer than 50 people, picnic shelters may be rented for $38.52 per hour; email chollaslake@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. Joining via Zoom is also an option. Have questions? Call 619-527-7683 or email chollaslake@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 chollaslake@sandiego.gov.

For additional information on park closures, please call 619-527-7683 or email chollaslake@sandiego.gov.

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.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteers are always welcome to help with the park's maintenance and operation. A Park Ranger assigned to the park area provides interpretive programs, public assistance, guidance, enforcement, and protection.

Please Follow Citywide Park Rules

The City prioritizes the safety of those who visit these parks. It is important that these rules must be followed in order to achieve this goal. For more information on City Park Rules regarding pets, trash, general safety precautions, and more; please follow this link to view these rules in more detail.

To report suspected illegal activity, including transient encampments, encroachment onto City property, or other maintenance needs, please call 858-538-8082. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.