Situated southwest of the Laguna Mountains, Lake Morena County Park offers hikers a diverse landscape and impressive views worth the hour drive from San Diego proper. The park features over 8-miles of non-motorized multi-use trails and includes a section of the infamous Pacific Crest Trail. Additionally, it features the Lake Morena Reservoir, a popular place for fishing and boating. If you will be visiting Lake Morena County Park for the first time, I’d recommend the 4-mile Lake Morena Loop Trail for the best views of the lake below and a chance to walk through a dense wooded meadow.
To reach the Lake Morena Loop Trail, head away from the campgrounds and toward the cabins. You’ll pass the cabins on your right first, then will pass a kid-friendly camping area next. Just beyond this, you’ll find the Ward’s Flat Trail to your left, just before the boat ramps near the lake. Head past the metal gate and follow the dirt road as it slowly ascends uphill, providing the best upper views of the lake your first mile.
At a little over a mile, you’ll see the remnants of an old chimney seemingly out of place. The chimney belonged to an old lodge, and is the only reminder of what once was. Just a little past the stone chimney the trail will reach a Y junction.
Follow the trail to the left to reach a vast wooded meadow. This is one of the most scenic portions of the trail, aside from the dramatic views of the Morena Reservoir before. You’ll be greeted by a number of old wild live oaks and Coulter, Jeffrey, and pinyon pines looming overhead.
Soon you’ll reach a point where you can U-turn back to the campground. This is where we decided to turn around and re-trace our steps back down Ward’s Flat Trail on a hot summer’s day. However, if you’d wish to continue the trail, follow the sign for the Morena Butte Trail. The Morena Butte Trail is a single-track dirt trail that will take you all the way to the Lake Morena dam.
The Lake Morena Reservoir is the fourth oldest reservoir in San Diego county. Lake Cuyamaca (1887), Sweetwater Reservoir (1888), and Upper Otay Lake (1901) are the only reservoirs older. It holds 50,694-acre-feet of water and is the highest and most remote of San Diego’s reservoirs. The reservoir is used as a backup water supply during dry years, however Morena only provides about 3 percent of San Diego’s total water supply.
Lake Morena Loop Trail Tips
- Bring adequate sun protection. The majority of this trail lacks shade and is very warm in summer months.
- Bring your pet. Leashed dogs are allowed on the hiking trails at Lake Morena County Park.
- Stay the night. Camping reservations are accepted year-round.
- Take a boat out on the lake. Lake Morena is well known for its fishing opportunities.
Driving Directions
From downtown San Diego, take CA-163 N for 3.1 miles. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 3A to merge onto I-8 E toward El Centro. In 12.9 miles, keep left at the fork to stay on I-8E. Continue to follow I-8E for 33.2 miles. Take exit 51 for Buckman Springs Rd.
Turn right onto Buckman Springs Rd. In 5.3 miles, turn right onto Oak Dr. In 1.6 miles, turn right onto Lake Morena Drive. Continue onto Morena Reservoir Rd. Pay the fee station ($3 at the time of this post) and continue straight to park in the day-use area.
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog Friendly: Yes
Best Time to Hike: Fall, Winter, Spring
Total Distance: 4 miles
Trailhead Address: Lake Morena County Park, 2550 Lake Morena Dr, Campo, CA 91906
