Lake Hodges Reservoir

Great place to walk or bike. It’s very convenient as far as location and parking. Lots of trails, so you can do a new one everytime you visit. It used to be very pretty before the drought, but it’s still nice. The trails to the loading docks is a nice beginner/​intermediate dirt bike trail. Your reward is you can grab ice cream at the dock store, lol.

This unique area provides some absolutely wonderful hiking opportunities, and is a bit of a must see for North County inland hikers. Here’s why:
— Epic views to be had of the reservoir.
— Access to Mt. Bernardo
— Pictograph rock art by the Kumeyaay Indians.
— Boulders galore
— Glorious Oak Trees
— A waterfall
What more do you need? Want to really go deep? Okay, I don’t reccomend it as the trail is technically closed for rehabitation purposes but if you follow the Piedra Pintadas Trail around the southeast portion of the reservoir you’ll reach the mini-​peak in the middle of the peninsula. Great views, especially to the west.
Happy Hiking.
–Justin

I love hiking around Lake Hodges, so far I have been there 4 or 5 times since we moved here. The view always puts a big smile on my face.
If you walk alone, I recommend that you carry a bell so it can keep rattlesnakes away from you.

A great place to park is across from Hernandos hideaway restaurant. It’s a good place for a group to eat before or after a trip. From this location you can take a short walk along the lake or go farther to the dam. You can also park anywhere between here and the boat ramp for many variations. On some of the fin trails near here if you are walking the bikes do move at a pretty good pace. Walker’s do have the right away but it still helps not to be in the way. Hey hundred people out here today and everyone is getting along fine. Someone posted notes about protesting against removal of non-​native trees. In general I favor removal of non-​native trees as it opens up water resources for native trees which grow much more effectively hence being native. From what I read the main removal of trees relates to fire prevention as with limited water it’s hard to keep non-​native trees moist enough to not be a fire hazard. The other statement is a person can remove a non-​native tree from their property but they are not required to. I bet if you wanted to keep a few trees alive next to a lake you could invent a capillary system running on solar energy that could move some water to the roots of trees. OK moving on.

Great place to find some awesome locations to shoot photography. Will be back with other clients!

I must take a drive by the lake more often. It’s so beautiful.
Decided to go for a little walk over the weekend. I really shouldn’t walk on hiking trails but I love the scenery. I think I tripped about three times during my walk. The parking lot was closed for some reason but I decided to follow this other car. There is a place to park across from Hernandez Hideaway and it has access to the trails at that area. Lots of people biking and hiking and everyone is so friendly.
I think next time I want to take a walk near the dam. The walk by the pedestrian bridge is also a nice walk. I also love taking del dios highway just to drive by the lake. So beautiful to see.

Absolutely one of our favorite hikes. Moderate around the picturesque lake, then a nice workout up to the top of the mountain. Bring trail snacks & a light lunch and enjoy the breezy view like hubby & I do on the benches & rocks at the top. Then, for the hardy, attack the narrow trails which spine the peaks for as far as your adventurous spirit (and lungs) will take you.
One of the many nice & unique places it is easy to take for granted if you live in lovely San Diego. Just do it! (p.s., do go early in the a.m. between April through November, unless you can carry as much water as you will sweat — too hot around noon through late afternoon, and too wild to get caught there at dusk or later).

Been taking my bike out here for just over two years. Can get hot in the summer time, but nice easy to moderate trails. Pretty views of the lake and feels like your far away from home :) if you ride up to the marina go left not right to stay on the bike trails. If you go left it takes you to some very narrow, what I think would be hiking trails.

This lake is long! There are so many trails every where. There are even hill tops you can climb. I was only able to spend a little a mount of time going around a small portion of the lake, but i was amazed by the amount of different birds around the area. I didn’t see many people hiking, but there are a lot of cyclist riding the trails. I haven’t seen much of what this lake has to offers, but I will make sure to come back when i have more time to hike and site seeing. This is a nice place when you can walk by the lake side and enjoy your surrounding atmosphere.

Nice trails with lots of interesting sights and changes in elevation, but way too risky for a woman (or even a man) to go jogging alone!
I got a bad vibe off this place and wanted to get back in the car. I didn’t know it at the time, but this is where Chelsea King was killed. After seeing it, I know why they do the memorial runs at Balboa Park. If you’re going out with a friend or a group you it should be ok. If you’re going out by yourself, you might want to check out Lake Miramar, which is quite lovely and a lot safer.

Unpaved, mostly flat, easy hike. Not too much shade. Very peaceful&not too popular. Hikers must share the Sometimes narrow trail w/​cyclists.

It is great place for a 5-​hour hike at a very easy pace. I went on 01/​18/​2014. It was 80 °F but I felt it was much cooler. I would suggest hike close the water when it is possible. I only hiked on one side the reservoir. I will try the other side next hike. I may say it is better to hike with a friend or two. Please bring enough water or drinks and paste a health layer of sunscreen cream. Wear sun glasses and sun protection clothing and low heel hiking boots.

This is a great lake for fishing or kayaking on

I have always seen that mysterious bridge next to the 15 and today on my day off, my boyfriend and I decided to head on over to see what it was all about. Funny enough, we didn’t even step foot on the bridge. We exited North Bernardo Dr and we parked as close as we could to the bridge. We headed towards the path and took the pathway that headed west and was immediately to our left. We later found out this is called the Piedras Pintadas trail. The trail was super easy to walk and it was beautiful! When we got to the lake, it was like we were in another world. Words cannot describe how serene and peaceful it was. It was nice because there were barely any other people around, just a couple bikers and then that was it. My boyfriend and I hiked a bit down to the shore of the lake and laid in the sand for awhile. It was quiet and peaceful and really was an experience like no other. The whole trail was very easy to walk, and took us a couple hours but that is because we went off trail exploring. We ended up at the RB recreation center, and trekked on the main road back to the car.
I would recommend bringing a buddy bc it sure is quiet and desolate out there. 5 stars for perfect phone reception the whole time! :D

Lake Hodges is really beautiful, and unexpected. I’m used to the other lakes around town (Miramar, Murray, etc) that are paved trailways around a lake. Hodges is different, at least on the north east side. It’s actual dirt trails that go around (and across thanks to the bridge) a lake. Or, at least, it’s sometimes a lake. Either way, it’s a nice place to run and/​or ride. I wouldn’t go on my own because it seems rather desolate in some places, but I also won’t go on many of the Balboa Park trails without company, so I tend to be more risk-​adverse than most.

Lake Hodges is located right off of the 15 freeway in Rancho Bernardo. Who knew such a serene and beautiful place lies right off the interstate. As tranquil as Lake Hodges is, it’s bustling with people. There are always people there at all hours of the day. It’s a great place to get a little exercise and do a little nature watch.
My friend and I decided to take a walk along Lake Hodges one morning. It was a beautiful day and we walked over the bridge and took a left at the end. From there we took our time and walked past a creek and kept on trucking. About an hour into our walk, we decided it was about time to turn back around and go back the way we came. I think we almost made it to Del Dios Highway even with our slow pace.
The people you pass on your way are all very friendly and most of them are local to the area. Since the area around the lake is pretty big, I suggest safety in numbers, even in broad daylight. It can get pretty sunny out there so be sure to put on some sunblock and be weary of your clothing. I got a gnarly tan line from my tank top on the day I went… that didn’t make me a happy camper, so if you care about that kind of stuff then learn from my mistakes.

Peaceful and Quiet… So beautiful! This makes me feel like I’m back in the midwest. The nature is great! I wish I had my fishing pole, I just stopped here randomly and I’m glad I did.
Free to park if you are just exploring but if you are fishing u need a license and pay a fee for the lake. Not sure about if your going to the boat dock side, I didn’t get to check that side out.
I love the street to get there with all the cool trees.

For those of you that have ever taken the 15freeway in North County, or Del Dios Highway, you have passed over or near Lake Hodges. Lake Hodges is still somewhat of a undiscovered gem in North County for anyone who enjoys fishing, hiking, cycling or even just nature in general. Many of the paths and facilities are very well maintained, but still rustic and keeping in the theme. I believe the boat launch is only open certain days of the week, so I would plan ahead. But Lake Hodges is a great laid back alternative to your average outdoor choice. If you want to experience local, then head down to the lake!

When people think of San Diego, they probably think of palm trees, beaches and sun! I’m pretty sure they don’t think of Lake Hodges and all the natural beauty that surrounds. I’ve lived in north county for nearly a decade. and I even forget.
My Team in Training friends went on another gnarly ride over the weekend and headed up to Lake Hodges from the coast. While the roads to get up here are uphill, narrow and windy, it’s also one of my favorite cycling routes. Scenic, tough and worth the trip.
To prepare for my upcoming triathlon, we have our shoes waiting for us at Lake Hodges and we headed out for a run along the trails. I haven’t been in the area in the last year but immediately remembered how much I loved running along these trails. You really have to watch your footing and share the trail with mountain bikers but it’s just a fun and beautiful area to come for a hike, walk or run.
The dam was even overflowing which I had not seen before so it was pretty cool to see. If you’re into mountain biking, running, walking – definitely hit this area up. Since it’s a bit inland, it can get a little hot so bring hydration, but it’s a fun and worth the trip. On the day we went, the weather just happened to be absolutely perfect!

Since our tax dollars paid for this David Kreitzer Lake Hodges Bicycle/​Pedestrian Bridge, why not check it out?
Came to Lake Hodges for a training run, and started at the parking area at the top of W. Bernardo Drive. The initial trail was nice and open. Friendly walkers, runners, bicyclists and cute dogs on the trail. The trail splits and decided to run alongside the south part of the lake to get to the bridge. There were boats, fishermen and ducks throughout the lake. Serene, peaceful and bugs plentiful!
The trail became narrow and the terrain got a little tough. With the bridge in plain sight, I was really excited to have gone semi-​circle around the lake. As I ran uphill on this narrow path, all of a sudden I saw the rattle from a rattle snake on the trail. I came to a complete stop and froze.
I told my training partner that there was no way I was going any farther, and was willing to go back the 2 miles we had already ran. There was a group behind us, and they volunteered to go ahead of us and for us to follow. We followed reluctantly, but now I have visions of rattles in my head.
Finished the trail and decided to cross the bridge and run alongside the 15 freeway, which is the east part of Lake Hodges. Concrete terrain but I felt more comfortable. Did almost 4 miles, and felt good thereafter.
Should you decide to attempt Lake Hodges, be mindful of your surroundings, wear sunscreen and bug spray, and go in two-​sies or a group!