The best running trails around El Cajon

59runs

4.5

(4)

575 people ran here

Running around El Cajon is one of the best ways to explore more of this region. To help you discover the most beautiful places to run, we’ve reviewed our full collection of routes around El Cajon—and are proud to present the best running trails. Click on any of the routes for more details and browse real tips and photos uploaded by other runners.

Sweetwater River Trail loop — San Diego National Wildlife Refuge	Easy 00:26 3.60km
Cowles Mountain Summit loop from Navajo	Intermediate 01:05 8.26km
Kumeyaay Grinding Rocks – View of Old Mission Dam loop from Carlton Hills	Intermediate 01:12 10.1km
Cowles Mountain Summit loop from San Carlos	Intermediate 00:44 4.89km

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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
1
1
Sweetwater River Trail loop — San Diego National Wildlife Refuge
00:26
3.60km
7:07/km
30m
30m
Easy
1
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
2
2
Cowles Mountain Summit loop from Navajo
01:05
8.26km
7:54/km
290m
290m
Intermediate
30
Intermediate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
3
3
Kumeyaay Grinding Rocks – View of Old Mission Dam loop from Carlton Hills
01:12
10.1km
7:07/km
130m
130m
Intermediate
24
Intermediate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
4
4
Cowles Mountain Summit loop from San Carlos
00:44
4.89km
8:59/km
240m
240m
Intermediate
16
Intermediate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.