PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

Right off of the I-15 is a hidden gem where fitness fanatics and nature lovers alike come together—Miramar Lake. Surrounded by a 5-mile paved road is a beautiful and calm reservoir where anyone can go to escape the craziness of modern-day living. Bustling with activity most days, you’ll find everything from kids on training wheels to die-hard cyclists, from fishermen in waders to the Scripps Ranch firefighters getting their daily exercise, from hot moms jogging in fashion workout attire to cute little grannies out for a morning stroll.

Nature lovers will enjoy the views of the lake and the city, as well as the ducks and birds that populate this area. Watch out for the psycho geese, though! While I’ve actually witnessed someone hand-feed a goose at the lake, I’ve also seen these birds attack more than one pedestrian who did nothing more than innocently walk by them on the path. You should be safe tossing breadcrumbs to the ducks, though, a favorite activity of my own kids. You can also rent rowboats Saturday-Tuesday and try your hand at reeling in a trout or a wide-mouth bass.

If you’re at Lake Miramar for exercise, you’ll appreciate the mile markers every ¼ mile, the abundance of port-a-potties along the path, and the clean restrooms and water fountains near the parking lot. If you’d like to venture off of the main path, there are some great trails below and above the paved road. Don’t wear your clean new sneakers on the paths, though. Even if it hasn’t rained recently, the lower path can still be muddy. And just like most places in San Diego, be sure to watch out for rattlesnakes, especially in warmer weather.

While I run at Miramar Lake regularly and have always felt safe, keep in mind that there was an attempted sexual assault there in December 2006, so stay alert if you run, walk, or bike solo. It seems much safer since the dam was re-opened last summer because now there are pedestrians moving around the entire lake all day. Obviously, your best bet is to go when there are plenty of people around.

Even if you’re neither a workout extremist nor a bird watcher, the lake is a great spot for a picnic as there are loads of picnic tables and barbecues. Crack open a beer (canned—no glass allowed), sit back, and enjoy the view!