Short Scenic Dog Walks in East County

Sometimes parading your dog around the block gets a little boring. Of course, B.B. loves neighborhood walks. There are plenty of things to smell and urinate upon; and the narrow walkways provide ample opportunities for crotch sniffing of any passersby. However, B.B. is kind enough to accompany us to walking venues where there are interesting things for humans, too. Because Furry People has a busy schedule, we prefer these nearby scenic parks where we can take a thirty minute to sixty minute walk.

Lake Murray. We have been coming to Lake Murray since I was a child in the 1970s.

My grandfather used to take a large bag of peanuts and feed the squirrels. After he passed away, my grandmother would walk there every day. Many of us attributed her longevity to the daily "lakey-walkin'" as she called it.

A popular site for walking, cycling, jogging, rollerblading, and picnicking, Lake Murray is also open for fishing. Fishing permits are available and the lake is stocked with bass, bluegill, catfish, and trout. An asphalt walking path runs 3.2 miles from the entrance to the dam gate. The path is wide, with plenty of room for all kinds of activities.

In addition to the squirrels and rabbits,  many ducks, geese, and other birds call Lake Murray home. One can even spy the occasional Heron or White Pelican. Parking can be an issue; however, there is an elevated lot located on the slope above the main parking lot. For more information, visit:  http://www.mtrp.org/lake_murray.asp

Harry Griffin Park. Located behind Grossmont High School, Harry Griffin Park boasts a playground, an amphitheater, an off leash dog park, and gravel trails below the main grassy park. A popular dog park, the fenced-off area has separate enclosures for large and small dogs. 

The park is a favorite place for family activities, and the amphitheater is available for rental.  A series of free summer concerts starts on June 10. There is plenty of parking available. For more information visit the City of La Mesa website.

Lindo Lake.  A recent addition to our walking favorites, Lindo Lake provides an excellent opportunity for a short stroll along a lake brimming with wildlife. An asphalt trail around the lake stretches 1.5 miles. The recreation area includes an outdoor gym, ball fields, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and a recreation center.  Also located on the grounds is the Lakeside Community Center and library.

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Great Blue Heron

Harlequin Duck

Here are just two of the lovely birds we spotted recently at Lindo Lake. There were also many duck and geese families as well as seagulls and a beautiful Snowy Egret. Squirrels are plentiful among the rocks that border the lake.

Throughout the year Lindo Lake has various community events. It is a great place for a relaxing stroll, a fitness walk, or a picnic and bird-watching. For more information visit http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/parks/picnic /lindolake.html
 
East County contains a number of other small parks, including more off-leash dog areas at Wells Park in El Cajon and Mast Park in Santee. For more information on off-leash dog parks and reviews, visit http://www.dogpark.com.

Would you like to send your dog on a scenic walk? Contact us at sdfurrypeople@gmail.com or call/text 619-322-0133.

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