Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is a 3.8 mile (9,000-step) route located near Santee, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 82 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
Santee Lakes is the perfect place for fishing, birdwatching, camping, or just getting some exercise. Start this route at Lake 5 near the general store. Head north and follow the perimeter road. The path is flat and there’s plenty to see along the way. Pass through the camping areas on the north side of the park and then make your way south toward the day use areas. Check out the park signs for historic info and what kinds of wildlife to keep an eye out for. Birds are everywhere and you can spot fish venturing close to the shore. There are multiple play areas and restrooms along the route. Curl around Lake 1 and head back toward the start.
I wasn’t entirely impressed with Santee Lakes. It’s a nice facility, the walk is perfectly flat if that’s what you want. But personally I prefer trail walks. Santee Lakes is pretty much all asphalt or concrete, and there is a neighborhood that is 75 or so yards away. I may go back, but it will definitely not be my first choice.