The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park

The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park returns in 2024! Walk with your teenagers through the terrifying eXperiment Maze & Mile-Long Trail for a scary Halloween treat!

By Todd Sarouhan

Last Updated on
Sep 25, 2024

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Balboa Park Haunted Trail

The eXperiment Awaits

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Mile-Long Haunted Trail

Tips Before You Go

Popular Activities

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The Eerie World of Balboa Park’s Iconic Haunted Trail

Thrills await you at 2024’s Haunted Trail in Balboa Park!

The super scary and I would say ‘incredibly fun’ haunted Halloween trail in Balboa Park is back for its 25th year. This year you can expect more screams from Halloween lovers and scare-seekers alike.

Named as one of the Top 10 Haunted House Attractions in America by CNN, The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park is definitely not for the fainthearted.

My teenage kids loved it so much last year that I have already purchased my tickets to make sure I’m able to attend again on the best day for my family!

Desert Garden at Balboa Park

What is the Haunted Trail of Balboa Park?

The Haunted Trail is a popular, standout Halloween attraction in Balboa Park and the surrounding area, but what makes it so unique?

The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park is two haunts in one location!

The eXperiment Maze is an indoor 3,500 square foot maze home to dark fairy tales, spooky retellings of memorable characters, and plenty of jump scares. Your adventure will start here!

This part took me and my family about 15 minutes and I think that is about the average it takes to complete.

The Mile-Long Trail then leads guests outdoors through its foggy, ghoul and creature-filled twisted trails.

The Haunted Trail is a local favorite, but if you’ve never heard of it, be warned it’s not young kid-friendly. It’s geared more toward teens and adults, and is not suggested for children under ten.

Parks and Gardens at Balboa Park

When is the Haunted Trail in Balboa Park Open in 2024?

The Haunted Trail will scare guests on select night from September 27th to November 2nd during the 2024 Halloween season.

The times do change as the dates get closer to Halloween, so be sure to check the official website for the exact dates and times.

They do try to stay open even if it rains. They post on their Instagram page if the storm is too much to stay open and in that case, an alternate date to attend and instructions are provided.

Entrance into the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park

Why My Family Loves It

Personally, the Haunted Trail is a lot of fun for adults and older kids! It’s perfect for families with teenagers looking for actual scary Halloween fun.

There are quite a few family-friendly Halloween events in San Diego, but along with Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego, this is my other favorite Halloween attraction to enjoy with teenagers.

There are plenty of unique characters, costumes, jump scares, and fun adventures as you go through the mazes. As I mentioned above, we’re going again this year, so if you see us - say hi!

Fountain Terrace at Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town / SeaWorld Area

Where To Stay Near the Haunted Trail

The Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town / SeaWorld Area delivers plenty of modern amenities, in-room conveniences, and an on-site restaurant, all within a new hotel with a great location.

You’ll be within walking distance to Old Town San Diego, for its shops, restaurants and my favorite Día de los Muertos celebration in San Diego. You’ll also be near the Morena - Linda Vista Station for access to public transportation.

Plus you’ll be minutes away from Balboa Park for the it’s museums, world-famous San Diego Zoo, and walking trails during the day plus the haunted trail by night. You’ll also be a short rideshare from the Gaslamp Quarter and Downtown San Diego.

Get the Full Experience

Wear comfortable shoes when visiting The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park—it's a spooky outdoor walk with uneven terrain. Also, the scares intensify after dark, so if you want the full experience, plan to go later in the evening!

Face Your Fears: The eXperiment Maze Awaits You

The maze - known for its twist on fairy tales, folklore creatures, and scary encounters - is where your haunted adventure begins.

As you make your way through the maze, you’ll find reimagined fairy tale characters with a sinister twist for some terrifying and, if I do say so myself, awesome encounters!

Plus, the maze design features plenty of sounds, dark corners, and jump scares to fully immerse you into the haunted atmosphere.

A Prelude to Terror

The maze takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete. However, it all depends on how fast you move through it with your group. I can say from personal experience, unless you are extra slow, 15 to 20 minutes is a good guess of how long you’ll need.

The eXperiment Maze is carefully crafted to trick your senses as you go through it. If you find yourself going in circles, don’t be afraid to go back to retrace your steps to find a different path.

But don’t take too long. You won’t want to be “Moldy Locks and her 3 Grizzly Bears” next victims.

Do know that there are ways to exit the maze or trail if it proves to be a bit too scary for anyone in your group but there are no refunds if you decide not to complete the maze or trail.

Save BIG with Go City!

The World Famous San Diego Zoo

Explore the top zoo in America! The San Diego Zoo is located in iconic Balboa Park, and features over 3,500 animal in their habitats. Bundle with other attractions in Balboa Park for top savings - like the Air and Space Museum!

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What attractions are included with a Go City San Diego pass?

Attractions that you can visit with a Go City San Diego pass include:

The San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, SeaWorld, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway Museum, the NAT Museum, Whaley House, PETCO Park Tour, iFLY San Diego and many, many more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Nightmares Unlocked: The Mile-Long Haunted Trail

First let me say that a mile-long haunted trail is a serious distance! It’s been my experience that most haunted houses or trails I’ve been to throughout the years are a fraction of this length. That is one reason, if you like scary Halloween fun, that this haunted trail is worth your time.

To start, you’ll make your way through the outdoor trail’s haunted grove of gnarled, twisted pines and oaks.

The Mile-Long Haunted Trail promises to transport guests from the ordinary world into a heart-pounding alternate universe filled with dense fog and otherworldly creatures for a fun, immersive experience.

A Journey Through Fear

You’ll get to travel along the ghost filled graveyard to pay your respects to the “Lady in White.” Then you’ll join Freddy Krueger aboard his Ghoul Bus as you try to escape the smoke filled meat house.

You’ll also have the chance to survive a town decimated by nuclear fallout and what’s left of humanity before being chased through the Louisiana bayou by chainsaw wielding zombies.

You read that correctly – ‘Chainsaw Wielding Zombies’!

The Gaslamp Museum at the Davis Horton House Museum

Keep The Scares Going

Want more spooky experiences available in San Diego?

The San Diego: Haunted Ghost Tour by Bus lets you learn the chilling, dark history of the city.

You’ll get to explore haunted sites like the Davis-Horton House and El Campo Santo Cemetery with your guides and return to your bus for more eerie encounters and spooky stories.

El Campo Santo Cemetery in Old Town San Diego

See More Haunts With Go City

Of course, with a Go City San Diego pass you can visit more spooky haunts, my favorite San Diego attractions, and more without having to worry about extra fees, lines, and full price admission at the door.

If you are a Halloween fan like me, check out the Gaslamp Walking Ghost Tour or Haunted Old Town Walking History + Paranormal Investigation to continue your spooky adventure through the city.

Use our exclusive code - GVSD5OFF - for an additional discount!

Popular Hotels

Price

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

$189

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Gaslamp Plaza Suites

$109

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Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

$134

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Horton Grand Hotel

$142

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Visitor Information & Tips Before You Go Into the Unknown

Main Square at El Prado in Balboa Park

Tickets to the Haunted Trail include admission to both the eXperiment Maze and Mile-Long Trail.

Timed General Admission tickets will let you enter the line within 30 minutes of your selected time. Prices for the Timed General Admission run from $32.99 to $36.99.
Scream Pass Admission tickets will let you skip the line to enter the attraction via an express pass. Prices for the Scream Pass Admission run from $47.99 to $54.99.

Tickets are available both online at and at the ticket booth. However, I recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time on their website as they may sell out at the gate.

You can also add-on Purchase Protection for your tickets if you cannot attend and wish to get a refund. This is available on their website for an additional $5 per ticket.

Where To Scare Up Some Discounts

The Haunted Trail offers a few different discounts for guests.

Guests can find $5 off Timed General Admission coupons for the Haunted Trail at participating GOODWILL stores in San Diego County.
Group discounts are available, but must be purchased in cash at the box office.
There is also a military discount for $5 off Timed General Admission tickets. One ID is good for 2 tickets.

Can You Win Tickets?

Follow their official social media accounts for a chance to win tickets and other giveaways. Signing up for the Haunted Trail’s official newsletter will keep you updated with the latest offers and contest information.

Don’t forget to check local radio stations and news outlets for another chance to win tickets!

Entrance to the Junipero Serra Museum

Practical Advice for a Smooth Visit

The Haunted Trail is at the corner of Balboa Drive and Juniper in Balboa Park.

While they do not have a designated parking lot, you should be able to find parking throughout Balboa Park.

If you are being dropped or picked up, the entrance to the Haunted Trail is to the left of the cross streets of Balboa Drive & Juniper.

Just keep in mind, as we get closer to Halloween, expect more traffic and longer wait times.

Accessibility

The Trail is wheelchair accessible, but can be difficult to manage on a powerchair due to the terrain. The official website recommends manual wheelchairs, as they can be pushed or pulled if they get stuck.

Service animals are permitted. However, neither pets, emotional support, nor companion animals are allowed on the Trail.

Safety Restrictions Reminder

Due to the jump scares, strobe light use, fog juice, and more, this event may not be for everyone.

This, unfortunately, also means that pregnant women, infants, and any children that are being carried will be denied entry. The event is not recommended for kids under 10. Also, please be mindful of any medical conditions you or someone in your group may have.

Keep in mind, the Haunted Trail does not give refunds for guests who are too scared to continue through the maze and need to leave early.

As always, use your best judgment and happy haunting!

Featured Hotel

Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town / SeaWorld Area

Families

SeaWorld

Zoo

One look at the elegant lobby of the Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town/SeaWorld Area and you know you are in for a treat. Just wait until you see the rooms!

Prices Starting at $143

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