Balboa Park Haunted Trail: 2025 In-Depth Guide

Ready to swap sun-soaked strolls for spine-tingling shrieks? Every fall, San Diego’s iconic Balboa Park transforms into a moon-lit maze of terror known as The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park. This legendary Halloween attraction pairs a 3,500-square-foot eXperiment Maze with a mile-long outdoor trail beneath twisted pines and gnarled oaks, earning shout-outs from CNN as one of America’s top five haunted attractions.

Where Nightmares Lurk Under the Oaks

Twisted roots and twisted tales—fear blooms at Marston Point.

Set at historic Marston Point—just off Balboa Drive and Juniper Road—the Haunted Trail leverages the park’s natural topography. Fog clings to century-old branches, tombstones jut from a ghost-filled graveyard, and the infamous Ghoul Bus waits beside Freddy’s rust-covered school bus.

The entire experience is outdoors, so dress for cool coastal evenings and wear sturdy shoes for the uneven forest floor.

Mark Your Calendar for Maximum Terror

Scare season is set—mark the nights when the screams begin at Balboa Park.

• Event Dates: Nightly from September 26 – November 1, 2025
• Gates Open: Around 6:45 p.m. | Final entry: 11:00 p.m.
• Note: Hours may vary by night and are subject to weather.
• Tickets: Must be purchased in advance (date-specific). VIP Scream Passes and timed-entry general admission available.
• Lights-On Preview Tours: May be offered for low-scare seekers.

Who Should—and Shouldn’t—Enter

Not all who enter will finish—know if you’re brave enough to begin.

• Recommended for: Adrenaline junkies, horror fans, and those seeking intense scares.
• Not recommended for: Children under 10, pregnant guests, infants, or anyone sensitive to strobes/fog/enclosed spaces.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible but best suited for manual chairs due to terrain.

What to Expect on the Mile-Long March

From viral fears to chainsaw chases—this mile’s packed with nightmares.

• eXperiment Maze: 3,500 sq. ft. of visual trickery, cult callbacks, and viral horror nightmares featuring Moldy Locks, mutant pigs, and twisted fairy tales.
• Haunted Trail: A mile of terror including graveyards, meat houses, chainsaw barns, and apocalyptic landscapes with 100+ scare actors.
• Pop Culture Twists: “HELLno Kitty,” Stranger Things portals, and more thematic references.
• Midway Madness (NEW for 2025): Dark carnival with roaming clowns, photo ops, food trucks, and midway games.
• Exit Chase: Chainsaws lead you out with a scream—then shop or throw axes at the BOOtique gift shop.

Park, Prep, and Plot Your Escape

Where to park, what to pack, and how to dodge the end-of-trail scare.

• Parking: Free lots at Inspiration Point and Alcazar. Courtesy tram service available.
• Arrival Tips: Arrive 30 minutes early to avoid traffic and enjoy views before nightfall.
• Weather: Outdoor event; closures possible during rain—check social updates.

Ticket Information

Tickets to terror—what you need to know before the haunt begins.

• General Admission: Includes both trail and maze. Prices: Around $32–$35 + $3.99 online fee.
• VIP Scream Pass: Skip the line access, upgradeable on-site if available.
• Group Rates: For 20+ guests (excludes Fri/Sat and after Oct 23).
• No refunds: For unused tickets or early exits due to fear.

Scare at Night, Chill by Day—Tripster Makes It Easy

Why settle for just screams when you can build a whole fall escape? Tripster helps you bundle Haunted Trail of Balboa Park tickets with zoo passes, downtown San Diego hotels, and daytime attractions—all in one smooth booking.

With exclusive discounts, flexible vacation packages, and trusted planning tools, Tripster makes it easy to go from haunted hike to full-on fall getaway. Less time planning, more time spooking (and snacking on churros).