If you’re looking for a good scare, let me tell you about my experience on the Haunted Trail in San Diego’s Balboa Park. Week 13 of my time here, my friend Brent messaged me on a Monday, inviting me to check out this creepy trail. I had never been to a haunted attraction before, so I agreed without a second thought. We headed out that night, and I had no idea what I was in for.
Disclaimer: From the balboa park haunted trail website
The Start of the Haunted Trail Adventure
When we arrived at the Haunted Trail, I was surprised by the huge crowd. It was a Monday night at 9 p.m., but there was already a massive line, which made it clear how popular this attraction is. As we waited, Brent looked over and asked, “Are you ready for this? Are you scared?” Naturally, I brushed it off, saying, “This is kids’ stuff, I’m not scared at all.” I could not have been more wrong.
Entering the Haunted Trail
After a long wait, we finally entered the Haunted Trail. Brent and I were at the back of a group, and I quickly realized it was less scary that way because we saw the people in front of us get scared first. This ruined the element of surprise, so I suggest we move forward to getting the full experience.
The trail started with a maze, which was incredibly confusing. We kept going in circles until we finally found our way out. Then we stepped into a dark room filled with smoke and a large, eerie pot in the center. I looked at Brent and joked, “This is only scary for elementary school kids.” But as soon as I said that a clown jumped out of the smoke and got right in my face, making me fall backward onto Brent. We both ended up on the ground, laughing nervously as Brent said, “You were saying this was kids’ stuff, right?”
Facing the Creepy Church and Nun Encounter
Our next stop was something that looked like a haunted church, with dim lighting and eerie vibes. The room was filled with people dressed as nuns with horrifying faces. One of them ran toward me, cornering me against the wall while screaming. It was unsettling, and I had to push past her to escape. The Haunted Trail was already proving to be scarier than I’d expected.
The Farm of Chainsaw-Wielding Maniacs
We continued through the Haunted Trail and soon found ourselves in a section designed to look like an abandoned farm. Almost immediately, three guys with chainsaws appeared. One of them, wearing a pig mask, ran after us, making grunting noises and saying, “I’m so hungry; I’m going to feast on your flesh!” Surprisingly, Brent and I found this more funny than scary, and we laughed while sprinting away from the “pig man.”
Entering the Haunted School Bus
The final challenge of the Haunted Trail was a school bus parked ominously in the middle of the path. There was a group of girls standing by the door, too scared to go inside. I decided to be brave and told them, “Step aside, ladies, this doesn’t scare me.” Brent shook his head, warning me, “Medo, every time you say that it gets worse.”
We got on the bus, and immediately, I knew why they were hesitant. The bus was filled with life-size figures of cannibals from the horror movie Wrong Turn. Some were props, while others were actors, but it was impossible to tell which was which. As I walked down the aisle, one of them suddenly stood up and screamed, sending Brent and me running for the exit while the girls outside laughed at our reactions.
The Aftermath of the Haunted Trail
Once we got off the bus and to the end of the Haunted Trail, Brent and I took a deep breath and laughed, recounting the scariest moments of the night. The Haunted Trail was much larger and more elaborate than I had expected, and I had a blast facing my fears with my friend by my side.
5 Reasons to Visit the Haunted Trail in San Diego
- Heart-Pounding Scares: From creepy clowns to chainsaw-wielding maniacs, this trail has it all.
- Authentic Horror Atmosphere: The Haunted Trail captures a genuinely spooky vibe that feels straight out of a horror movie.
- Variety of Themes: Each section of the trail is different, from haunted churches to eerie school buses, keeping you on edge the entire time.
- Perfect for Friends or Groups: The more, the merrier. It is hilarious to watch your friends get scared!
- Great Value for a Scary Night Out: For the level of scare you get; it is worth the ticket price.
Final Thoughts on the Haunted Trail Experience
The Haunted Trail in Balboa Park is a must-visit if you are in San Diego around Halloween. It is perfect for thrill-seekers and anyone who enjoys a good scare. Just do not make the same mistake I did by calling it “kids’ stuff”—you will regret it! That night was one of the highlights of my time here, and I will be back next year, with a bigger group of friends.
Learning English in San Digo!
Learn English in San Diego, California – Q International
Q International School had a Halloween Event!
Q International School Halloween Event
This is the place where we went!
Haunted Trail
