San Diego’s celebrated haunted trail is in full swing right now. (Courtesy photo)

Double Spooked in Balboa Park

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

This year’s Haunted Trail of Balboa Park in Martson Point raises the fright factor with two rounds of “freak-infested terror,” as its promoters describe.

Launched in late September and running through Nov. 1, the first portion of the experience begins within a 3,500-square-foot “Experimental Maze,” where darkness gives way to encounters with ghoulish beings and deceptive pathways. The attraction comes with a warning of “high-impact scares” while forbidding entry to pregnant women and infants. In addition, the maze isn’t recommended for kids 10 years and younger.

After bumbling through the labyrinth, a mile-long Haunted Trail awaits. It cuts through trees and flora while leading hikers through “clown slums” and pockets of paranormal activity. There are props aplenty, which include a decaying cathedral, a “killbilly smokehouse,” a torture carriage, and more.

But fear not. Everyone lives to tell about this most unusual walk through the park.

The Haunted Trail is located at Balboa Drive and Juniper Road. It runs between 6:30p and 11:00p on most evenings in October. General admission starts at $34.99. Tickets can be purchased onsite or online.