Whether you are a native Californian or visiting for holidays, work, or any other reason, Halloween events are always top-notch here. This year, I got to explore Balboa Park’s The Haunted Trail Halloween haunt attraction.
There are a few event guidelines to follow, but unlike most haunts, you are allowed to dress for the occasion. They request no excessive gore, props, or masks, so plan accordingly.
This attraction runs from September 26th through November 1st. It features two haunts and was voted as a top Halloween attraction by CNN (if traditional news media matters to you).
The Haunted Trail
My personal opinion of the attraction will be rated based on scare level, aesthetics, accessibility, and overall enjoyment.
Aesthetics
Although it was challenging with the groups moving quickly (a true downside), the rooms and outside areas were very well designed. There were a few areas where more effort could have improved the visual appeal, but it wasn’t a major issue.
My favorite scenes were the room with a Freddy Krueger scare actor, the spooky bedroom, and the outdoor areas of the maze that transitioned from a school bus theme to the carnival. They really went all out for a few rooms, including real furniture, a lot of props and animatronics, and scare-actors lurking from nearly every corner.
Aesthetics: 8/10
Accessibility
Three specific areas would not be wheelchair accessible due to heavy fog, tight spaces (from rails/bridges and inflatable walls you have to push through), and most of the haunt is not recommended for people with serious lung problems or epilepsy. If you use a wheelchair, you would likely have difficulty.
The outdoor areas are more welcoming than some of the rooms. Lines were also quite short, with some outside lines on dirt or grass.
Accessibility: 5/10
Scare level
I’m not the best judge of what’s scary. I was a scare-actor at a different theme park (it was fun, and I miss it). So, I’ll rate it based on how many people I witnessed jump, scream, and fall (yes, they fell).
One of my friends in the group was shaking. You could see her hand visibly tremble when she raised her hand or drank water.
Most of my group wasn’t scared, but those who were were extremely scared of the actors.
I’d rate it a solid 2 to 3 out of 10 for the brave or ex-scare actors. For the average person, it’s an 8 to 9 out of 10.
Some areas could have used improvement since they had so much potential. (I’m looking at you, school bus.)
I would also like to say that a small number of the actors could have timed their scares better, especially since the groups can be large and very quickly consecutive. They were all great, and timing is a tricky thing. But that would be the only piece of advice.
Overall enjoyment
I’m definitely going back this season—probably soon. I’m planning to go with a smaller group, or maybe even alone, so I can pause longer for photos inside the trails and mazes.
I also loved that they had scare actors walk through the waiting areas, food stalls, games, gift shops, and lines to entertain guests outside the scare zones. Truly thoughtful, and I highly appreciated it.
And on the inside part of the lines, they show scary clips and full movies. They happened to be playing Evil Dead (the OG movie, not the remake) while my group and I were in line.
Final impressions and recommendations
Honestly, despite some drawbacks, I highly recommend it. I suggest doing the VIP if you’re in a larger group or waiting for party members to arrive.
Arrive early. My friend and I carpooled, and we arrived a full two hours early but still had trouble finding parking.
Bring cash. You’ll want to buy souvenirs, play arcade games (they have archery and axe-throwing), and enjoy food and drinks. There are food carts outside and a few food trucks and stands inside the line, where they keep the gift shop and games.
This Halloween event is definitely one you won’t want to miss! A spooktacular experience and a great date night for couples.
Featured image via author
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