Home › California › Oceanside › Calavera Trail
Calavera Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 143 Google reviews · Running trail in Oceanside, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 11 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Calavera Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Relaxed hills area with paths for hiking and biking, plus views, dogs and lake access.
What runners say about Calavera Trail
“) ish, there is a bathroom, which was pretty clean.”
“The view from the top of Mount Calavera is beautiful, and I'd recommend everyone go check it out.”
“Busy esp in the morning, saw a coyote casually crossing our path about 30 feet away, easy trails to rather steep rocky trails to the summit.”
“This is my to go for a walk, walk the dog or even hiking.”
On Sunday, the trail was incredibly busy with many runners, bikers, and hikers. However, the trail has numerous forks, allowing you to spend the entire day exploring. The hike was thoroughly enjoyable, with beautiful views, plenty of plants, birds, old volcano. Worth to try!
Great hike around the lake. Amazing flora and fauna. Nice restrooms 🚻 water faucets. Easy hike around lake. Want more of a challenge hike to the top of the caldera. Labyrinth and karins in middle hike by the dam. Enjoy 😃
Moderate trail but fun! Will definitely become a regular here. They even have a bathroom for those sudden emergencies. Parking on the street but safe neighborhood so it's all good. Walk run hike bike you can do it all!!!
It's a nice little hike with pretty views. Good for trail running, dog walks and mountain biking.
Trail conditions & character
“The view from the top of Mount Calavera is beautiful, and I'd recommend everyone go check it out.”
“There are a lot of trails and paths to explore for hiking, biking and walking your dog.”
“Busy esp in the morning, saw a coyote casually crossing our path about 30 feet away, easy trails to rather steep rocky trails to the summit.”
“They even have a bathroom for those sudden emergencies.”
“Would not recommend baby strollers at all unless you stick to the flattish wide trails just off the parking areas.”
“Super accessible with multiple entrances and a wide range of things to see and do including hiking up to the top of an ancient volcano.”
“You can actually do more than 11 mile hike here accounting to Alltrail.”
Plan your run at Calavera Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Distance11 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
Running trails near Oceanside
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lake Calavera
4.6 ★★★★★ 151 reviews
A warren of trails on a dormant volcano draws hikers & cyclists to this serene locale with a view.
Lake Calavera Hiking Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 465 reviews
Hiking spot with a trail around a lake, plus picnic tables and views from the top.
Lake Calavera Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 540 reviews
Network of volcano, lake, hill and mountain trails that attract hikers and mountain bikers.
Oak Riparian Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 561 reviews
Scenic neighborhood green space next to trails with a playground, grassy field & picnic areas.
Lake Calavera Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 105 reviews
Kid-friendly park featuring numerous trails, as well as picnic tables.
Calavera Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 227 reviews
Nature reserve for casual hiking through lush trails and a climb up a volcano.