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Lake Calavera
4.6 ★★★★★ 151 Google reviews · Running trail in Carlsbad, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Lake Calavera'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.
A warren of trails on a dormant volcano draws hikers & cyclists to this serene locale with a view.
What runners say about Lake Calavera
“The hiking trails are awesome and usually very well maintained.”
“😍🌋 I cannot recommend it enough, it is beautiful and idyllic: perfect sunset hike”
“Great place to go hike, run, walk your dogs or just enjoy the beautiful scenery.”
“It's quiet and you get a nice seabreeze.”
Great place to go hike, run, walk your dogs or just enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Great place to go enjoy Southern CA wildlife and native plants. The last time I went I counted over 23 different species on plants in bloom (early May). The hiking trails are awesome and usually very well maintained. The loop around the lake is easy enough for children or begging hikers.
A place with many paths. Some are easy. Some are steep. No matter which one you choose, you will find the wonders of this place. Thankfully we came on a day with lots of overcast. I would not do this with a blazing sun. Awesome view at the top.
Great hiking. Very Scenic. Has that Vista Carlsbad Feel. Really peaceful place to visit and see. What is also great about this place is it's closeness to the city and roads that I frequent. It's super close to the 78 freeway. I mean it's right in town in Vista.
Trail conditions & character
“Finally, you can see an amazing 360 degree view of Carlsbad, Oceanside & Vista from the Peak of the Volcanic Plug.”
“You can choose to hike to the peak, which is a nice 4 mile hike up a moderately steep hill.”
“You can also get a disposable bag there if you're walking your dog and forgot one.”
“The only time I ran into trouble was when we had a lot of heavy rain earlier this year and the lake level rose enough to flood the trail bridges making parts inaccessible.”
“The loop around the lake is easy enough for children or begging hikers.”
“The only time I ran into trouble was when we had a lot of heavy rain earlier this year and the lake level rose enough to flood the trail bridges making parts inaccessible.”
Plan your run at Lake Calavera
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- 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.
- Websitecarlsbadca.gov
- Phone+1 760-434-2978
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Carlsbad
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 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.
Calavera Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 143 reviews
Relaxed hills area with paths for hiking and biking, plus views, dogs and lake access.
Calavera Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 227 reviews
Nature reserve for casual hiking through lush trails and a climb up a volcano.
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.