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Lake Calavera Hiking Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 465 Google reviews · Running trail in Carlsbad, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Lake Calavera Hiking 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.
Hiking spot with a trail around a lake, plus picnic tables and views from the top.
What runners say about Lake Calavera Hiking Trail
“If you’re taking a dog make sure to take water for it also and poop bags, always clean up after them.”
“It’s an easy hike, very beautiful, but please keep your beloved dogs on leash, because there is coyotes and can be taken away from you.”
“What sets this trail apart is the variety—lava rock formations, serene wetlands, shady eucalyptus groves, and open ridgelines all in one compact hike.”
“What sets this trail apart is the variety—lava rock formations, serene wetlands, shady eucalyptus groves, and open ridgelines all in one compact hike.”
“Overall 8/10 Good for a quick easy hike (for fit individuals) but not difficult enough to get an intense runner's high or extreme endorphins.”
Love this place. Good for kids n dog. Have many trail head n you can hike to the top for a beautiful sunset n ocean view. You can also see all the mountains in the background too. You can hike from 1-11 mile here if you wanted. It a different view every time I go here.
Multiple routes on this site, one can make it easy and flat or moderately difficult with incline. There trail that surrounds the lake is an easy walking path with lakeside views. Hiking up on the extinct volcano reveals a 360 view of the Tri city area with ocean views and suburban encroachment.
Lake Calaveras is a beautiful little spot to walk with friends or your pets! With trails surrounding a very old and dormant volcano, there are plenty of views that give you unique perspectives of North County and even the Pacific Ocean.
Hiking with friends is a blessing. This hike has beauty and it can be tough going up through the rocks but it was fun. Just watch out for the snakes since it's hot they love coming out to sun. Make sure you bring water and I suggest start early before it gets hot.
Trail conditions & character
“It’s an easy hike, very beautiful, but please keep your beloved dogs on leash, because there is coyotes and can be taken away from you.”
“It’s an easy hike, very beautiful, but please keep your beloved dogs on leash, because there is coyotes and can be taken away from you.”
“Trails range from flat hard-packed surfaces suitable for sandals to steep rocky faces that require sturdy shoes and hands to scramble up.”
“Trails range from flat hard-packed surfaces suitable for sandals to steep rocky faces that require sturdy shoes and hands to scramble up.”
“What sets this trail apart is the variety—lava rock formations, serene wetlands, shady eucalyptus groves, and open ridgelines all in one compact hike.”
“What sets this trail apart is the variety—lava rock formations, serene wetlands, shady eucalyptus groves, and open ridgelines all in one compact hike.”
“There is a restroom at one of the trailheads but once you start going up there are no restrooms.”
“Trails range from flat hard-packed surfaces suitable for sandals to steep rocky faces that require sturdy shoes and hands to scramble up.”
Plan your run at Lake Calavera Hiking Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecarlsbadca.gov
- Phone+1 760-434-2826
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
4.6 ★★★★★ 151 reviews
A warren of trails on a dormant volcano draws hikers & cyclists to this serene locale with a view.
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.