Home › California › Carlsbad › Lake Calavera Preserve
Lake Calavera Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 540 Google reviews · Running trail in Carlsbad, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Lake Calavera Preserve'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.
Network of volcano, lake, hill and mountain trails that attract hikers and mountain bikers.
What runners say about Lake Calavera Preserve
“There are few shaded sections where trees and shrubs block the sun, but the trail itself is clean and well maintained.”
“Overall, I really like this trail for its diversity in length and difficulty, but also appreciate the beautiful views and how peaceful it can be.”
“Excellent local hiking trail with a little lake, some cool rock features, trails ranging from easy to moderate, some shaded areas, and it’s a volcano!”
“Overall, I really like this trail for its diversity in length and difficulty, but also appreciate the beautiful views and how peaceful it can be.”
“If you'd like a trail that has the view, a bit challenge, and also family friendly, this fits the bill.”
I thought i would check out the lake and trails here. I must say, if you are a hiker or need to get the steps in, this place is it. There is a volcano here also... don't worry, it is dormant. 😁 i didn't see Spock. Oh wait, that is Vulcan....never mind.
Great trail to get out and take your dog out to explore, nice habitat for the wildlife. Saw a turtle but forgot to snap a picture overall nice place and pet friendly
Lake Calavera Trail Head, is a nice, peaceful place to walk. Many of the trails here aren't super difficult. The dirt hiking trails my wife & I traversed, didn't have many steep inclines, & had some lovely lake & mountain views, plus there were many different birds & small animals to view.
The Lake Calavera trailhead is probably one of my favorite hiking trails, that also doubles great for bikers as well. This extensive trail is in Carlsbad, but just off the border of Oceanside California.
Trail conditions & character
“It offers great views of the water and of Mount Calavera, an extinct volcano, along with plenty of opportunities to spot Anseriformes.”
“To push it even further, go down on the West side of the volcano where you will face steep rocky path instead of the normal trail on the East side of the volcano.”
“The Lake Calavera trailhead is probably one of my favorite hiking trails, that also doubles great for bikers as well.”
“Excellent local hiking trail with a little lake, some cool rock features, trails ranging from easy to moderate, some shaded areas, and it’s a volcano!”
“Fortunately for me, visiting on a weekday morning turned out to be ideal, with far fewer people, cyclists, and dogs than you’d typically see on a weekend.”
“At the main entrance (accessed by this Trail Head), there's a bathroom, some maps and signs with bulletins with trail info and data on the wildlife that one may encounter.”
“Overall, I really like this trail for its diversity in length and difficulty, but also appreciate the beautiful views and how peaceful it can be.”
“To push it even further, go down on the West side of the volcano where you will face steep rocky path instead of the normal trail on the East side of the volcano.”
“The main hike trail itself is pretty simple and does a circular loop around a lake.”
Plan your run at Lake Calavera Preserve
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 trailheadparking, restrooms — 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 Hiking Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 465 reviews
Hiking spot with a trail around a lake, plus picnic tables and views from the top.
Lake Calavera
4.6 ★★★★★ 151 reviews
A warren of trails on a dormant volcano draws hikers & cyclists to this serene locale with a view.
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.