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Lake Calavera Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 37 Google reviews · Running trail in Carlsbad, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Lake 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.
What runners say about Lake Calavera Trail
Want great trails, some good hills to challenge those who like to run Technical trails, and only a short drive for locals in Carlsbad, hard to beat Calavera Hills. I can get 3 to 4 hours of running, so bring water, also keep an eye out for Snakes this time of year, stay to the center of the trails.
Best to go with someone who knows the trails as they are not well marked. Easy to intermediate with the option of one advanced climb. I went with a meetup group AD with our leader he knows the trails well and the whole group was very nice.
I live right next to this place i have so many good memories its so fun i cant discribe it! You should check it out yourselves, theres a lake a skateing place and trails and so much more!
Great morning hike. A bit muddy in the lower areas due to rain. I suggest waterproof hiking shoes.
Trail conditions & character
“Want great trails, some good hills to challenge those who like to run Technical trails, and only a short drive for locals in Carlsbad, hard to beat Calavera Hills.”
“Want great trails, some good hills to challenge those who like to run Technical trails, and only a short drive for locals in Carlsbad, hard to beat Calavera Hills.”
Plan your run at Lake Calavera Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Phone+1 760-936-3098
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
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Calavera Nature Preserve
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Lake Calavera
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Lake Calavera Preserve
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Network of volcano, lake, hill and mountain trails that attract hikers and mountain bikers.
Calavera Trail
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Veteran’s Park Trails
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