Lake Calavera Preserve

All the footprints and tire tracks in the dirt make it clear that the trails at Lake Calavera Preserve are popular. 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. I hiked what the preserve’s entrance sign calls the Lake Calavera Trail, though the official map labels sections of it as the North Trail and the South Shore Trail. Either way, this loop around the lake is one of the nicest hikes in the area. It offers great views of the water and of Mount Calavera, an extinct volcano, along with plenty of opportunities to spot Anseriformes. The trail begins just inside the Tamarack Avenue entrance to Lake Calavera Preserve, and nearby neighborhoods along the preserve’s boundary also provide access to this and other trails. Navigation can be a bit tricky, as signs aren’t very helpful at the many trail forks. Paths head off in all directions, with some leading to the Carlsbad Highlands Ecological Reserve or the Calavera Hills–Robertson Ranch Preserve. There are few shaded sections where trees and shrubs block the sun, but the trail itself is clean and well maintained. While most visitors are respectful, some dog owners don’t follow the preserve’s rules. Street parking is the only parking option, and the Tamarack Avenue entrance has a restroom. The preserve does not charge an entrance fee.

Nice and easy trail. You have to walk up paved road for a while before getting into more rugged part of the trail. It is good for a light workout, but can be disappointing if you imagine anything challenging.

Lake Calavera is a popular hiking destination in Carlsbad, California, featuring a dormant, ancient volcano named Mount Calavera. The area includes trails around the lake, and the volcano's eroded plug is visible, revealing the conduit that once fed magma. The volcano is extinct and will not erupt again.

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. I intended to just go around the lake, but I saw a trail going up to the top of the volcano... I must resist, I can not.....take trail up to top. Lot of open areas and a fair amount in high bush area......shade. Enjoy

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. There are multiple access points, of which some have dedicated parking along the street or in an actual lot attached to a park. The main hike trail itself is pretty simple and does a circular loop around a lake. However, there are many offshoot paths that branch off into other areas that offer a varying range of difficulty. For example, one can take a side trail and hike to the top of a volcanic mountain at the center. Another route will take you around the dam and further into the reaches of Carlsbad. The views on top of the volcanic mountain are amazing and you can see a 360° panoramic view of Carlsbad and parts of Oceanside. 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. The only downside is when bikers congregate and one must share the trail with them; which really is not really a harsh inconvenience.