Hiking Trails in Carlsbad
Information Update for August 2019
Residents in Carlsbad who like to walk and hike are truly fortunate, as the City of Carlsbad has an abundance of hiking trails.
Currently there are approximately 67 miles of trails in the network, with more being planned. No doubt some residents and visitors may not even be aware of this huge network of trails.
Of course walking along or on our beautiful beaches is a treat, including the concrete “boardwalk” extending south of the Village to the power plant, but there are plenty of other walking options scattered around town for all ability levels.
The City of Carlsbad website has a complete list of hiking trails. You can also print maps for both North Carlsbad Trails and South Carlsbad Trails (these maps may not be updated with the newest trails that have been added).
The City of Carlsbad also provides “Trail Talk” videos for 4 of the trails currently. Here's one example:
Carlsbad’s hiking trails appeal to just about every hiker, given the wide range of distances and the variation in difficulty, unless you are really into mountain-type hiking trails – sorry, but it’s just not THAT hilly here.
The website notes which of our Carlsbad trails are paved, and which are not, and also grades them by difficulty – easy, moderate, and difficult.
There are also some trails that are wheelchair accessible.
Residents living in a number of master planned communities have trails they can enjoy, including The Preserve, Robertson Ranch, Bressi Ranch, La Costa Greens, and Rancho Carrillo. Some of these community trails hook up to the City’s trail network.
A personal favorite of mine is along the Batiquitos Lagoon in the Aviara area of South Carlsbad.
And a hike up Mount Calavera (photo below) in the Calavera Hills area, with marvelous 360 degree views, is a good one too. It’s much more vigorous than the walk around Lake Calavera nearby but that’s a beautiful, and easy, walk with great birdlife.
Hike WITH me for a bit in my Facebook live video from 2 years ago
(about a 3 minute video; turn your volume up - the video volume is pretty low)
Mount Calavera in Carlsbad
Lake Calavera seen from the top of Mount Calavera 
Carlsbad holds a number of trail cleanup events during the year, and volunteers are always needed to help keep our trails in great shape for all to enjoy. The City provides a work plan and also safety training at the beginning of each of these trail cleanup events.
Some clean-up events have already been held, but volunteers are needed for the following Trail Cleanup Events for the rest of 2019 – September 28, October 26, November 16, and December 11. The clean-ups start at 8:30 am and end at 11:30; water and snacks are provided.
There are plenty of volunteer opportunities, including Trail Captain, Trail Maintenance, working on the newsletter, Native Habitat Restoration, trail construction, and trail markers/signage installation.
You can learn more about being a volunteer by attending one of the quarterly Trail Volunteer Meetings.
Want to be a volunteer in Carlsbad? You can learn more about volunteer opportunities in Carlsbad on the city website page for volunteers.
Interested residents may also either call 760-434-2929 or email Volunteers@CarlsbadCa.gov.
