Calavera Lake

Great hiking. Conveniently park in the neighborhood and head out. There are plenty of trails. I especially like the trail at the very top of the ridge.

Loved it. Not too many people on any trail because there are a variety to choose from.

Fun trail, although poorly defined at times. I recommend using a navigation tool to see where you are on or off the trail, but even if you go off trail, you are never too far from civilization.
The lake is nice but nothing earth shattering. The old volcano (crater) is interesting and you can go to the top rim and look out, but do exercise care when up top as it can be dangerous up there.
Mid-​day hikes are hot — very hot, so I recommend an early morning hike or an early evening hike. Take plenty of water for you and the dog.
Be careful and ENJOY!!!

What a place! I have been going here since I was a kid and it’s as fun now as it was then. Mild hike if you want to go straight up the «mountain» and great trails around it. It can get steep and this isn’t a good one to go to if you’re not sure-​footed, as the uphill can be pretty steep at times. The lake is not for swimming but great for spelunking around on the outskirts. If you go off the beaten path too much you’re going to run into bramble and brush, but it’s always a fun idea to try to get up the mountain on alternative routes. Bring dogs, they love it and it’s pretty much an okay area for them to be off-​leash
Idyllic views at night and during the day, though it can get sweltering hot here at times.
The walk to the actual lake from the parking area is a little too industrial for my taste, but once you get past the lake to the actual mountain it gets better, though it isn’t a «wilderness walk» type of hike unless you go to the left trail instead of straight up. This trail wraps around and has offshoots, and is pretty shady.
The crater is my favorite part and you can go to the edge of it on top to look out. It can be dangerous at the top, so watch your kids and your footing if you go past the normal viewing area. It’s pretty apparent where it’s safe and where it’s not.

We parked on the street at the end of Tamarack where there’s a sign that says «lake» or «hiking» or something like that. Then we walked counter-​clockwise around the lake, which took a bit over an hour with stops to take photos, etc.
Use the map on the Carlsbad city website that shows a satellite view overlaid with nearby streets and the different hiking trails marked in colors. We had to take this map with us during our hike around the lake because signage is poor and it would be easy to take the wrong turn.
Only wildlife we saw? Ducks swimming in the lake. Hiking around this lake doesn’t give you much of the feeling of being in the great outdoors due to it being surrounded by housing developments. However, it was fairly quiet and the weather was nice.
Nearby houses are more hidden when you walk along Batiquitos Lagoon a few exits south.

Hiked here a couple times and been so-​so impressed. The trails aren’t super clear cut. I may be hiking the wrong way or something but I think they could use some work making it more clear cut. Carlsbad is pretty safe so you’re fine area wise hiking alone but the trails are so isolated that I honestly wouldn’t go alone.

I used to live right up the street and fish the lake all the time! So fuckin wack you can’t fish there now.

We enjoy this location as it provides quick local access (we live in Oceanside) to the activities we enjoy: mountain biking, hiking, and geocaching. The views from the top of the «volcano» are spectacular, especially on clear mornings and afternoons. The variations of the trails and loops here are great, providing every fitness level an opportunity to «get outside.» Be sure to check out the interpretive panel near the base of the volcanic cap! What’s that you say? Well, you will just have to read about North County’s very own 22 million year old point of history there… some great local trivia! Great area for kids and adults alike.

This was literally my first hiking trail ever. My boyfriend was the one who got me into it when we were living in Oceanside; we’d always come here to run the trails which is moderately a good work out. It’s perfect for biking, family and walking your dog.
I decided to run it again with some friends while I was in town and they said it was incredibly easy compare to others.
Running the trails, it’d take us about an hour and forty five since I’d sometimes walk incline. There’s trails mark from easy to moderate, I don’t think any of the trails are hard… it’s just a matter of how long it is.
Parking: we always park behind the trail where the neighborhood/​apartments are. However, there’s a parking lot in a park as well; that’s the front entrance which leads you to the trail also. It’s free so no worries.

I feel like I’m not in California anymore. You can make your hike difficult or easy, long or short. Rolling meadows, a lake and very peaceful atmosphere! Love this place!

Horrible spot to fish. One tiny spot on the east side of the «lake». Not that hard to use a few tax dollars and build a little fishing dock on the north side.

Great place a bit confusing with no signs around but was a nice place with some good views

Seriously good luck finding this place if you don’t live in Carlsbad! No street address anywhere online or in there website, map the middle school and you will find it! Once found, the people you run into here are really nice! I did some trail running and where I ran I noticed a lot of unmarked trails and they seem to be more for mountain bikers not so much for hiking or running, the scenery around me I saw was just housing tracks and schools! But when I went, there wasn’t to many bikers so I didn’t run into any of them! I could see this being a nice local spot for the locals but nothing worth driving for! I just came here because it was close to the hotel room I stayed at for a wedding.

My favorite place to hike in North County. There are different entrances to this area depending on which part of the trail you want to hike. There are different types of trails you can take depending on the difficulty you want to take on. And lastly, lots of dogs! Hurray for dog-​friendly hiking areas! My dog loves it when I bring him here, and all the other dogs and dog owners are polite when you come across them.
My favorite trail entrance is on Tamarack Avenue. Parking is on the street. You can see Lake Calavera right away. I remember the first time I decided to hike Lake Calavera, I parked at the lot on College Boulevard and Carlsbad Village Drive. I hiked for hours wondering where the lake was. If you want a quick hike to the lake, or to walk around the lake, pick the Tamarack Avenue entrance.
There is also a cool little volcano you can see. When you start the trail, you can either choose to go on the trail that follows the lake, or you can choose to go see the volcano. I like to walk around the lake for an easier (but beautiful!) stroll or up the hill that goes around the volcano for more of a workout. If the season and weather is just right, you’ll see some of the most beautiful yellow-​orange wildflowers at the top of the hill. Definitely worth the climb up.
I come here at least weekly to get in some good nature sight-​seeing and to work out my dog. Both of us love it here. This is a hidden gem in the middle of Carlsbad.

Great place for a hike or a run. People are super nice here.
Some trail users have recently had their cars broken into while out enjoying the park. Keep your belongings out of sight when you leave your car behind.

Popular place to go hiking!
DOG-​FRIENDLY: The majority of people walking here had their pooches in tow. Woof woof! You can grab a few doggie bags from the dispenser. Trash cans are also conveniently located here.
EASY TO MODERATE HIKE: My hiking companion categorizes this hike as «easy». I’m a dancer by profession, but this hike had me huffing and puffing. I stopped to take breaks quite a few times on the way up. Heading back was much easier. Still, I agree that it’s doable. If all the families with small children can do it, this off-​duty dancer can do it.
EDUCATIONAL: Signs along the way feature photographs and descriptions of local wildlife (ie. frogs, birds, racoons) that can be found in the area. You can also read about the history of the lake and surrounding area, the community’s development, and even the volcanic plug that is the mountain you are now hiking alongside.

Since there is not exact address, I followed the Unilocal «DIRECTION» n got lost. Drove around the area twice finally give up and look up the Lake Calavera Website.
There are 3 Entrances to this trail.
1. Carlsbad Village Drive (at Penisula Drive) and College Boulevard
2. Tamarack Avenue between Strata Dr & Knollwood Dr
3. Sky Haven Lane near Lake Boulevard (in Oceanside)
I took Tamarack Avenue entrance. Very short hike to Dam n Lake.
Trail is a little confusing since there is no sign.
–Pass the gate follow the pavement road with 3 yellow painted poles
–Follow pavement road. Left side is Lake
–Pavement road turn to dirt road
–Trail split into 2 — Left side is around the lake (flat). Right side is going to Volcano
–At Volcano point the trail split into 2 again — Facing the Volcano. Left is incline around the lake. Right to high point for overview of city
–Going to Overivew point of interest. There are many trails. Just take one as long going uphills. Its lead to same spot
–When you see sign «Trail», you are close to the top.
–Take left and go short uphill.
–Enjoy the city n ocean view.
This could be loop trail if you want longer hike. If not, just go back where come started.
This is moderate short hike with great workout. Nice view n close up of the lake

Came here expecting to see a nice lake, but instead we were met with a lake with trash all along the sides. Kinda of a dirty place, and the trails aren’t really maintained, they cut off in random places. Also Unilocal has this place in the wrong spot on the map.

I’ve always passed by this place and I never knew what was on the other side of college blvd. This place seems somewhat hidden. It’s in a residential area. Well it was my first time walking it and this is a light hike.
I really enjoyed it and there wasn’t too many people when I went. Just be careful with the people who are biking and give them way. Overall everything just seems peaceful and my way to relieve stress.
I took the main trail and it takes you around the lake and it took me an hour.

I’d consider this less of a hike and more of a nature walk with a few steep spots to get your blood pumping. There’s also the added bonus of an awesome view of North County, and the remnants of an ancient volcanic plug? What?! Do some searching and you can also find some cool caves and a little rock labyrinth.
Definitely worth at least one go, I’ve done it a few times now and I’ll be back in the future.