...or a slippery adventure with my dad.
Trail details [Currently closed]
Distance: 4.8 miles
Elevation gain: 652 ft
Type: Loop
Approx. time: 1h 30min
Dogs allowed: Yes
Permit required: No
To someone living in San Diego North County, Lake Calavera is a classic. It's nearby - in the middle of Carlsbad, there is plenty of parking, and there are several different trails to pick from depending on what difficulty level you prefer.
As my dad was currently visiting and it had just rained, we decided to keep it easier and took the Lake Calavera Loop Trail (which doesn't go all the way up on the hill). Instead to walking towards the dam, there is a left turn just after a toilet house. From there I highly recommend paying attention to the signs as there are many trails going in all kinds of directions. However, most of them end up leading you to the same places.
The day still being cloudy and the trails muddy, we essentially chose whatever was the best path at the time. The area is really beautiful wherever you go.
However, here are some tips to really enjoy it:
After heavy rains, check Alltrails reviews to see if it has been marked as muddy or slippery in the last few days. There might be a couple of steeper spots you could slip on.
Even in summer better be a bit more careful on the little wooden walkways. They can get slippery.
Keep an eye out for coyotes. Ideally avoid them if you can.
Be aware of foxtail in summer. We ended up at the emergency vet one year as Emma inhaled one deep into her nose.
If you don't mind climbing up a steeper incline I recommend climbing the hill. The views over Carlsbad are great.
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