Sunset from Calavera Hill
Calavera Lake
Text and photography copyright 2010 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.
Calavera Preserve
- Location: Carlsbad. From the 78 freeway, take the College Blvd. exit and head south for 1.2 miles to the intersection with Carlsbad Village Drive. Park on the street and pick up the trail on the east side of College Blvd. From I-5, take the Carlsbad Village Drive exit and head east for 3.3 miles to the intersection with College Blvd.
- Agency: California Department of Fish and Game/South Coast Division (Phone: 858-467-4201)
- Distance: 2.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,000 feet
- Suggested time: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty Rating: PG
- Best season: October – June
- USGS topo maps: San Luis Rey
- More information: here
- Rating: 4
This is a short loop hike that explores Calavera Preserve, a park conveniently located to Carlsbad and Oceanside, and not far from south Orange County. This particular hike offers a good workout in a short amount of time. Although Cerro Calavera (Skull Hill in English–things really do sound better in the romance languages, don’t they?) is only 513 feet tall, its proximity to the coast line makes for some great views – especially at sunset.
From College Blvd., head down a short but steep hill into the preserve. Take a right at the first intersection, and access a service road. You head left toward the mountain, and take another left on a single-track which heads uphill. After a short but steep climb, look for a spur that will take you to the summit of Cerro Calavera.
The views include the ocean, nearby Calavera Lake, the Santa Ana Mountains and more. After enjoying the scenery, retrace your steps back to the main trail. You can return by the same route, or to make a loop hike, head right. The trail switchbacks down the side of the hill, passing by a large area that had been hollowed out by mining operations. At the bottom, head left on a service road that will take you back to the trail leading back to College Blvd.
Geology buffs may be interested to note that Calaveras Hill is volcanic in origin; it is the result of magma that was pushed up from below the earth’s surface but became solid.
