Carlsbad may be a community on the rise, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bit of the wilderness within city limits. Lake Calavera is a sprawling nature reserve located off of College in the northeastern part of the city. If you still haven’t heard about this wonderful spot in 2016, carve out some time in your schedule for a February visit.
Lake Calavera: Past and Present
You may have been aware of Lake Calavera, but did you know it’s the site of an extinct volcano dating back 15 million years? The on-site dam was built during World War II. Today, approximately 400 daily visitors enjoy the trails located here. Carlsbad residents volunteer their time planting, working on fencing projects, picking up trash and maintaining the trails. Click here for information on the next volunteer event.
Nature on Display
Whether you have a small backyard with few trees, want to give the kids an up-close view of nature or enjoy recharging in the great outdoors, unwind among the sights and sounds on a February day. Bird-watchers flock here, and the park offers views of the following waterfowl:
- Egrets
- Ducks
- Herons
It’s rare to see waterfowl at this type of upland coastal habitat.
Lake Calavera Hiking
In 2016, this is the busiest preserve in Carlsbad. Besides the sight of colorful flowers and the sounds of chirping birds, Lake Calavera is a great place to hike or run. Trails vary widely in steepness, with pretty mild inclines until you reach the mountaintop.
Dog-Friendly Trails
Three-fourths of all visitors bring their canine friends. Dogs are welcome here, but when unleashed they can cause the following problems:
- Chase away wildlife
- Cause damage to habitat
- Make other hikers uncomfortable
- Pollute creek water with their waste
Be sure to keep your dog on a leash at all times for these reasons.
Whatever your reason for hitting the trails, a visit to Lake Calavera is in order this February. Get to know this wonderful preserve in 2016 before it becomes even more popular among Carlsbad residents and visitors.
