One Southern California Nature Preserve Boasts A Scenic Lake With Volcano Hiking Trails

Tucked away in California's coastal city of Carlsbad, Calavera Nature Preserve is a surprisingly scenic destination. This 110-acre preserve is home to the stunning man-made Lake Calavera, a series of gorgeous hiking trails, and the most notable feature, one of Southern California's extinct volcanoes. Mount Calavera is a 22-million-year-old extinct volcano, and it boasts jaw-dropping 360 views of North County, the northern part of San Diego County.

This hidden nature preserve sits less than a 1-hour drive (under 40 miles) from San Diego International Airport, under an hour from Orange County's John Wayne Airport (SNA), and less than a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles International Airport. This makes it a great destination for those looking to explore Southern California's nature when flying in from out of state. It's also a great destination for those located in the area, as it is less than a 10-minute drive from the center of Carlsbad.

Unlike many of America's best and most beautiful nature spots, this one is fairly accessible by public transport, and is around a 25-minute walk from the nearest bus stop. That said, most visitors choose to arrive by car, although it is important to note that there isn't a designated car park. There is plenty of street parking in the area, though; keep in mind that it can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends and during holidays.

If you're looking for a great spot to hike, then you're in luck! Calavera Nature Preserve boasts plenty of gorgeous hiking trails and is open to the public every day. It's worth noting that while Google says the preserve is closed every day except for Tuesday evenings, this is just in reference to the California Naturalist Certification classes that are held there. If you plan on visiting just to hike and explore the area's great trails, then you can do this at any time, any day!

One of the most popular hiking trails in the area is the Lake Calavera Loop. This moderate trail takes just over two hours to complete, and boasts stunning views of the landscape and the lake. Most people choose to take the shorter Calavera Lake Loop, a trail that circles the lake and takes under an hour to complete. For those interested in hiking up the volcano, Cerro de la Calavera is a trail that takes visitors to the summit. It takes less than an hour to complete, and those who tackle the climb can enjoy views of the surrounding mountainous landscape and the nearby ocean.

If you're interested in heading out to the ocean after a morning hike, Carlsbad is home to South Ponto Beach, one of the most underrated beaches in California. Or, head out a little further afield to explore some of the area's most stunning hidden gems. Less than a 30-minute drive away is the city of Encinitas, a laid-back California city between San Diego and Carlsbad that boasts beaches and coastal charm.

Calavera Nature Preserve is open all year round, but is during the spring and fall months, when temperatures are pleasant and the trails of the preserve are framed by wildflowers or fall foliage. If visiting from a little further afield, there is a selection of California fields recommended for the most beautiful springtime flowers that make visiting between late March and early May the best time to visit the area. Tourism in the area of Carlsbad is highest during the summer months, so be sure to plan your visit around this if you're looking to avoid crowds.

There is no on-site camping or lodging at Calavera Nature Preserve, so most visitors opt to stay in the center of Carlsbad, near Carlsbad Village. There is a range of stunning beachfront hotels to choose from, as well as some more affordable motels and inns. Prices typically range between $150 to $400 per night. One of the best places to stay in the area is the gorgeous, Marriott-owned SpringHill Suites San Diego Carlsbad, a modern hotel with plenty of great on-site amenities.