Trails

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The City of Carlsbad has approximately 67 miles of trails and 51 miles of open space trails, supporting a healthy active lifestyle while protecting and preserving open space for residents to enjoy. Find trail locations throughout the city, including trails perfect for an easy scenic stroll, a challenging hike, mountain biking and beautiful views. Many trails also provide connections from neighborhoods to shops and local services.

Learn how city trails are developed and managed in the Trails Master Plan
Find out about the city's Habitat Management Plan
Guidelines for an Eagle Scout project

Trail news

Archived News

Robertson Ranch Park designs
The City of Carlsbad is asking the community to weigh in on three potential design concepts for Robertson Ranch Park, the city’s newest park, planned for the corner of Cannon Road and El Camino Real.
01/29/2024 6:30 PM
Trail of the week: East Ridgeline Trail
If you’re looking for a challenge, our featured trail this week is a rugged one that’s sure to get your heart rate up.
01/12/2024 3:30 PM
Trail of the week: North Shore Hubbs Trail
Most locals have plenty of experience walking along the sea wall – it’s one of the most popular spots in all of Carlsbad. A nearby 1-mile roundtrip trek along the north shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, however, could easily be overlooked.
01/05/2024 3:41 PM
Trail of the week: Sea Wall Trail
Being close to the beach is one of the main reasons people love living in Carlsbad, and since the late 1980s, thousands come every day to walk on the Carlsbad Sea Wall. By “Sea Wall,” I mean what most people refer to as the “lower sea wall,” the serpentine path along the sand between Pine
12/29/2023 3:41 PM
Trail of the week: La Costa Glen Trail
Fun fact: one of the best places to spot wildlife in Carlsbad is also one of the most surprising. That’s because it’s tucked behind a busy road and next to one of our most popular areas for shopping.
12/08/2023 5:41 PM
Trail of the week: The Crossings/Veterans Park Trail
Carlsbad is a very hilly city. This has its pros and cons, but beautiful views are definitely on the plus side. Continuing with our trail of the week feature, today I want to tell you about one of the best views in the city, on a trail you have likely driven by many times without knowing it.
11/30/2023 5:05 PM
5 perfect holiday hikes
With the holidays coming up, many of us are looking forward to quality time with friends and family, including folks visiting from out of town. If you want to show off the beautiful natural surroundings that make Carlsbad so special, now’s a great time to explore the city’s 67 miles of trails.
11/20/2023
Parks & Recreation Department Master Plan
Following thousands of public comments, four community meetings, several focus groups, an online survey and social media polling, intercept interviews and a scientific survey, an updated Parks & Recreation Department master plan is now ready to be presented to city commissions for review
08/31/2023
Avenida Encinas improvements approved
On Tuesday, the City Council approved plans for Avenida Encinas, between the Poinsettia Regional Transit Station to Carlsbad Boulevard, that will safely accommodate all modes of travel and improve access and connectivity as part of the Coastal Rail Trail, a 44-mile regional bikeway that is planned
03/15/2023 1:52 PM
Gnatcatcher success story
City of Carlsbad report shows successes in protecting federally threatened wildlife and plants
02/23/2023 1:01 PM
Celebrate Parks & Recreation Month
The City of Carlsbad's Parks & Recreation Department will be in the spotlight throughout July as the city celebrates national Parks and Recreation Month.
07/01/2022 2:08 PM
National Get Outdoors Day
Saturday, June 11, is National Get Outdoors Day and with the weather heating up it’s a great time to try out some of our many city trails that are close to the beach.
06/10/2022