How about a hike up an ancient volcano? Welcome to Calavera Mountain. It’s a unique spot in Carlsbad California. Calavera Mountain is also known as Cerro de la Calavera. That means Skull Mountain. The name probably comes from the mountain’s unusual shape.
Calavera Mountain isn’t really a mountain. It’s a volcanic plug. This plug is what remains of a volcano that erupted 22 million years ago. During that time the Farallon Plate subducted. Calavera Mountain is one of only three volcanic plugs in Southern California.
You can easily see Calavera Mountain. Look from Interstate 5 at Cannon Road. You can also see it from Lake Boulevard. The mountain rises to 513 feet. That is 156 meters.
We are now in the Lake Calavera Preserve. The county maintains trails here. These trails lead right into the ancient volcano. It is a great place for hiking adventures. Lake Calavera and its dam sit in the mountain’s shadow. The dam dates back to World War II.
There are many trails to explore here on Calavera Mountain. The preserve has more than seventeen miles of trails. Many routes lead to the peak. One popular route starts from the Skyhaven trailhead. It crosses the dam and gently ascends to the volcano floor. At the base, you can see a rock-pattern labyrinth.
The trail then descends south. It goes through a gulley. A spur trail to the left ascends toward the peak. The trail is hard-packed and sometimes slippery. The last half becomes rockier.
As you ascend stay left. This takes you to the volcano’s ridge. Going right leads to a steep, rocky eastern ascent to the peak. At the top, there’s a trinket memorial garden.
Another option is to continue south past the spur. This route goes toward the high school. It descends the rocky gulley. This ends at the south-side trail. A low concrete wall follows the trail east. Going left takes you behind the volcano. You will reach a wide expanse. A pathway to the peak is on the left. Look about three hundred yards along this trail section.
From here, numerous spurs go around the preserve. You can also go to the water tower. It is visible in the southern distance. Continuing on the backside trail makes a longer loop.
It’s hard to get lost here. Skyhaven Drive is visible from most of the trail. The volcano is a huge landmark. Besides Skyhaven, you can enter the preserve at College and College. This is where the high school is located.
You can also start hiking at the Skyhaven trailhead. This route goes east. It leads to a vegetation canopy over a wooden bridge. This section goes to the east side of the volcano. It also leads to the lake trail. You can also reach the wide-open spaces on the volcano’s backside.
Calavera Lake has 110 acres. There are over 4 miles of hiking and bike trails. The reservoir is 400 acres. The Carlsbad Municipal Water District manages it. The area is home to many species. There are 115 plant species. Also, there are 49 bird species. Ten mammal and 7 amphibian or reptile species live here.
Remember swimming is not allowed in the lake. Also, dogs must be leashed. When in Carlsbad explore Calavera Mountain. It offers beautiful views. It is also easily accessible. Calavera Mountain is a kid-friendly destination too. The terrain is not too challenging. So come and explore this ancient volcano.