Carlsbad, California

Looking for the best hiking in Carlsbad? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Carlsbad. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Carlsbad

  • Laguna Beach, California

    Water Tank Trail

    4.3
    3.05 mi / 502 ft gain
    There a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and most are excellent for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. A classic out-and-back (with many options for loops) begins in Irvine Bowl Park at the en...
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  • Corona, California

    Santiago Peak via Holy Jim (Temporary Closure)

    5.0
    16.25 mi / 4423 ft gain
    This trail may still be closed due to trail maintenance. Please contact Trabuco Ranger at 951-736-1811 before heading out.  This a long day hike of 16 miles roundtrip, so it's best to get an early start (before sunrise). Get amazing views of Mt. San Antonio, San Jacinto, and San Gorgonio, and Ca...
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  • Corona, California

    Holy Jim Falls

    3.5
    3.06 mi / 633 ft gain
    To start, directions on how to get to the trail there are two different ways, the most common , which I will explain, being through Rancho Santa Margarita you will head east on Santa Margarita Parkway, turn left at the dead end (into a parking lot for a shopping center) on Plano Trabuco Road, thi...
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  • Aliso Viejo, California

    Top of the World via West Ridge Trail

    5.0
    4.76 mi / 443 ft gain
    Directions to get here are pretty straight forward via the map. You park your car in a residential neighborhood along the street, and from there, you can't miss the entrance. The trail is paved for the first 100yds or so and after you make a right turn at the top, you'll be on dirt and sand the r...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    Trail Run the Boat Road and Laguna Ridge

    4.3
    4 mi / 600 ft gain
    There a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and most are excellent for trail running, hiking, and mountain biking. A classic out-and-back (with many options for loops) begins at the end of Dartmoor Street ...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    Hike Willow Canyon, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

    5.0
    6.02 mi / 1129 ft gain
    This hike has been a must do since I was young. Do you love scenic views of the ocean and wildlife? You'll see plenty of both, from hawks searching for food to squirrels and deer running through the brush. This is my favorite route in this area but there are plenty of other trails to shorten or a...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    Emerald Canyon & Bommer Ridge Loop

    5 mi / 873 ft gain
    There a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and are quite popular for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. A great mountain biking loop begins in Emerald Canyon at the end of Emerald Canyon Road an...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    Crystal Cove Loop Trail

    4.0
    4.05 mi / 676 ft gain
    The trail begins and ends at the El Moro Visitor Center. Parking requires either a $15 day use parking pass, which is available in the visitor center. This hike we are focusing on is called the Difficult Loop Trail and it is the third most difficult trail the canyon offers. You take Moro Canyon,...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    B.F.I. Trail in Crystal Cove State Park

    5.0
    0.78 mi / 125 ft gain
    To get to the trailhead, enter Crystal Cove State Park through the Crystal Cove El Moro Campground entrance immediately next to El Moro Elementary School. Follow the road behind the school which leads to the main gate where you will need to pay a day-use parking fee of $15. Drive past the Campgr...
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  • Santa Ysabel, California

    West Vista Loop

    5.0
    4.21 mi / 886 ft gain
    The West Vista Loop in Santa Ysabel, CA, is a moderately challenging trail known for its panoramic views of surrounding hills and valleys. Reviewers appreciate the well-maintained paths and gentle elevation gains, making it suitable for hikers of varying skill levels. The trail is dog-friendly ...
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  • Santa Ysabel, California

    West Vista Loop & Coast to Crest Trail

    3.0
    10.16 mi / 1946 ft gain
    Starting at the trailhead on Hwy 79, enter through the gate and make sure to close it behind you - the preserve is open range area for herds of cows, make sure not to disturb them when hiking. From the gate you'll see the sign with a detailed map of trails that are available for hiking. The trail...
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  • Canyon Lake, California

    Kabian Memorial Park Loop

    5.0
    3.48 mi / 335 ft gain
    Kabian Memorial Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Quail Valley, California.
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    El Moro Canyon Trail

    5.0
    4.94 mi / 814 ft gain
    The trail features a waterfall and is open year-round, but is best used in the spring. Remember to bring $15 cash for the parking fee. The Laguna Beach trail is shared by trail runners, mountain bikers, hikers, and the occasional horseback rider. Dogs are not allowed in Crystal Cove State Park. 
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    El Moro Canyon Trail to Lower Moro Campground

    4.0
    6.37 mi / 997 ft gain
    Located off of Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach is Crystal Cove State Park. There are three primitive sites located in Crystal Cove: Deer Canyon, Upper Moro, and Lower Moro. The site I stayed at was Lower Moro campground. All three of these sites require the backpacker to hike everything in...
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  • Trabuco Canyon, California

    The Luge: Santiago Truck Trail Loop

    5.0
    7.46 mi / 1371 ft gain
    The Luge: Santiago Truck Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Lake Forest, California.
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  • Lake Elsinore, California

    Explore Walker Canyon

    4.3
    Walker canyon is within easy driving distance from most places in Orange County and San Diego which makes for a great day trip.  While there is no official parking lot for the trail you will be able to find parking all along Lake Street and Walker Canyon Road.  The trail begins at the corner of L...
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