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Batiquitos Lagoon Trail

October 7, 2011 By Jeff H 4 Comments

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Batiquitos Lagoon panorama

Batiquitos Lagoon in north San Diego County is one of the few remaining tidal wetlands on the southern coast of the United States. Located between Carlsbad and Encinitas, the lagoon is managed as a wildlife preserve by the California Department of Fish and Game. This lagoon is home to several protected nesting areas and water sports (even kayaking) are not allowed, keeping the waterway exceptionally natural.

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Trail Details
Distance: 3.25 miles
Time: ~1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 250 ft
Dogs: OK
When to go: Year-round
The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation is a volunteer organization that has a nature center near the start of this  3-1/4 mile out-and-back trail along the north border of the lagoon. The trail is gentle and wide, making it very family friendly. On any given day, you’ll see people walking dogs (they must be on leash), pushing strollers (the type with the larger wheels only), running, hiking, walking or simply enjoying the views.

Joan and I stopped by here last Saturday. She was feeling a cold coming on, and so we were looking for an easy hike. The Batiquitos Lagoon trail fit the bill perfectly. As an out-and-back hike, you can tailor the distance to suit your time and energy. We hiked the entire length and back — a modest 3.25 miles with only one gentle hill along the way.

There are several access points to the Batiquitos Lagoon trail, but I recommend starting at the beginning. Drive to the end of Gabbiano Lane in Carlsbad, and you’ll see a sign marking the start of the trail.

Welcome to the Batiquitos Lagoon

About 30 yards down the trail is the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Nature Center, with information on guided walks, special events and a free trail map and nature guide.

The Batiquitos Lagoon visitor center

This wide, gentle trail meanders along the north side of the lagoon. There are a few stands of eucalyptus and palm trees along the way.

Impressive palms

The natural beauty of the Batiquitos Lagoon shines year round

In spite of being so close to well-developed Carlsbad, the trail along the lagoon has retained much of it’s natural beauty.

If you follow the trail to the end, you’ll see a gravel road on a berm with a locked gate to a protected bird nesting area, including the Least Tern. If you are watchful, you may see them from May to August when they migrate here to nest.

The Least Tern nests in this area at the east end of the Batiquitos Lagoon

Take a moment to take in the views of the lagoon. It’s not hard to imagine what this area looked a hundred years ago — at least, until you turn around toward the hills developed with homes.

The end of the Batiquitos Lagoon trail.

This is the turnaround point. Retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Trail Map and Elevation Profile

© OpenStreetMap contributors
Download file: batiquitos-lagoon-gps.gpx

Photo Gallery

Click a thumbnail to view the larger images.

Batiquitos Lagoon panorama
Welcome to the Batiquitos Lagoon
An optional spur trail
Batiquitos Lagoon trail
Batiquitos Lagoon trail starts here
The Batiquitos Lagoon visitor center
There is a self-guide tour along the lagoon with descriptions of the flora, fauna and geology of the area.
Prickly pear cactus
Oasis ahead
Impressive palms
The natural beauty of the Batiquitos Lagoon shines year round
The Batiquitos Lagoon trail is wide and well maintained
Eucalyptus shade
The end of the Batiquitos Lagoon trail.
The Least Tern nests in this area at the east end of the Batiquitos Lagoon
This road is closed, leading to two nesting areas for protected birds.
Beautiful Batiquitos Lagoon is a rare saltwater lagoon in North San Diego County
Heading back to the trailhead along the Batiquitos Lagoon

 

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 3-6 miles, Carlsbad, coastal, dog-friendly, easy, family-friendly, San Diego County, scenic

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Jeff H

About Jeff H

I'm an avid hiker and backpacker. My wife Joan and I are on the trails every weekend. I started SoCal Hiker to share my passion for outdoor adventure.

Comments

  1. Colleen @ Greene Adventures says

    October 10, 2011 at 3:59 pm

    Thanks for this write-up, Jeff! We’re always on the lookout for nice ocean-area dog-friendly hikes that we can do in conjunction with other nearby activities.

    Reply
    • Jeff Hester says

      October 12, 2011 at 10:52 pm

      Thanks, Colleen. I’ve got a long list of hikes that will fit that bill. Just need a few spare days to add them to the site!

      Reply
  2. David Grover says

    December 12, 2011 at 11:53 pm

    What beautiful land! If I had the money I’d come walk along that lagoon myself…

    Reply

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