Batiquitos Lagoon Trail

As a well-hiked resident of San Diego, I’m always looking for new destinations to explore that aren’t in my go-to areas (i.e. east county, Julian, etc.). My friend recently underwent a bilateral knee surgery which resulted in her needing to take it easy on the trails for a few months. She also wanted to find a place where we could bring her dog. After a little searching I came across the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail, a destination I’m surprised I hadn’t stumbled across sooner.

Batiquitos Lagoon itself is pretty expansive, found in between Encinitas and Carlsbad. The lagoon is protected and managed as a wildlife preserve by the California Department of Fish and Game. As I soon came to find out, it’s also a very popular bird watching area, with several protected nesting areas. Due to the immense amount of wildlife here, water sports are not allowed to keep the water and surrounding wetlands protected and safe.

There are multiple ways to access the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail, however the trailhead I’d suggest can be found at the end of Gabbiano Lane in Carlsbad. The Trailhead will be marked by a wooden kiosk as well as a sign for the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation.

Near the beginning of the trail you’ll see a small building for the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation , a volunteer organization dedicated to “the preservation, enhancement, and protection of Batiquitos Lagoon, one of the few remaining tidal wetlands on the southern California coast”. This is where you’ll meet if you’re taking a guided walk, or if you’re simply interested in a free nature guide or trail map.

Past the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation, the trail is fairly straightforward, wrapping around the northern rim of the lagoon. On a weekend, you’ll likely share the trail with a bevvy of other hikers, including families and pets for its ease and minimal change in elevation. You’ll also encounter plenty of bird watchers, with a number of benches placed strategically along the trail prime for viewing.

The Batiquitos Lagoon Trail itself is 3.25 miles, out-and-back. It is easy to stay completely off course, ignoring the few spur trails you’ll find on the way. These spur trails serve as alternate access points to the trail. At the very end of the trail, you’ll encounter the only small hill you’ll find on the whole path. The hill only gains about 250 feet of elevation, and won’t leave you breathless. At 1.75 miles in, the trail will end and you’ll turn around to retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Park at the end of Gabbiano Lane for the best access point for the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail.
Don’t forget your binoculars if you’re a bird watcher. Many diverse species call Batiquitos Lagoon home.
Hiking boots are not necessary. This trail is mostly flat and therefor suitable for running shoes.
For a more strenuous hike in the Carlsbad area, check out Lake Calavera , a dormant volcano.

Driving Directions

From downtown San Diego, take CA-163N. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 7A to merge onto I-805 N toward Los Angeles. In 8.8 miles, merge onto I-5 N. In 14.2 miles, use the right lane to take exit 45 for Poinsettia Ln toward Aviara Pkwy.

Turn right onto Poinsettia Ln. In 0.3 miles, turn right onto Batiquitos Dr. Turn right onto Gabbiano Ln. Drive until you reach the end of Gabbiano Ln to reach the Batiquitos Lagoon trailhead.

Difficulty: Easy

Dog-Friendly: Yes

Total Distance: 3.25 miles

Trailhead Address: 7380 Gabbiano Ln, Carlsbad, CA 92011