Urban Trailheads

Exercise has become an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Because of the mild climate here in Southern California, more and more people are choosing to get out of the gym and feed their souls too, by breathing the fresh air and enjoying the beauty of nature while staying fit. People of all ages are making walking a part of their life. Communities are providing "strolling spaces" as part of their urban planning, whether it is downtown promenades, ocean front walks, or park pathways. In Carlsbad, California the city planners have provided many opportunities for locals, and tourists alike, to experience breathtaking vistas, commune with nature, or even learn about history, all while just taking a walk.

The Carlsbad Parks and Recreation Department maintains the Citywide Trail System which connect neighborhoods throughout Carlsbad by non-motorized trails. Maps can be obtained from the city. Two of the most frequented are the Batiquitos Lagoon Center and Trail and the Leo Carrillo Ranch Trail. Both trails are easily accessible from Interstate 5.

About 30 miles north of San Diego is the beautiful Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center. Exit I-5 at Poinsettia Lane and head east, turn right on Batiquitos Dr. and right on Gabbiano Lane to the trail-head parking lot. Here you will find a two mile walking path along the north side of the lagoon. The area is a natural preserve and the trail is level and quite peaceful. The northern banks rise gently from the shore and are now covered with fragrant eucalyptus. The are always a variety of sea birds available for viewing and if you are lucky you will see flying fish. The path is studded with plaques along the way that give you information about the ecosystem of the lagoon and the plants and animals that live there. The trail is always open but if you wish to visit the Center, the hours are Mon-Fri  9:00-12:30 and Sat and Sun 9:00-3:00.

To visit the Leo Carrillo Ranch Park and Trail proceed north on I-5 one more exit and go east on Palomar Airport Rd. Turn right on Poinsettia Lane and left onto Carrillo Elementary School and then an immediate right into the trail-head parking lot. The trail will take you to the gates of Leo Carrillo Ranch Park. The park is open Tues-Sat from 9:00-5:00 and Sun from 11:00-5:00. Closed on Mondays.

To begin your tour of the grounds stop at the visitors center and view a short film on the history of the ranch and the life and career of Leo Carrillo. Self-guided walking tours of the building exteriors and the park grounds are available during normal park hours. Complete with a flock of peacocks for entertainment, the grounds are a lovely place for a picnic, so bring your backpack. You will be able to spend some time imagining what the hacienda must have been like in it's heyday.

If you would like to see the inside of the buildings, free guided walking tours are offered on Sat at 11:00am and 1:00pm and on Sun at noon and 2:00pm. No need for reservations. Allow 90 minutes for the tours which depart from the Visitor Center.

Happy Trails! (Oops, that was another cowboy.)
Karen Allec, Owner, The Getaway Gourmet
www.thegetawaygourmet.com