Vista offers plenty of spots for hiking and running. There are lakes, nature reserves, and parks dotted around the city. And for those who enjoy seaside views, the towns of Carlsbad and Oceanside are perfect locations.
To help you choose the next adventure, we put together a list of the highest-rated trails in the area. None of them is more than 20 minutes away from downtown, and most are easy to moderate to hike. Just choose the length and go!
Trails near Vista:
- Lake Hodges Overlook
- Calavera Nature Reserve Loop
- Double Peak Trail from Discovery Lake
- Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Trail
- Equine Incline Loop from Way Up Trail
- Daley Ranch
- Guajome Regional Park Loop
- Denk Mountain Loop
- San Luis Rey River Trail
- Carlsbad Sea Wall Trail
- Del Dios Gorge Trail
1. Lake Hodges Overlook
- Type: Lollipop
- Trail Length: 7.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,423 feet
- Time to Complete: 4h
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Elfin Forest Reserve HQ: Google Maps
- Distance from Vista: 14 miles (20 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Lake Hodges Overlook trail is the most popular hike near Vista. It runs along the ridge in the Elfin Forest Reserve, offering sweeping views of the lake and Escondido on the opposite side. The terrain is rocky and sandy, with a few steep sections. Also, it is a sun-exposed hike which adds to the challenge on hot days.
2. Calavera Nature Reserve Loop
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 650 feet
- Time to Complete: 2h 30min
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Vista: 5 miles (10 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Calavera Nature Reserve is a fun area with lots of wildlife, Cerro de la Calavera volcano, and Calavera Lake. It has a few dozen miles of trails for hiking, running, and mountain biking to enjoy. For example, the loop around the reserve is 5 miles long, but you can easily add more. It is a fun, popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Double Peak Trail from Discovery Lake
- Type: Lollipop
- Trail Length: 3.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,026 feet
- Time to Complete: 2h
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Buckhorn Ave: Google Maps
- Distance from Vista: 9 miles (15 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: This route is a steep, fun climb to Double Peak with excellent views of San Marcos. It is a neighborhood hike, and it won’t give you the wilderness feeling. Yet, it is very well-developed, with restrooms and water fountains at the peak – the perfect destination for workouts and weekday hikes.
Related: 17 Best Trails near Escondido
4. Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Trail
- Type: Out and Back
- Trail Length: 3.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 35 feet
- Time to Complete: 1h 30min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Vista: 12 miles (20 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Batiquitos Lagoon Trail is a highly-rated destination with lots of history and natural appeal. There is a self-guided tour you can listen to while exploring the area. It’s also a flat hike on well-kept trails that should be easy for everyone. Mind the hot days, though; it is quite exposed.
5. Equine Incline Loop from Way Up Trail
- Type: Lollipop
- Trail Length: 5.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,312 feet
- Time to Complete: 2h 30min
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Elfin Forest Reserve HQ: Google Maps
- Distance from Vista: 14 miles (20 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: This is another popular hike in Elfin Forest Reserve that climbs up to the ridge and makes a loop up top. It has sweeping views all around, a picnic area, overlooks, and even a bike repair station. Rocky surface and sun-exposed environment make it a challenge, especially on hot days.
6. Daley Ranch
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 10.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,567 feet
- Time to Complete: 5h 30min
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Vista: 16 miles (20 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Daley Ranch is a fantastic area for outdoor enthusiasts. There are over 20 miles of trails here suitable for hiking, mountain biking, running, and horseback riding. The loop around the park is 10 miles long and will take you through the flower meadows, past the ponds, and on top of the hills with stunning views.
There are also two peaks to climb at Daley Ranch: Stanley Peak and Burnt Mountain, which are excellent destinations with challenging ascents.
7. Guajome Regional Park Loop
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 4.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 214 feet
- Time to Complete: 2h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Vista: 5 miles (10 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Guajome Regional Park Loop is another popular trail for hiking and running. The park is excellent for birdwatching and nature trips. And picnic tables, patches of shade, and flat terrain make it a fantastic destination for outdoor fans of all abilities.
8. Denk Mountain Loop
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 4.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 766 feet
- Time to Complete: 2h
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Vista: 10 miles (15 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Denk Mountain Loop is an excellent climb to a scenic peak with a sweeping panorama of surrounding hills and towns. It’s located in Rancho La Costa Preserve, known for diverse wildlife and miles of trails for running and mountain biking. It’s a fun, beginner-friendly destination.
9. San Luis Rey River Trail
- Type: Point to Point
- Trail Length: 8.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 90 feet
- Time to Complete: 4h 30min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Vista: 5 miles (10 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: San Luis Rey River Trail is the highly-rated, paved route that will take you all the way to the ocean. It is an excellent destination for walking, running, and cycling. Wheelchair-accessible and stroller-approved, it is a fun trail for everyone. You can even skate or rollerblade to the beach!
Related: 17 Best Trails near Escondido
10. Carlsbad Sea Wall Trail
- Type: Out and Back
- Trail Length: 1.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 30 feet
- Time to Complete: 1h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Ocean St Parking: Google Maps
- Distance from Vista: 9 miles (15 min)
- Dog Friendly: No
Description: Carlsbad Sea Wall Trail is an oceanside walk along Carlsbad Beach. You can get the sweeping views and hear the ocean roar without getting sand in your shoes. Yet, most people won’t be able to resist the temptation of getting down to the beach.
11. Del Dios Gorge Trail
- Type: Out and Back
- Trail Length: 10.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 838 feet
- Time to Complete: 5h 30min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Distance from Vista: 15 miles (20 min)
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Description: Del Dios Gorge Trail is a beautiful trail along Lake Hodges that takes you past the dam. It’s a scenic location with relatively flat trails perfect for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. If you’ve completed this trail before, another route along the lake starts at the same trailhead.
Final Thoughts
Although very urban, Vista isn’t lacking in stunning hiking and running trails. And unlike most of the country, you can hike all year round here. Hopefully, this list expanded your knowledge of the area, and you will try some of these hikes.
If you are looking for more challenging and longer routes in the area, try the 17 Best Trails near Escondido. It includes the most popular hike in South California – Potato Chip Rock.
More Trails in California:
- Lake Chabot
- Fremont
- San Francisco
- Alameda
- Santa Ynez
- Pismo Beach
- Big Sur Coast
- Santa Rosa
- Bakersfield
- Escondido
- Fresno
- Moreno Valley
Lakes in California:
Beaches in California:
