Trail review: Calavera Preserve [North]

Parking access and trail head for Calavera Preserve.

Location: Oceanside, California

Trail head coordinates: N33.17320 W117.28253
Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced
Trail Type: Single track, out-and-back
Length: Low trail - 5.5 miles. High trail - ~3 miles.

Photos with corresponding waypoints and descriptive text.
Download GPS Map datum.

Description:

Calavera Preserve is a little known multi-use area (namely hikers, birdwatchers, and mountain bikers) encompassed by southern California suburban sprawl. The two main routes are low and high and are both out-and-back.

The low trail parallels Calavera Lake northeast, between encroaching brush over rocky single track, down sandy washouts, into putrid marshland and through dense woods. The low trail is everything you could want in a five mile run with plenty of technical sections and tight turns to hone your handling skills. Although not a trail known for it’s volunteer work force or trail upkeep, there has been extensive work done in the marsh low lands in providing solid, wooden crossings over areas of standing water. Once past the marshes, the low trail meanders through the woods, past a city park access trail and to the turnaround point. The low trail can be accomplished, enjoyably, in 30-40 minutes.

The high trail traces the low route northeast to CPN-10, then turns sharply southwest (right) and continues up Mount Calavera to an old rock quarry. From there it’s relatively flat for a few hundred yards and then the real climbing begins. Try staying in the saddle without putting a foot down all the way to the summit, but watch out for the washed out initial climb and rocky, cactus bordered trails. The view from the top is a 360 degree panoramic and an orienting eyes-on of the trail head to the north and the low trail to the northeast with all it’s spurs. Take a break, drink some water, enjoy the view, and prepare for a killer downhill!

The good:

Calavera Preserve can be as easy or hard, or as long or short, a ride as you make it. There are no indigenous predators (so pack that beef jerky you like so much). Cellular reception is top notch in case of emergencies, or just to call to your buddy who’s still at work to rub it in. Mount Calavera is an easily identifiable landmark which makes orientation and navigation a snap. It’s rarely used and other mountain bikers are few and far between. There’s a rope swing! There a lot of little hops and jumps along the route (especially at the trail head, where gangs of BMXers have been known to congregate for tricks). It’s 30 minutes from damn near everywhere south of L.A. And the best thing? It’s only 4.4 miles from Hooters, where cold beer, chicken wings, and hot bodies await!

The bad:

Sometimes the trail gets congested with scrub brush and vegetation during the rainy season (Nov-Feb). You’ll get beat up in the face, so wear eye protection. Being surrounded by suburbia can be a bit depressing.

The bottom line:

Calavera Preserve is an outstanding area for recreational-to-serious mountain biking. Beginners can accomplish the low trail with some difficulty and discomfort, but are highly discouraged from riding the high trail. The descent is just too hairy for riders who have yet to master brake modulation and choosing smooth lines.

This trail has become my primary go-to when I’m running short on time or daylight and want to get in a respectable ride. It combines some of the best elements of single track riding in southern California, all in a compact area that doesn’t take a two hour road trip to get to.