MTB Project Logo

Horned Lizard

Intermediate/Difficult
 3.9 (8)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Southern California
  4. …Carlsbad
  5. Rancho La Costa Preserve
Previous Next

“A steeper cousin to Switchbacks, Horned Lizard starts descending shortly past the viewpoint. ”

Tom Robson
Your Rating:      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add to Favorites · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

1.7

Miles

2.7

KM
Singletrack

1,040' 317 m

High

518' 158 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

522' 159 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Description

Horned Lizard Trail is a steep, fast, and flowy trail that works its way through sagebrush and native Californian wildflowers as it switchbacks, similarly to Switchbacks, to its termination at the powerlines. Just like Switchbacks, Horned Lizard offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean! Have fun and watch for erosion and rock gardens.

Contacts

Local Club: San Diego Mountain Biking Association (SDMBA)

Land Manager: City of Carlsbad Parks and Recreation Dept.

Shared By:

Tom Robson with improvements by Marc Kase
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 8 votes

#2

in Rancho La Costa Preserve

#9643

Overall
  3.9 from 8 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
38%
3 Star
38%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2

in Rancho La Costa Preserve

#675

in California

#9,643

Overall
17 Views Last Month
1,750 Since Mar 17, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
27%
9%
64%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

My new 20 year old bike worked great
Mar 21, 2021 near Lake Sa…, CA
The view from the top is worth the climb.
May 27, 2017 near Lake Sa…, CA
Made it to the top! First time ever on a bike.
Mar 21, 2021 near Lake Sa…, CA
Horned Lizard Rocky Descent
Sep 8, 2017 near Lake Sa…, CA
At the top! All downhill from here.
Sep 7, 2021 near Lake Sa…, CA
Powerline Back to Parking
Sep 8, 2017 near Lake Sa…, CA

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Update Conditions
All Clear 83 days ago See History
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 13, 2019
Anthony E
Climb Switchbacks and save your downhill for Horned Lizard. Steeper, more rocky and flowy.
Jan 14, 2017
Michael Bishop
Nov 21, 2016
Brandon Russell
Sep 10, 2016
Michael Bishop

Nearby Recommended Routes