Batiquitos Lagoon

This is an easy 2.8-mile out-and-back hike, the second hike in Schad's 50 Best Short Hikes San Diego. Leashed dogs are allowed. It should be a good hike for a hot summer day.

We'll hike along the north shore of Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad. There is a fair amount of shade. The lagoon attracts a lot of birds. We've done this hike several times before. For more information, including pictures, see https://www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/253960532/ or https://www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/233384309/.

Information about the lagoon is available from the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation at http://www.batiquitosfoundation.org/.

The pace will be slow to moderate. It should take about an hour and a half to two hours, unless we want to add a few extra loops. Those who haven't gotten enough when we return to the trailhead can follow a short trail toward the I-5 bridge over the lagoon or other trails up a hill on the north side of the lagoon.

We'll meet at 9:00 AM and start at 9:15 AM at the trailhead at the south end of Gabbiano Lane (N 33 5.620 W 117 18.080).

SUGGESTED ROUTE FROM SAN DIEGO: Go north about 30 miles on I-5 and take exit 45 (Poinsettia Lane, Aviara Pkwy). Go east on Poinsettia Lane, turn right on Batiquitos Dr., turn right again on Gabbiano Lane, and follow it to its end.

Wear suitable clothing, use sun protection, and take water. No lunch stop is planned, but you might want to take a snack. Hiking shoes are suggested, but not required because the trail is hard-packed dirt.

The visitor center has a rest room.

Contact: Philip Erdelsky, cell 619-866-8512, E-mail pje@efgh.com.