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Horned Lizard

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.0 (12)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Southern California
  4. …Carlsbad
  5. Rancho La Costa Preserve
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“A steeper cousin to Switchbacks, Horned Lizard starts descending shortly past the viewpoint. ”

Tom Robson
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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

  4.0 from 12 votes

#2

in Rancho La Costa Preserve

#9196

Overall
  4.0 from 12 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2

in Rancho La Costa Preserve

#568

in California

#9,196

Overall
6 Views Last Month
1,903 Since Mar 17, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
19%
38%
44%
0%
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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

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 29, 2022
Michael Bishop
Feb 5, 2022
Mark Loftin
Dec 5, 2021
Robert Hartman
Nov 29, 2021
Robert Hartman
Dry & loose conditions combines with rutted and rocky sections. Definitely want to pre run the trial somewhat before decent at full speed. — 4h 37m
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

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