The City of Carlsbad will celebrate National Trails Day with a group hike on Saturday, June 4, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Hosp Grove. Two trail hikes of varying distances will take place, and along the way local habitat and wildlife will be discussed.  

National Trails Day is the country’s largest celebration of trails. It began in the late 1980s and is organized by the American Hiking Society.   

The event location, Hosp Grove trails are in one of the oldest areas of Carlsbad and possess an intriguing historical significance. They were the first city trails built and maintained by volunteers. The scenic unpaved trails wind through the grove and up and down steep slopes for approximately three miles. On the west side of the grove, the trails offer a ‘buena vista’ meaning ‘good view’ of the adjacent Buena Vista Lagoon. 

Schedule of events

• Informational booths will be set up by 8:30 a.m. showcasing:
  • The city’s trail network history and future
  • Day-hiking backpack essentials with Slader Buck

• Wildlife tracking with Trail Captain Paige DeCino
• Wildlife photos and information with The Center for Natural Lands Management and Buena Vista Audubon Society

• At 9:15 a.m. city staff will welcome participants with a short message about National Trails Day

• Two groups hikes will follow
  • A 9:30 a.m. hike led by Hosp Grove Trail Captain Gary Nessim will meander through the grove for about 1.5 miles.
  • A shorter, less strenuous hike beginning at 10 a.m. will be led by city staff, which is perfect for all ages.

More information  

• Participants should meet at the trailhead at the west main entrance off Jefferson across the street from the Buena Vista Lagoon
• In the event of rain, the event will be canceled
• Please RSVP to Elizabeth Hueter Willoughby, trail volunteer coordinator, at elizabeth.hueterwilloughby@carlsbadca.gov