Trail through the eucalyptus trees in Hosp Grove
Hosp Grove Park
- Location: Carlsbad, near the intersection of I-5 and Highway 78, San Diego County. From I-5, take the Las Flores Drive exit. Turn left if you’re coming from San Diego or right if you’re coming from Orange County and follow the road to Jefferson St. Turn right on Jefferson and follow it 0.7 miles to the park entrance on the right. From San Marcos/Escondido, take Highway 78 west to Jefferson St. Turn left on Jefferson, follow it 0.3 miles and turn right to stay on Jefferson. The park entrance is on the left in 0.1 miles.
- Agency: City of Carlsbad
- Distance: 0.9 miles
- Elevation gain: 100 feet
- Suggested time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty Rating: G
- Best season: All year
- USGS topo map: Del Mar
- Recommended guidebook: Afoot and Afield San Diego County
- More information: Park information here; Trip Advisor page here; Everytrail report here
- Rating: 2
0:00 – Hosp Grove trail head (click thumbnails to see the full sized version)
Purists might not be impressed with this short loop, which never really escapes the noise of the nearby streets–or perhaps put off by the presence of non-native eucalyptus trees–but most people would probably prefer to see this land in north San Diego County used as a public recreation spot than for retail or residential development.
There are a number of trails, both official and non-official, that run through the park. It’s a pleasant place to take a stroll, by yourself, with friends, kids or a dog, without having to stick to a specific route. The route described in “Afoot and Afield” is a good one to follow if you’re short on time and are looking for a quick way to get some exercise.
0:02 – Right turn past the playground at the beginning of the loop (times are approximate)
From the parking area, follow the signed trail at the east end of the parking lot. A trail branches off left toward the Buena Vista Lagoon; stay right, pass the playground and turn right again at a T-junction (the left route is your return.) At the third intersection, head left, although you can explore the right fork which dead-ends if you have time.
0:04 – Left turn and ascent
The trail climbs–the only significant ascent on the route–through the eucalyptus grove. You pass a few informal fire breaks and reach a Y-junction a little less than half a mile from the start. Again if you have time, you can explore the right fork, which dead-ends in a residential neighborhood. For this route, follow the left fork downhill and make a hairpin turn. You return along on Monroe and Marron Streets, reaching the junction by the playground.
0:15 – Returning to the park
Text and photography copyright 2014 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.
