Lake Hodges: Bernardo Bay Loop
About This Trail
The Bernardo Bay Loop Trail is a 2.5 mile easy path that travels along the Lake Hodges shore. The path is relatively flat with a few rolling hills and there are a few rocky areas, but overall it is a great hike for beginners with a gorgeous view of the lake. Unfortunately, I would not recommend a stroller on this path. This hike is best to do in the cooler months because it can get hot with its limited shade. This area is great for toddler paced hikes too and there are some places to stop and explore near the water. There is a trail that cuts this loop in half, and there are many connecting trails to make it longer if you wanted to. Friendly leashed dogs are welcome.
The trailhead starts at the back of the parking lot past the gate. There will be many forks and trail intersections, but keep straight on the widest path. This will take you down to the lake which will be on your left. Then you will continue next to the lake until it loops around and will eventually hit the paved bike path. If you want to check out the cool pedestrian bridge you can turn left, otherwise turn right up the hill to head back to the parking lot.
Restrooms: There is a porta potty in the parking lot and on the back side of the pedestrian bridge.
Trail Features
| Seasons | Fall, Spring, Summer, and Winter |
|---|---|
| Surface type | Dirt |
| Elevation gain | 127 ft. |
| Carrier needed | Yes |
| Stroller friendly | No |
| ADA accessible | No |
| Water fountains | No |
| Bathrooms | No |
| Cell reception | Excellent |
| Pet friendly | Yes |
| Nearby convenience store | Yes |
| Camping Nearby | No |
| Emergency support within 5 miles |
Yes |
Trail highlights
Enjoy beautiful views of Lake Hodges on this easy but fun trail!
Other Trails in Lake Hodges
Fee & Parking Details
Park in the free dirt parking lot for the Piedras Pintadas trailhead.
Trail Contributor
Hike it Baby member since spring 2016. Past HiB Orange County CA Branch Ambassador. Current HiB San Diego CA Branch Ambassador. Current National Team volunteer for Community Values, HiB30 Challenge Prizes, Mentor, and Ambassador Continued Education teams.
Parking
Trail Head
Weather
Trail Map
Upcoming Community Hikes Nearby
Getting There
Exit the 15 Freeway on Pomerado Road/ W. Bernardo Drive and turn west on W. Bernardo Drive. You will see apartment complexes on your left, and there will be a dirt parking lot on your right for the trailhead. If you pass the community park you have gone too far.
About The Guide
Hike it Baby Family Trail Guide is an online resource to help families with children source trails that little legs can hike and parents can feel comfortable with. Hike details are sourced and have been hiked by families who participate in our community. Our contributors do their best to give you all the details they can, but if something is missed, you can reach out to the contributor and offer suggestions for them to add to make it a better trail description for all. This guide was built with a generous 3-year partnership with L.L Bean. Like Hike it Baby, L.L Bean believes that helping get families into nature from birth on is key to healthier, happier communities.
Trail Disclaimer
Hike it Baby makes every effort to keep trail content up to date, but trail conditions are subject to change. Hike it Baby is not responsible for any injuries that occur while hiking the trails covered in this guide. Hike it Baby is a platform that helps connect families to federal, state and local parks nationwide.