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 Reporter |
Summary: This loop hike takes in much of the west end of the preserve. From the trailhead, take the left hand trail 1/4 mile, turn right on the Trans-Preserve trail. Stick with this trail until you reach the Vernal Pools trail. Turn left to the pools, the most crowded area on the preserve. Continue off the mesa about 1 mile to the historic ranch adobe, where you can picnic and relax under a huge Live Oak tree. From the adobe, take the Punta Mesa trail towards Monument Hill. Watch for the left branching trail just before the main trail; a dirt road, angles right. Take the left fork down off the hill to another dirt road and a stream crossing. When you arrive at a gate, look for the start of the Trans-Preserve trail, which you follow until you see your original path coming in from the right. Turnright to the trailhead. Trailhead: Take I-15 south from Corona, CA heading for San Diego. Shortly after passing the city of Lake Elsinore, exit at Clinton Keith road. Turn right and drive west. There are three trailheads, one at the Visitors Center, the Hidden Valley TH used on this hike, and a final TH near the Vernal Pools up on top of the mesa. (Lat:33.52722 Lon:-117.283) Trail Guides for Santa Rosa Plateau Nature Preserve: Santa Rosa Plateau Home Page by Stacy Boyle and Scott Norman () Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: The Nature Conservancy 909-677-6951 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Lorin John, who has posted 2 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by TS on 3/14/2010 Entire family has hiked this trail several times. Especially, like the short Vernal Pool trail for my 2 year old and teen ager w/disabilities. Trail is well maintained and wheelchair/stroller accessable as long as you've got a little muscle along to help with the rough spots. There's also a great ranger led hike available at visitor station on weekends. Does get warm later in the day, so go early or pack sunscreen and water. We do the Vernal trail and head back to ranger station for a picnic lunch. Then we just wander on one of the short loops near the visitor's center until the kids poop-out. 
Reviewed by KS on 9/22/2009 I used to run 13 miles there every Saturday for my cross country team. The landscape is beautiful and the trails are great! There is a large variety of different paths to take including everything from a stroll in the park or a hardcore workout (Switchbacks). This is a great place to get away from the stress of everyday life and enjoy the beauty of nature!
Reviewed by JMcCoy on 8/14/2009 It was a nice hike. Some sweeping landscapes from the higher grounds. The adobes were awesome, especially for a picnic. Rich with old California history. The vernal pools were interesting as well. I saw a little of the wildlife. Also the trail was not too crowded. In the beginning, there was a few joggers, but once I got out there, I was completely alone. Bring your camera. I think it is more than 6.4 miles though.
Reviewed by sa on 2/28/2009 Great place to unwind
Reviewed by Steve on 11/15/2008 My Wife and I hike the Plateau at least 3 times a week after work to relax, although now that it's fall, it's to dark to hike so we go on the weekends. This is a very relaxing place to walk. The Los Santos trail is a good hike if you want some elevation change. If you want hard, try half dome.
Reviewed by SRL on 5/1/2008 After hiking some of the brutal trails in Cleveland, this was a nice change. It was relaxing. The trails were well maintained (there were only a couple rocky spots), so we decided to hide our hiking sticks rather than carry them. We found a snake in the vernal pond. The trails are very park like with benches here and there. The adobe structures were very worth seeing. Bring the family. To the guy who gave it 3 stars because it was not hard enough, try the San Juan trail in Cleveland National Park. It is 10 miles of trails ruined by mountain bikes. Start at the bottom.
Reviewed by Josie on 4/21/2008 My husband and I really enjoyed our hike this past Saturday. It's our second time that we hiked and will be back for more. Thank you
Reviewed by Mike on 4/8/2008 Nice relaxing hike. Not hard at all. We did the big loop around and went to the vernal pools. Stopped at the historic adobes for a snack/water in the shade. We did this hike in early March... very nice when it is not too hot in Murrieta. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Riverside County Hiking, Riverside County Trails, Riverside County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||