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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 Submit your own review 
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.
Reviewed by Joe on 4/11/2007 I've been trail running here alot for the last few weeks. The single track trails are very well maintained and there is a great mix of up and down hills rolling through the reserve. If you are going in the summer, get out early because it can get hot here. Once you get back in the reserve it feels like being in the grasslands of Kenya. There seems to be a lack of good trail maps of this area so I scanned a paper copy and uploaded it here: tinyurl.com/yqubjt 
Reviewed by dc on 9/9/2006 not hard enough
Reviewed by Chris on 8/15/2006 If you are looking for a great 1 hour hike after work, this is the place. I take the Granite Loop Trail from the Visitor's Center trailhead a couple of time a week. The loop is 1.2 miles of gentle hills and meadow and can be done in about 30 minutes. Very relaxing.
Reviewed by khs_mike on 12/29/2005 Started at the visitor's center, did the Vista Grande Trail, Tenaja Truck Trail, and Monument Road to Monument Hill, then came back by way of Monument Road and Waterline Road. About 6.15 miles total. Little cloudy and cool, but my girlfriend and I saw 2 deer, 3 coyotes, and assorted rodents and birds of prey. A wonderful day. We have hiked many miles in the Preserve, and it is one of our favorite places. This is totally a place you should hike if you live nearby.
Reviewed by Joe on 12/11/2003 This was an easy hike that my wife didn't complain too much about, and she ended up actually liking it. Her sister went with us and she enjoyed it, too. I saw an article in the local newspaper about the vernal pools at the preserve and the Fairy Shrimp that inhabit the vernal pools. They are very tiny and interesting to watch for a little while. Our kids liked looking at them, too. We hiked to the old adobe and checked out he scenery before we headed back to the start of the trail. There are beautiful scenes to take in during this hike, with lots of grassy hills and dramatic colors compimenting the quietness of the afternoon. It is a place you should take the time to enjoy in the springtime if you live nearby. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||