Popular Local Trails

These trails offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching, plant identification, and wildlife observation—perfect for citizen science projects.

• Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve

  Address: 39400 Clinton Keith Rd, Murrieta, CA 92562

  Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily

  Cost: $6 adults, $3 children

  9,000 acres with oak woodlands, vernal pools, and grasslands. Multiple ecosystems make this an excellent location for biodiversity observation. Over 2,000 species documented on iNaturalist.

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• Lake Skinner Recreation Area

  Address: 37701 Warren Rd, Winchester, CA 92596

  Hours: 6:00 AM - Sunset (varies seasonally)

  Cost: $6 adults, $3 children (day use)

  1.5-mile lakeside path. Quiet, peaceful setting excellent for birdwatching and eBird observations.

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• Vail Lake Loop

  Location: East of Temecula off Highway 79

  Hours: Sunrise to sunset

  Cost: Free

  15+ miles of trails with great views and diverse wildlife. Wildflowers bloom in spring, providing excellent opportunities for plant photography and identification.

• Murrieta Creek Regional Trail

  Location: Runs from Old Town Temecula to Wine Country

  Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk

  Cost: Free

  Paved and dirt sections through riparian habitat with easy access. Family-friendly trail great for casual nature walks and bird observation.

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• Santa Margarita River Trail

  Location: Short drive from Temecula toward De Luz, 221-acre river corridor

  Hours: Open daily

  Cost: Free

  Lush, shaded trail with granite outcroppings and abundant wildlife. Cool microclimate supports unique plant species.

• Harveston Lake Loop

  Address: Harveston Community, Temecula, CA

  Hours: Open daily

  Cost: Free

  Easy 0.8-mile loop around lake with playground. Perfect for introducing kids to nature observation and citizen science.