santa rosa plateau ecological reserve

Located just off of Interstate 15 near Murrietta, California (southern California), the Santa Rosa Ecological Preserve is a wonderful place to get away from the noise and hustle of the day. It is a favorite place to hike, birdwatch, and practice your nature photography. Choose between long, medium, or short trails as you feel the need. Maps, information, and guides can be found at the visitor's center. The Park's staff host photography classes with resident/local professional photographers teaching as the small group hikes the trails. Great place for kids as well.... Rangers are especially welcoming and helpful so take some time and enjoy the Preserve. For the GPS crowd, use 39400 Clinton Keith Rd, Murrieta, CA 92562 or call the station for the latest news at (951) 677-6951. There is an annual parking pass that you can purchase or a small fee for day-pass entry [$3.00 for adult, $2.00 for child 2-12 yrs old, and yes, you can bring a dog on a 6 ft leash for $1.00]. To ensure that you have the lastest information, maps, etc. visit the Preserve's web site at:http://www.rivcoparks.org/education/santa-rosa-plateau/plateau-visitor-information/ . Now get out there and have some fun with nature!

This is my favorite go to for a hike. it's a short drive to a whole different tranquil world. I highly suggest going her if you need to unwind, relax and appreciate nature. All of the trails are great, over the years I have hiked them all! You can go here year round and see something different all the time. there's lots to see, adobes, ancient oak trees, wildlife, vernal pools and a good variety of birds. Take a camera and binoculars. There's also a section for mountain bikes and dogs. Don't miss out and go ASAP!

So close to the urban areas but it feels far removed once out on the trails.Such a nice escape to nature just 10 minute drive off the 15 freeway. Some short easy trails and some very long ones. You can pick up maps at the visitor center where there are also a couple nice short multiple terrain trails. We really enjoy the area in late spring with ponds and streams scattered here and there also lots more greenery and wildlife to enjoy.

Whenever our grandkids come to visit, they always ask to come here! The Visitors' Center has fabulous displays, and many are designed especially for kids. For example, there is a bird box; the kids push a button below a picture of a bird, and the corresponding bird call chirps! The rangers and other staff are always helpful. Our favorite is naturalist Ranger Rob. The bathrooms are spic and span. There are many hiking trails. I am disabled, but am able to use most of them. You'll encounter people on bikes, horses, parents with kids in strollers -- everyone is welcome! Pets are allowed to go on some of the trails.There are many special events throughout the year. For example, last month featured Family Wildlife Day. For a nominal fee, guests get to view all kinds of animals up close and personal. During the summer, there are concerts!All the third graders in the area get to come to the Reserve as a field trip. The Reserve's motto is "No Child Left Inside."

I am a Professional photographer and love to use the Santa Rosa Plateau as my backdrop for portraits. It is also a great place to hike, go for a walk or a quiet lunch.

Even though I had to drag the kids, it was a good time. Any time you're out getting exercise it's good. Not challenging physically, but just a nice walk. Plus, we came upon a tarantula. Made the kids freak out a little. You should go. Yeah I'm talking to you.

A beautiful area with meadows and oak trees; when we have a rainy winter in Murrieta the vernal pools fill up and that is beautiful. You feel hundreds of miles away from the city but you are only about 10 minutes from downtown Murrieta. Peaceful, lots of trails, quiet, animal sightings, and in the spring if we've had a lot of rain, you kind of feel like you're in a different country.....Ireland? It gets really green up there, so beautiful! Would recommend to anyone, as trails are mostly easy and you only have to walk as far as you want. To get to the vernal pools is just a short walk from the road, or you can go further into the reserve. They don't want you eating there unless in a designated area, so it's not really a picnic spot. They also have a visitor's center with displays and I believe a ranger on the weekends (may have changed due to budgets, you know how that goes!) It is a little gem here in the Murrieta area.....highly recommend a visit!

This is a wonderful place to just take a walk. I have seen deer and other small animals many times in this area. For me, during the winter and spring months seem to be best.

Love it out there, especially in the winter months! You actually forget your in California, a few miles from the freeway :)

What a great place to take pictures !!! Amazing great place to hike. I love the vista and the drive up is one of the best. I have been up there with my family doing Christmas photos to just taking a nice walk!

A little known wildlife and nature preserve in the hills above Murrieta. A favorite school class destination. A presentation about the history of the area is available, along with a guided tour walk. Makes for a pleasant day in nature.

Went on a Friday morning. Saw very few people. Did see a coyote, ground squirrels, seven deer, and a hawk. Nice, safe, clean, beautiful.

I moved to this area 10 years ago from the east coast. Santa Rosa plateau is very convenient to I-15 and gives one an opportunity to get away from the noise and crowds without having to drive miles and miles. The trails are relatively easy and provide rolling hills to enjoy your mountain bike, walk your dogs or just hike with your friends out in nature. Nothing too strenuous yet you can work up a sweat if you desire and for the most part be free of crowds even when the parking lot looks crowded as there are plenty of trails and they are well spread apart. Enjoy

I have been visiting the Plateau for 20 years and each time is a new and beautiful experience. A few more restrooms would make it much better. Love this place

I like to hike the plateau it's near me so easy for me to get a nice walk in. The paths are clear and signs with direction and length to destination or length of path. It's nice family, couple, or solo time. To me I always feel like I'm the only one despite all the cars parked in the parking area. Bring your water if your planning to walk a while. I can easily do 2 hours.