Day Hiking Areas

• Corral Canyon OHV Area

  FOREST FIRE RESTRICTIONS are in effect! 

  NO campfires or open flames allowed anywhere in the Corral Canyon OHV Area including the campgrounds.

  Forest Order NO. 02-22-12

   

  USFS approved Spark Arresters are required year round.

  Green sticker riding season is year round.

  Red sticker riding season is October 1 - April 30. (This also applies to OHVs that are registered out of state.)

• Bear Valley Trailhead
• Bobcat Meadow Campground
• Corral Canyon Campground
• Kernan Trail
• Boulder Oaks Campground
• Cibbets Flat Campground
• Pine Creek/Hauser Wilderness Area

      

• Espinosa Trail
• Horsethief Trailhead
• Pine Creek Trailhead
• Secret Canyon Trail
• Laguna Mountain Area

  High elevation, cooler temperatures, dense forests, and scenic vistas define the Laguna Mountain area. A must visit.

• Big Laguna Trail
• Boulder Oaks Trailhead
• Burnt Rancheria Campground
• Desert View Interpretive Nature Trail
• El Prado Group Campground

  

  The El Prado Group Campground breaks down into five individual group sites - Big Sage, Buckwheat, Manzanita, Whitehorn, and Yerba Santa, each with varying capacity and amenities. All sites connect to the Big Laguna Trail System which offer a multitude of lengths and difficulties (this includes The Sunset Trail, The PCT and Big Laguna)

• El Prado Group Campground - Big Sage
• El Prado Group Campground - Buckwheat
• El Prado Group Campground - Manzanita
• El Prado Group Campground - Whitethorn
• El Prado Group Campground - Yerba Santa
• Garnet Peak Trail
• Horse Heaven Group Campground

  Trails nearby. There are three individual campsites (Buttercup, Hollyhock, and Lupine) within the group campground.

• Horse Heaven Group Campground - Buttercup
• Horse Heaven Group Campground - Hollyhock
• Horse Heaven Group Campground - Lupine
• Indian Creek Trail
• Kwaaymii Cultural Interpretive Trail
• Laguna Campground
• Lightning Ridge Trail
• Meadows Information Kiosk Trailhead
• Noble Canyon Trail
• Noble Canyon Trailhead
• Penny Pines Interpretive Site Trailhead
• Pine Mountain Trail
• Storm Canyon Vista Trailhead
• Sunset Trail
• Wooded Hill Group Campground
• Wooded Hill Nature Trail
• Pacific Crest Trail

  There are a variety of entry and exit points for those interested in hiking the trail, each one offering different mileage and level of difficulty. These can include day hikes, or multiple day hikes. The PCT spans 110 miles through the Cleveland but many hikers chose to hike point to point, or trailhead to trailhead. To select the correct hike for you, please see some of the popular options below:

  • Mexico Border Northbound to Lake Morena - 20 miles one way
  • Lake Morena Northbound to Bridge - 4 miles one way
  • Kitchen Creek Southbound to Kitchen Creek Falls - 3 miles roundtrip
  • Fred Canyon to Kitchen Creek Road - 2.5 miles one way
  • Storm Canyon Lookout to Kwaaymii Point - 5.6 miles one way

  For more information on the Pacific Crest Trail as a whole, please visit our dedicated page.

• Pacific Crest Trail - Storm Canyon to Kwaaymii
• Mt. Palomar North Side Area

      This general recreation area is located on the north side of Palomar Mountain.

• Atáxam Mámta’ash Campground

  17 sites. Pacific Crest Trail Access. No Water.  The nearest water can be found at the Warner Springs Gas Station. The Campground name has been changed to Atáxam Mámta’ash "ut-TAH-hoom MUM-tuh-ush" (People's Flat) Campground to honor the descendants of the land. 

• Cutca Trail
• Dripping Springs Campground
• Dripping Springs Trail
• Dripping Springs Trailhead
• Oak Grove Campground
• Oak Grove Trail
• Palomar Magee Trail
• Wildhorse Trail
• Mt. Palomar South Side Area

  This general forest area consists of lands on the south side of Palomar Mountain.      

• Barker Spur Trail
• Crestline Picnic Area
• Fry Creek Campground
• Fry Creek Trail
• Observatory Campground
• Observatory Trail
• Upper San Diego River Watershed

  San Diego River Gorge Trail

  The San Diego River Gorge (SDRG) trail runs east from the Ramona Area and can provide access to Cedar Creek Falls, a spectacular waterfall plunging 80 feet into a large pool of water. The SDRG trial leads hikers through the beautiful backcountry hills of eastern San Diego. The trail drops approximately 1,800 feet in elevation during the first two miles, making the return hike extremely difficult - especially on hot days. Access to Cedar Creek Falls area requires a permit, and visitors should be aware that the falls typically do not run during the summer months at which time the base of the falls gets stagnant and fills with algae.

  This Cleveland National Forest location offers much in the way of beautiful scenery, great exercise, and a natural watering hole. However, this is not a hike recommended for everyone as it can prove extremely difficult, especially when the temperature at the trail head is over 70 degrees.  Those who do not bring enough water and supplies often experience heat related illness along this trail. Heat related deaths have occurred in this area, hiking this trial is highly discouraged when temperatures at the trailhead are over 90 degrees.  

  For this and any hike, it is important for visitors to assess their own physical condition and that of their party before beginning. Keep in mind that a roundtrip journey on this trail can last up to 6 hours; bring enough water and snacks for everyone in the party.  It is recommended to carry 1 gallon of water per person and some salty snacks; wear light-colored clothes, a hat, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear. During cooler months, bring layered clothing.

  Please take the time to read our Know Before you Go article for important tips and information. Or for a quick overview, check out our Cedar Creek Infographic.

  For a list of more trails to explore in your area, please see our Recreation Trail Guide

• San Diego River Gorge Trail
• Three Sisters Falls
• Corona Back Country Area

      

• Cold Water Canyon Trail (6W01)
• East Horsethief Trail (5W01)
• Ladd Canyon Trail (7W04)
• Holy Jim/Los Pinos Area

  Nestled in the heart of the Santa Ana Mountains in beautiful Orange County. A must visit.

• Holy Jim Trail (6W03)
• Trabuco Canyon Trail (6W04)
• West Horsethief Trail (6W11)
• Ortega Highway Area

     

• Bear Canyon Trail Loop (5W09)
• Blue Jay Campground
• Blue Jay Trailhead
• El Cariso Campground
• El Cariso Nature Trail (6S07)
• El Cariso Visitor Center
• Falcon Group Campground

                              

  Access to the Falcon Campground  is only available from the Lake Elsinore side of Ortega Highway due to Cal Trans closures every other weekend.  Please click the link for more information.

  https://sr-74-ortega-highway-widening.constantcontactsites.com/

  There are three individual campsites (Lupine, Sage, and Yarrow) within the group campground. 

• Falcon Group Campground - Lupine
• Falcon Group Campground - Sage
• Falcon Group Campground - Yarrow
• Falcon Trail (6W10)
• Hotsprings Trailhead
• San Juan Loop Trail (5W08)

   

  Access to the San Juan Trail will be limited due to Cal Trans closures every other weekend.  Please click the link for more information.

  https://sr-74-ortega-highway-widening.constantcontactsites.com/

   

  San Juan Loop Trail

  

  Elevation Gain	500
  Distance	2.1 miles roundtrip
  Pets Allowed	Yes
  Fees	Adventure Pass Required
  Hike Time	2 hours
  Difficulty	Easy
  Best Seasons	Year Round
  Location	34950 Ortega Hwy, Lake Elsinore, across the street from the Ortega Oaks Candy Store
  Ranger District	Trabuco Ranger District - (951) 736-1811

  
  This easy, 2.1 mile roundtrip trail is perfect for those looking for a fun and interactive way to spend the day outdoors with family. Along with the spring wildflowers and steep cliffs overlooking a small ravine boasting (during a wet season) a rushing stream, the San Juan Loop Trail also offers an interactive game play for children known as the "Agents of Discovery." This place-based, environmental education game is meant to encourage children to move as they learn, scanning QR codes throughout the trail which provide "clues" to solve the mystery of the forest. This unique and enjoyable experience is a fun new way to motivate children to learn about nature, culture, science and technology.

  For a list of more trails to explore in your area, please see our Recreation Trail Guide

  

• San Juan Loop Trailhead
• Upper San Juan Campground
• Viejo Tie Trail (6W09)
• San Mateo Wilderness North Area

     

• Bluewater Trail
• Lucas Canyon Trail (6W13)
• Morgan Trail (5W02)

   

  Morgan Trail (in San Mateo Canyon Wilderness)

  

  Elevation Change	720
  Distance	4.2 miles one way
  Pets Allowed	Yes
  Fees	None
  Hike/Ride Time	4 to 6 hours
  Difficulty	Moderate
  Best Seasons	Year Round
  Location	Morgan Trailhead on South Main Divide Road - See Map Below
  Ranger District	Trabuco Ranger District - (951) 736-1811

  
  This beautiful 4.2 mile (one way) out and back trail takes hikers through the manzanita and oak lined wilderness of Morrell Canyon, where willows and sycamore hug the canyon bottom and water flows freely during a wet season. Listed as moderate with an elevation change of 720 feet, hikers meander through oak groves before coming to an open meadow with an abundance of grass and wildflowers. At the mid-way point, travelers are rewarded with terrific views over Lake Elsinore out to Mt. San Jacinto, Mt. San Gorgonio and Mt. Baldy. Located in the heart of the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness, this trail provides the serene and secluded experience that hikers can only get from a natural, untouched forest setting.

  For a list of more trails to explore in your area, please see our Recreation Trail Guide

• Morgan Trailhead
• Oak Flats (6W14)
• Verdugo Trail (6W12)
• San Mateo Wilderness South Area

      

• Clark Trail (5W06/5W13)
• Fisherman's Camp Trail (5W11)
• Indian Potrero Trail (6W08)
• San Mateo Canyon Trail (5W05)
• Tenaja Falls Trail (5W04)
• Tenaja Trailhead
• Silverado Canyon/Maple Springs

   

  Maple Springs Trailhead

  

  Distance	10 miles
  Pets Allowed	Yes
  Fees	Adventure Pass Required
  Hike/Ride Time	2 - 8 hours
  Difficulty	Easy
  Best Seasons	Year Round
  Location	31330 Silverado Canyon Road, Silverado, California 92676
  Ranger District	Trabuco Ranger District - (951) 736-1811

  
  The Maple Springs trailhead provides a connection to other areas of the forest through the Santa Ana mountains. For those adventurous users, the trail, if taken long enough, can reach Santiago Peak leading down to Holy Jim Falls, adding significant distance, incline and difficulty. Though the creeks in the area are dry due to drought, recreational users will still find natural tranquility passing through oaks and sycamores, small meadows and chaparral along the way. This is a great trail for beginning hikers as the paved road is relatively flat and well manicured. This area is also used by off road vehicles, bikers, and equestrian, so please be considerate of others on the road.

   

• Joplin Trail (6W02)
• Wildomar Campground
• Wildomar Trailhead