Cole Canyon Natural Park

Nestled against the foothills of the central Temecula Valley, Cole Canyon Natural Park backs up to the Santa Rosa Ecological Preserve in southwest Riverside County. Originally the territory of the Luiseño and Juaneño, it comprises 165 acres, and is administered by the City of Murrieta.

The 10 Essentials

ACTIVITIES:

equestrian
hiking
mountain biking
picnicking
trail running

HIGHLIGHTS:

Murrieta Creek
Access to Santa Rosa Ecological Reserve

HABITAT:

Oak woodland, chaparral, & grassland with some riparian area bordering Murrieta Creek. Elevation is around 1200 feet.

AVAILABILITY:

Open year-round; sunrise to sunset. Ideal seasons are fall – spring. Check the city’s main park page or call (951) 304-PARK for current closures, conditions, and restrictions.

AMENITIES:

~4 miles of multi-use trail open to hikers, horses, and cyclists.

PERMITS / FEES:

No permits OR fees!

SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS:

N/A

ACCESSIBILITY:

Kid-friendly
Dog-friendly
ADA: No known facilities
Public transit: The nearest RTA stop is more than 3 miles away.

NEAREST SERVICES:

Murrieta is a full-service town.

HEADS-UP!

Risks include: sun- and heat-related issues, rattlesnakes.

Flora & Fauna

Despite much of this area having burned in the 2019 Tenaja fire, there is still plenty of flora & fauna present, and this park provides an excellent opportunity to observe post-fire ecology first-hand. In addition to the typical urban park species you’d expect to encounter, you may also see:

Northern harrier
Buffalo gourd
Bobcat
Southern suncup
Golden eagle
Alkali heliotrope

Murrieta, CA

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Links & resources

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