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
Wind: 1mph NNW
Humidity: 18%
Pressure: 30.18"Hg
UV index: 5
81°F
82°F
79°F
75°F
82°F / 48°F
90°F / 52°F
84°F / 48°F
72°F / 46°F
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