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    Monserate Mountain Preserve

    4.6 (55 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Hiking Monserate Trail
    Jemiah J.

    My hiking group and I took the Monserate Trail at Monserate Mountain, an out-and-back route with a steady incline leading to the peak. We navigated the trail using the AllTrails app, which is super handy, especially when exploring new hikes. The Monserate Trail spans 3.1 miles with a 1,158-foot elevation gain. Parking is available across the street from the trailhead. The views during the hike are truly stunning. We visited around 7 a.m. last Saturday, which was ideal since the weather was cool, and the fog blanketing the horizon added to the beauty of the mountains. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes, wear sunscreen, and bring plenty of water, as it's rated a moderate trail. I've trekked here several times and have always enjoyed it. Happy hiking!

    Ed T.

    This review is for the Monserate Mountain Trail Loop which was a ~4 mile round trip that took ~2 hours to complete. A few areas of the trail were rocky and muddy. The first 1/3 of the trail was a steady incline to the peak. The view was limited at the peak due to the height of the shrubs. The remaining 2/3 were a mix of declines and inclines. Overall, there were some nice views to and away from the peak. The only thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the location as it was next to the freeway. Free parking on the side of the street. Short video of the hike for those interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPzBCKGi2qc

    Great trail! Had a fun time hiking this trail. No shade, recommends to hike during spring and winter time. Early morning during summer.

    On your way up ..
    Trisha M.

    It's a beautiful hike east parking but it's tough if you're a beginner .. some parts pretty steep but some low straight lines .. it's about 4 miles up and back ..

    Rexie S.

    My nieces, my pup and I had a girls day and decided to hike Monserate Mountain. I've lived here for years and this was my first time hiking it. The trail is a bit rugged due to the weather but worth it. We had fun and a great workout!

    The top of the trail
    Spencer S.

    This is a good hike but it's intense! The majority of this hike is up hill. Make sure you bring lots of water and sun protection! The views are great on clear days!

    Starting Point.
    William R.

    Great place to hike with awesome views of the I15 & I76 Corridor. Go at sunrise and sunset.

    5/29/20
    Jen S.

    Great early morning hike during the summer! Steep inclines; paved and unpaved sections throughout the hike. Really great workout!! I aways go super early in the mornings to avoid crowds and the intense heat.

    Start of the trail
    Jason R.

    We did this hike last weekend and it will be a one and done I think for us. We don't live near Fallbrook and this was about 1 hr 15 min drive for us. I could see this as being a favorite for people who live in the area who are looking for a challenging workout since there are some pretty steep areas to challenge yourself and the loop is only about 4 miles total so it would be good as a 2 hour cardio/leg workout. Here are the main reasons I don't think I will be back in addition to the long drive for me: -crowded (I like more more secluded trails) -sound of the 15 fwy (I like not hearing the sounds of civilization) -homes/structures nearby (a new residential tract being built really close) -not much beauty or diversity to look at *I understand there are great views from the top but unfortunately the day we went it was drizzling and cloudy with no view to speak of We did this as the Tardigrade Tough 8 Challenge on Instagram and this is my least favorite of the 8. We got there around 7 am on a Saturday afternoon and easily found parking across from the trailhead...free parking. You cross the street and easily see the start of the trail which is steep really from the beginning and you take that straight up the mountain for the most part heading east. After about .7 miles we reached a fork and we went left to do the loop clockwise. This section is steep too and about a mile later (1.6 total) you will reach the peak with a US flag and a metal box with notebooks. We continued on the loop which is about 1.9 miles (3.6 total) to get back to the fork that leads back to the parking area Distance- 4.3 miles Elevation Gain- about 1,400 ft Duration- we completed it in a little under 2 hrs Difficulty- moderate (steep but it is not that long of a hike)

    Caroleann B.

    Really, I'm giving this hike 5 stars after it nearly killed me?! I had mentioned to my husband that I wanted to get back into hiking. After I have been doing hikes along the coastline, I was in for a surprise on this hike! This hike started off difficult for me! We started early, 9:30 but 15 minutes into the hike it was slowly warming up or and I started to heat up as well. It's probably because the hike from the get go had me instantly on an incline (I could be exaggerating) hike. The trail condition varies, they entail grooves some deeper than others, some smooth but sandy areas, definitely a lot of rocks, big and small and steep grades. We didn't take the loop trail. Fortunately it was clear enough for us to see quite a ways at the top. Just beware that not everyone abides by the leash rules, so if you have little ones on the hike be cautious. I just read a Yelper's review that she was bit while on a hike! Also, a lot of people don't pick up after their pets so watch your step. Do bring water, wear good shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen. I found that this hike was mostly steep, switch backs with little flat walks if any. Trek sticks could be your best friend on this hike. Although I did bring my best friend, my dog(s)! I don't know if it was a help or not, I know I was slowing my dog down for sure. At the top, the metal box with journal w/pen were there, but the book was full. The pet water bowl is there as well. I would like to try the hike again, but take the loop trail. The question is, with or without the dogs?

    At the top
    Mirna E.

    I've hiked this mountain twice now... The first was about 7 years ago?! It is a very rocky, STEEP uphill- from the start. I clocked in about 12,000 steps, burned about 600 calories, hiked for a total of 4.5 miles or so. It was an intense workout, I haven't hiked in a while, but it was good and was very rewarding. We completed the whole hike in just under 2 1/2 hours and we stopped along the way to drink water, catch our breath, take pictures and conversate at the top with a few other hikers. The loop is well worth doing as the views are pretty around the back of the mountain. Once you hit the fork- you can go right or left (up). The left will take you straight up the mountain peak (1.1 miles from this point) and the loop will take you around the mountain up to the top (1.7 miles). Definitely go around. Part of the loop trail is loosely paved but there are many times where the trail will ascend and descend. I could see trekking poles being useful on rocky portions of the trail but definitely not required. Bring plenty of water, go at a good pace, and enjoy the views!

    View
    Ana N.

    Great location to hike and do legs. It starts slow, then some stairs, well many many stairs, then a dirt path. It didn't tske long to arrive at the top of the mountain. The view is spectacular, breathtaking. You can see mountains and mountains of greenery and brown. Also, at the end it had a GeoCashing and a Box with a note pad inside. Write a little positive note and grab the flag for the trail completion. If you are around Fallbrook dont forget to stop here. Great experience.

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    The view is spectacular , the wine is excellent, and the service is friendly and informative when I ask questions.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Monserate Mountain Preserve

    Review Highlights - Monserate Mountain Preserve

    *I learned later that you could tack on another mile to this hike if you go on the loop trail.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    What an amazing discovery! You have to look real close on the side of the road because the sign is…read moresmall and the entrance is even smaller. Once you pull in though everything opens up into this lush wilderness. It has a huge parking lot. Once you get on the trail it is well maintained and plenty of space for dogs joggers strollers etc. Bird watchers this is your heaven! There were so many different species in here. The funnest part of this trail is there is choose your own adventure. Along the way you choose left or right over and over. You can't go wrong because it is a beautiful view no matter which way you turn. The best part of all is if you are the type to get lost like me it will spit you out into the parking lot because it's a huge loop. A huge loop with different trails what a great place! The only reason I gave it a four-star instead of a five is unfortunately it's built right on the side of mission Ave which is the main avenue going into fallbrook so there is a lot of traffic noise. That is only part of the trail though not the whole thing. I will be back here on my days off because it's an easy going 1 mile so I feel like I barely had to do anything, got into nature and got my steps in.

    My friends and I took a stroll here in the rain. The entrance to the parking lot is a bit easy to…read moremiss, but once inside, the lot was completely empty because of the weather. Some parts of the trail were flooded, but we were still able to find a one-mile loop around the affected areas. The scenery was beautiful with all the trees and fallen leaves glistening in the rain. I definitely want to come back when it's not raining and the trails aren't flooded.

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    Santa Margarita Preserve is a very popular spot for hikers and anyone looking to connect with…read morenature. The preserve has several well-marked, directional trails, which is super helpful in case you get turned around. It does get very busy, and parking is almost always full unless you arrive early or don't mind waiting. The views are beautiful, with lots of flowers along the way. I personally did about 5 miles, but the trails definitely go beyond that. It was a great hike--challenging but enjoyable--and perfect for my dog and me. The trail is dog-friendly, but we did come across horseback riders, so a friendly reminder to be mindful of others on the trail, especially horses, and to keep your dogs under control. Overall, this was an amazing hike and I highly recommend this trail!‍

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    Eagle Soar Playground & Splash Pad - play ground with splash pad

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    Needed to write a review for the splash pad component. The team working the splash pad during 2021…read moreCovid precautions did a great job. We drove the hour to come up from San Diego to Temecula to visit this park and spend the day with littles. Arrived at noon on a weekday, and the team was very informative about their lunch time closure and process. Check the city website. They do have great information and details there as well. I love that things were fenced off -- both around the playground and again around the splash pad -- to moderate the number of folks entering and exiting. The team working there is very kind.. keeps a good eye on the littles (parents do need to enter with the kids).. and do moderate the number of folks to avoid over crowding. This splash pad is associated with the Margarita Community park (https://www.yelp.com/biz/margarita-community-park-temecula) but the splash pad itself is listed separately with the city. I wanted to recognize the great job the team working the splash pad did. It's not huge.. but it's just right for kids up to early elementary. Mostly for the littles in attendance are of the age where they are just discovering their walking skills and can enjoy the splash of water on a hot day. The other kids weren't too crazy or rambunctious.. so I felt safe. Parents that day (weekday during school hours).. did pay close attention to their own children to keep everyone in check. There is one outdoor shower post to rinse off (the water is highly chlorinated -- or has a smell like outdoor pool water). Not much shade so definitely bring the sunscreen and hats. Recommend water shoes... even though the ground was clean and paved, the ground does get a bit toasty and it's just safer imo. They run in 55 minute increments to then shut the water off. and give the space a break and refresh the crowds. Once school lets out.. it does get more crowded in both the park and the splash pad. I believe the splash pad (as well as the surrounding park) are ADA accessible which is fantastic. I'm happy to see that all friends, of all abiliites, are able to enjoy fun time in the sun! Lots of fun.. and wish we lived closer!

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    Monserate Mountain Preserve - hiking - Updated May 2026

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