Fall Colors Guided Hike at the Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve

The Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve hosts a wide variety of history and wildlife. The Wildlands Conservancy's Rangers will provide a tour of the trail system and point out some of the most interesting features of Santa Margarita River's history. Ranger guides will also discuss the wildlife observed throughout the hike and provide interesting insights about the ecology of the area.

The hike will begin promptly at 9:30am. However, we ask hike participants to arrive at the Willow Glen Trailhead at 9:00am in order to fill out liability release forms and assemble with other hike participants.

The hike will be between 2 and 3 miles in total, traversing along the banks of the river as well as, venturing into the oak woodland and chaparral hills.

There are sections of trail that are narrow, uneven, and rocky, therefore we encourage hike participants to bring sturdy hiking shoes or hiking boots. Please also bring drinking water, a light snack as well as other weather-appropriate attire.

The hike will be out-and-back in nature and the group will return to the trailhead parking area at 12:30pm.

Heads up, there are no bathrooms at this trailhead. Please be prepared.

1. Take the Mission Road exit on I-15 and follow Mission Road west toward Fallbrook. Drive 1.6 miles to Willow Glen Road and turn right.
2. After 2.2 miles, Willow Glen Road intersects with Stage Coach Lane and turns into a dirt road, virtually at the River
3. At the dirt road, there is a dirt parking lot where we will meet.

Any questions can be sent to [email protected] or answered by calling the Preserve at (909) 372-0138

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Host or Publisher The Wildlands Conservancy | South Coast Preserves