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Dripping Springs Trail

Temecula, California

4.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

13.68 miles

Elevation Gain

3287 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Karlee Digby

The Dripping Springs Trail offers great views of the "Big Four" peaks to the north in San Diego. This trail is the best cardiovascular workout close to Fallbrook and Temecula.

The trail immediately begins to climb out of the campground on a well-graded incline. The next mile contains some climbing leading to a set of switchbacks. A long strenuous climb ensues until the 3200' elevation is reached. The trail then makes an easy southward traverse to the basin before resuming a climb to the southwest. A ridge ascent leads to another traverse and the crossing of the only potential water along the trail (seasonal). After crossing the drainage, a short set of stacked switchbacks is climbed leading to a climbing traverse to the trail terminus on the northwest ridge of Agua Tibia Mountain. This is the junction with the Palomar-Magee Trail and occurs in a nice oak grove, suitable for setting up camp if you have the right equipment (and a backcountry permit).

Get great views of the "Big Four" peaks to the north: Santiago Peak, Mt. Baldy, San Gorgonio, and San Jacinto, as well as High Point and the 200" telescope on Palomar Mountain, nearly all the time.

By the way, the namesake for the trail and campground is not found on the trail or at the campground. The Dripping Springs are found below the campground on the north side of SR-79, 1.11 miles away.

Photos: pdpolena, pdpolena

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Features

Fitness
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Easy Parking
Food Nearby
Forest
Scenic

Dripping Springs Trail Reviews

Like she said, great spot for a solid cardiovascular workout. I crossed multiple ultra-marathon runners training on this route. Great use of switchbacks allowing for a gradual elevation climb without any huffing or puffing, making the hike overall pretty gentle on the legs. Just before the trail changed into Paloma's trail to the east there's a nice little opening in the forest where you can relax, or power nap before heading back down. Great views all around. Would definitely like to the full 30+ mile loop one of these weekends.

Bring plenty of water! There's hardly any shade on this baby.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Vail Lake Loop

Hike Thunder Spring and Chimney Flat Loop

Hike to French Valley

Hike to Palomar Observatory from the Palomar Observatory Campground

Hike the Santa Margarita River Trail

Hike South Fork Trail