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Lake Elsinore, California

Lake Elsinore, California has many popular spots for anyone looking to explore the outdoors. With its scenic views, numerous trails, and variety of outdoor activities, there is something to satisfy everyone. From mountain biking and hiking to kayaking and fishing, there are plenty of activities to choose from. For the adventurous, there are rock climbing and rappelling opportunities. For the more relaxed, there are scenic drives, picnics, and bird watching. For those looking for a unique experience, there are hot air balloon rides and zip lines. For those who love the water, there are boat tours, water skiing, and jet skiing. There are also a variety of must-visit attractions in and near the area such as the Lake Elsinore Grand Prix, the Lake Elsinore Outlets, and the Lake Elsinore Casino. Come explore the best trails and activities in the area and make lasting memories.

Top Spots in and near Lake Elsinore

  • Lake Elsinore, California

    Explore Walker Canyon

    4.3
    Walker canyon is within easy driving distance from most places in Orange County and San Diego which makes for a great day trip.  While there is no official parking lot for the trail you will be able to find parking all along Lake Street and Walker Canyon Road.  The trail begins at the corner of L...
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  • Canyon Lake, California

    Kabian Memorial Park Loop

    5.0
    3.48 mi / 335 ft gain
    Kabian Memorial Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Quail Valley, California.
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  • Lake Elsinore, California

    Hike Bear Canyon Trail to Sitton Peak

    6.4 mi / 2200 ft gain
    A MUST hike for any orange country resident! The hike starts of off Ortega HWY 74 at the Bear Canyon Trail head on the same side of the road as the Ortega oaks candy store. Its recommended you park in the lot across the street from the trail head (tip:there is a working water spicket in the parki...
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  • Lake Elsinore, California

    Sitton Peak

    9.36 mi / 2011 ft gain
    It's amazing what you can find in your own backyard if you really do you research. In Orange County there are so many awesome hiking options that are often overlooked. The Bear Canyon to Sitton Peak Trail in the San Mateo Wilderness is one of those. Sitton tops out at 3,273 feet and it's a 5 mil...
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  • Lake Elsinore, California

    Ride the San Juan Trail

    4.5
    11 mi / 3400 ft gain
    The San Juan Trail is located off the Ortega Highway (Hwy 74) in Southern Orange County. It is done frequently as a long, 11 mile climb that is rewarded by an almost continuous descent of 3400ft. The out-and-back trail head is back Hot Spring Canyon Rd from the San Juan Fire Station. It can also ...
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  • Corona, California

    Hike to Santiago Peak via Holy Jim

    5.0
    15 mi / 4500 ft gain
    When you think of Orange County, you think of beaches, boardwalks, but what you may not know is that there are some great hikes in our very own backyard! My favorite is a fairly strenuous day hiking adventure that only the strong survive. Not to dissuade any interested parties, since this is a ...
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  • Corona, California

    Hike to Holy Jim Falls

    3.0
    2.9 mi / 570 ft gain
    To start, directions on how to get to the trail there are two different ways, the most common , which I will explain, being through Rancho Santa Margarita you will head east on Santa Margarita Parkway, turn left at the dead end (into a parking lot for a shopping center) on Plano Trabuco Road, thi...
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  • Trabuco Canyon, California

    Hike the Bellview to Dove Lake Trail

    2.5 mi / 75 ft gain
    This hike will be about going from the Bellview Trailhead to Dove Lake and back. Note that once you get to Dove Lake there are numerous offshoots that can take you in different directions (you can follow the road into the Dove Canyon housing community, take a paved road back to the Bellview parki...
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  • San Diego County, California

    Camp On the Abandoned Santa Margarita Lookout Helipad

    4.3
    Starting in Murrieta, CA you don't have to venture far to enjoy a beautiful view and less light polluted skies.From Murrieta on the I-15 freeway you're going to want to take the Clinton Kieth Road exit and head west. If you're low on gas make sure to fill up at the 7 Eleven on the left corner. Th...
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  • Silverado, California

    Bedford Peak Trail

    5.0
    6.78 mi / 1972 ft gain
    The Bedford Peak Trail in Silverado, California is a challenging hike that offers a variety of natural features. The trail spans 6.78 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of 1,972 feet. It is rated as difficult due to its steep inclines and rocky terrain. The trail begins in a dense oak w...
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  • Trabuco Canyon, California

    Bell Canyon Trail

    3.86 mi / 102 ft gain
    Bell Canyon Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near San Juan Capistrano, California.
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  • San Juan Capistrano, California

    Hike the Pinhead Peak Trail at Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

    4.0
    2 mi / 220 ft gain
    Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is the perfect place to getaway from the hubbub of LA. Enjoy the scenic drive north on Ortega Highway before reaching the entrance gate to the park. Parking Fees are currently $3 on Weekdays and $5 on Weekends. Camping Fees vary depending on your group size.  The...
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  • Trabuco Canyon, California

    The Luge: Santiago Truck Trail Loop

    5.0
    7.46 mi / 1371 ft gain
    The Luge: Santiago Truck Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Lake Forest, California.
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  • Silverado, California

    Harding Falls Trail

    5.0
    5.96 mi / 1378 ft gain
    The lot provides free parking, with plenty of spaces available throughout the day.  The first few miles feature a descent into the canyon on a defined trail out in the open. The way back up is a decent incline in the sun!   Be prepared, because even though 6+ miles may not seem too hard, this h...
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  • Fallbrook, California

    Hike the Santa Margarita River Trail

    5.0
    5 mi / 469 ft gain
    Santa Margarita River Trail is a 5 mile out-and-back hike that takes you near the river in Fallbrook, CA. This trail provides some shade which is helpful on hot days. If you bring your swimsuit you can hop in for a dip on hotter days.  Make sure you wear good hiking shoes due to some rocky terrai...
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  • Lake Forest, California

    Hike Borrego Canyon to Red Rock Canyon Trails

    4.6
    4.2 mi / 500 ft gain
    Just south east of the city of Irvine, on the southern end of Orange County, is the scenic Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. Don't let the newly developed shopping centers restaurants fool you, because just beyond the parking lot ($3 Daily Use Fee) of the Borrego Canyon Trailhead, you will find your...
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Camping and Lodging in Lake Elsinore

Temecula KOA at Vail Lake
Aguanga, California

Temecula KOA at Vail Lake

Dripping Springs Campground (Ca)
Temecula, California

Dripping Springs Campground (Ca)

Banning Stagecoach KOA Journey
Banning, California

Banning Stagecoach KOA Journey

Fry Creek Campground
Palomar Mountain, California

Fry Creek Campground

Observatory Campground
Palomar Mountain, California

Observatory Campground

Boulder Basin
Black Mountain Trail

Boulder Basin

Guides, Insights and Stories from Lake Elsinore

The Hike that Humbled Me

The Hike that Humbled Me

Cameron Catanzano

The Best Views in Laguna Beach

The Best Views in Laguna Beach

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Why Laguna Beach Is the Ultimate Summer Destination

Why Laguna Beach Is the Ultimate Summer Destination

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The Top 4 Places to Explore Tide Pools in Laguna Beach

The Top 4 Places to Explore Tide Pools in Laguna Beach

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Loco Laguna: 7 Videos of Wild Adventure in Laguna Beach

Loco Laguna: 7 Videos of Wild Adventure in Laguna Beach

Josiah Roe

Laguna Beach's Top 5 Trails for Hiking, Biking, and Running

Laguna Beach's Top 5 Trails for Hiking, Biking, and Running

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