Santa Rosa Plateau

This week I was able to get out to Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve for an afternoon hike. While it is not located in Orange County, it is close by and definitely worth the trip! During my last visit to the reserve, I overheard a docent telling a group of children that, on warm spring days, the vernal pools boil with activity as the garter snakes hunt pollywogs. I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that this was the primary reason I went there this week. I lucked out and saw 2 snakes in the pools in addition to wildflowers, dragonflies and lizards.

The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve is on 39400 Clinton Keith Road and is located at the southern end of the Santa Ana Mountains (off the I-15) between Temecula and Lake Elsinore. The Reserve consists of 8,300 acres and protects unique ecosystems like Engelmann oak woodlands, riparian wetlands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, bunchgrass prairie and vernal pools. Day use is $2.00 per person.

There are many trails to choose from however biking and horseback riding is limited to the Sylvan Meadows Multi-Use Area. I have only been on a few trails on the reserve and they were well-maintained and mildly hilly. I also recommend stopping at the Nature Center that is staffed by knowledgeable docents. There also great exhibits and good bathrooms (which is a huge plus for me!).