Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve — Attraction in Fallbrook

As far as natural beauty goes, Santa Margarita River Trail was 5 stars! You start out on a wide dirt trail, beneath the shade of overhanging oak boughs. A large stand of slender deciduous trees on your left is startling in it's beauty.

Then the trail fragments into 2-3 narrow footpaths. We chose the high path and several steps ahead, it got kind of treacherous. Luckily, we'd brought our eucalyptus walking stick. This enabled us to get down to the lower trail safely. We didn't go much farther than this, as the mountain goat in me has long ago fled my body. I don't say this to dissuade anyone from hiking here. My wife & I just weren't comfortable going any further. I'm sure the rest of the trail holds more enchanting scenery I wish I could've taken in.

On the way back, a shrill cry from a Red-Tailed Hawk sounded from above. This large bird of prey was soaring way up in a captivating blue sky. It never flew close to us, so I didn't snap any pics of it. After a short rest, we headed back toward the car.

There were 2 outcroppings of rocks protruding from the dirt, one on either side of the trail. I saw a smaller-sized lizard sunning itself on the left-hand rocks, and snapped pics of it. I continued just steps ahead, and on the other side of the trail, a large lizard was sunning itself on a granite rock. I got several really good pics of this one, as it seemed to be posing for me!

Back at the parking lot, we noticed another trail, left of a large bridge that spans the wide Santa Margarita River Channel, which is directly across the road from the parking lot. We decided to at least check out this side. Trail was far from the river at the beginning of this trail. We could hear the river, but could barely see it. I saw some sparrows foraging in the grass alongside the trail, and 2 Acorn Woodpeckers, up in the grayish remnants of a long dead tree.

The trail then headed downhill, and we were tired, so this was our cue to head back to the car.

If I was younger, and in better shape, I may have hiked further here. I liked the beauty of this place, with all the oak trees, mountains that surround it, and the sparkling Santa Margarita River. Trail on other side of highway necessitates crossing the river, so be prepared for this.

Parking Lot was full at 12:30pm, Friday 2/19/21. This is a popular place to get...

I am thankful the Wildland Conservancy is involved with this trail. One can see the positive difference in attentiveness to long and short-term protection, maintenance and goals. This organization for decades has worked so hard. The Santa Margarita Preserve is so quiet and peaceful. It is so easy to hear each warbler, squirrel, coyote, etc It is the perfect place to drive to in order to get away from the loud bustle of life, news, etc. Just the drive there and back to downtown is immeasurable as one absorbs the valley quiet and solitude etc. It is beautiful throughout the day time. I am furious at each and every single driver who get on one's bumper or else cross the double lines-when the speed limit is accurate to be 25 mph--driving that stretch more than 28-30 is pure ignorant selfishness. But, getting to the side (where safe) or just ignoring these jerks works...but, the problem is repeatedly on that short stretch one may have selfish drivers behind them. But, I could not be more grateful I discovered this beautiful place. One of the highly dedicated rangers told me what I want to post, too---we must keep voting to fund. (something I have always been actively aware.) From years, decades of observation (as a Californian), I think one critical issue is that too many people under 40 yo have no idea how decimated, how much devastating change our natural environments have gone through in the last decades. Nature has immeasurable and numerous issues to be protected from. The ranger here at this trail is exceptional as a very knowledgeable, detail, and goal minded professional. I am so glad she opens and locks the gates==so visiting hours are limited. Nature deserves to have daily time in wonder. Independently, Surveillance equipment can only be eyes for what is in visual view. I hope there is a a lot of equipment throughout the preserve and trail area. Securing, maintaining, protecting This beautiful environment is...

The Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve, a property owned by The Wildlands Conservancy, is a 1,384-acre nature preserve and hiking, cycling, and horse-riding area. The park has many long trails, most of which follow along the Santa Margarita River. Trail maps available at the parking area kiosk and well-placed signs throughout the preserve will prevent you from getting lost. Cellphone service is spotty on the preserve. The preserve has eight named trails including the Confluence Trail which is linked to the Santa Margarita County Preserve located just down the street from the SMRTP. The SMRTP’s two primary trails are the SMR Trail South and the SMR Trail North. The South Trail begins in the preserve’s parking area while the North Trail begins on the other side of the river. Reaching the North Trail requires you to channel your inner 1840 Oregon Trail self to do some wading because there are no bridges crossing the river. The preserve’s maps say the trails are all moderate to strenuous. I think they are easy to moderate. Crossing the river, which I did not do, may be on another level. I hiked three trails, including the Santa Margarita River Trail South, and enjoyed every minute of it. The site and sounds of the river flowing parallel to the trail is just awesome. I hiked on a Friday morning in March and saw only a few others hiking. I saw no horses and no bikes. Trail markers/signage are very good. Trails are well-maintained and clean. Parking area isn’t that big and probably fills up on weekends. The only restrooms are porta-potties at the Santa Margarita...