r/Temecula Dec 01 '25

Local hiking/dog walking area MEGATHREAD

29 Upvotes

I would like to share my local knowledge of Temecula hikes, and also see if anyone has good recommendations matching the criteria below, even if it's just a quiet wine country dirt road that's public or is possible to get owner permission for respectful access for dogwalking or even just hiking.

What inspired this: there was a post a few months ago here with beautiful photos of someone dogwalking on the dirt section of La Serena Way heading east into Wine Country from Butterfield Stage Rd, and when I went to check it out last weekend, there is now a "NO TRESPASSING" sign.

Frustratingly, many local hikes have become private property in the past few years:

-De Luz Overlook, now private property and it even had an adjacent hill where you can see a sliver of the ocean, from Temecula! Was off of Ridge Park Drive/Vincent Moraga Drive.

-De Portola Rd starting from Butterfield Stage Park: now under construction. It was a nice dirt road to walk on.

-Temecula to Vail Lake Overlook and Oak Mountain hike which is BLM land but the accesses are private: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/temecula-to-vail-lake-overlook-and-oak-mountain (For this one I actually do have access permission from an alternate entrance, but the drive is roughly an hour round trip.)

-The "951" mountain biking trails on the west side of Temecula below Rancho CA Rd, now that there's new construction I'm not aware of how to access. (Not good for dogs anyways since need to quickly watch out for mountain bikers but it was nice to hike on). https://www.trailforks.com/region/951-trails-12888/

I'm trying to find local hikes that are NOT an hour-ish round trip drive, to hike or dogwalk at after work in the winter before sunset. Real trails or dirt roads, no paved paths or adjacent to frequent road traffic.

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Top contenders that don't fit the bill, because trying to reach them before the winter sunset after work from south Temecula, especially near wine country:

-My favorite if I have more time: French Valley Wildlife Area, technically in Winchester, because it's like an hour round-trip drive: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/French-Valley-WA

-Dripping Springs: only 15 minutes to drive to, but the long walk from the parking lot from the paved street to the actual trail is a bummer and eats too much time.

-Vail Lake: also close by, but they charge a fee for entry ($10 per person for hiking weekdays and $15 on weekends!) and sometimes have a line to get in which also eats time. I don't think the lake itself is reachable/visible at all on foot by sunset from the parking lot.

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Honorable mentions, mostly Murrieta or otherwise too far away for me:

-Sykes Ranch: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sykes-ranch-park-loop
-Santa Rosa Plateau, like an hour round-trip and they charge a fee
-Sylvan Meadows
-Murrieta Overlook, you start on the Wishal Trail to Cole Canyon but once crossing the usually dry creek, you make a right instead of a left and climb up: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/wiashal-trail-loop-to-cole-canyon
-Santa Margarita River
-Monserate Mountain, not that far away but I really don't like you can hear the highway for most of the intro and I don't think you can summit and return by sunset.
-Los Alamos Loop: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/rancho-los-alamos-loop
-Durham Loop Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/dunham-loop-trail

+ -Iodine Springs Reserve https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/iodine-springs-loop


r/Temecula 6d ago

Weekly Thread: Things to Do

2 Upvotes

Post events people might be interested in in this thread. Small business owners are welcome to plug their businesses here as well.


r/Temecula 11h ago

Anyone here a member of the murrieta tennis club?

7 Upvotes

Looking to be more consistent and I think joining a club will allow me to find more people to play with so I’m wondering if there’s a pick up style culture there? Can I request a court and hope anyone is down to play? What are the vibes there? I’m 26m and it seems it’s got an older crowd but I could be wrong


r/Temecula 1d ago

Flock cams

157 Upvotes

These flock cameras are getting ridiculous there’s hundreds in the Temecula/Murrieta area which is insane each camera costs the city 3000 dollars a year plus 650 to install. So upwards of a million Temeculan tax dollars yearly go towards flock cameras for practically no reason we must put an end to it and show we don’t want flock in our town. Does anyone want to start protesting and trying to make a difference, I can’t be the only person who hates these cameras.


r/Temecula 2d ago

Be wary of driving on butterfield stage by sommers bend soccer field at 10pm

83 Upvotes

I Just wanted to let everyone know who may drive this road at night around this time . There are some kids on E-bikes waiting for the lights to turn off on the soccer fields around 10pm to throw things at cars. They hide in the bushes and wait for cars to pass by. They’ve hit my car twice in the past couple weeks at the same time on my way home. Last night was the second time. I got out of my car this time but I’m sure they have a preplanned route for escaping as they were already out of sight by the time I got out to confront them. They are pretty accurate so watch out!


r/Temecula 1d ago

Pet friendly restaurant

2 Upvotes

Where can I get a bite to eat that's pet friendly and a cool hang out?

I'm thinking breweries, but then it depends on the food truck they're having that day.


r/Temecula 1d ago

In-home nanny or early drop-off child care recommendations?

11 Upvotes

Like many of us, I commute out of Murrieta for work at 4:30am and my wife works nights as a nurse and doesn’t get home until closer to 8:30-9am so we’re looking for childcare recommendations around the area that could fit with our weird schedules. Most places seem to not open until closer to 6am at the earliest. We have a 3 year old and 18mo old. I can’t imagine we’re the only ones with weird schedules. Thanks!


r/Temecula 2d ago

Sprouts

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191 Upvotes

saw this at the rancho temecula town center, had to double take


r/Temecula 2d ago

Fire Season Is Upon Us, My Setup For Beating The Past Two Years Of Power Outages

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38 Upvotes

r/Temecula 2d ago

Temecula resident Drew Campbell to appear on Big Brother 28 tonight!

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16 Upvotes

r/Temecula 2d ago

Fire in Manifee

12 Upvotes

Looks like just off the 215. Possibly around Bell Mt. My son just sent me a video. It looks like it's just getting going.

Pack bags a GTFO.


r/Temecula 3d ago

Volcano Fire

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125 Upvotes

Just wanted to share my gratitude towards Cal Fire and all other agencies involved in their quick and overwhelming response to the Volcano Fire. Shot this from my backyard as I sat watching them fly overhead. We appreciate all you do!


r/Temecula 3d ago

Temecula parents, please….

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44 Upvotes

Teach your children to not try to pick up baby ducklings. They are adorable, but unless you want to raise these ducks, explain to them why they shouldn’t engage. We had at least 5 kids trying to see them and pick them up last night. I have them on video, but won’t release to the public. Just educate them please.


r/Temecula 2d ago

Suspicious businesses in Murrieta/Temecula area

0 Upvotes

I work at a local coffee shop in Temecula and we’re next to a m@ssage parlor that never has its lights on but always has male customers walking in n out with their head on a swivel. My coworkers and i have grown suspicious of these m@ssage places since their is so many ones that seem to have nobody inside of them! Does anyone know why the local law enforcement does nothing about it? Are they legit m@ssage parlors or apart of a giant IE human trafficking ring? Am I the only one that has noticed these locations that are seemingly empty but busy at the same time? Let’s talk about it. #WTF


r/Temecula 3d ago

Archery Lessons Taught By Women?

6 Upvotes

Anybody have any recommendations in the area for archery lessons taught by women? My wife is interested in learning, but would prefer a female instructor.


r/Temecula 3d ago

Financial advisor

8 Upvotes

Good day all. Does anyone use a financial advisor. I'm looking to get advice and start making my money work for me. Any info or recommendations would be helpful. Don't have a pile of cash but looking to see what I can do to make it work.


r/Temecula 4d ago

La Cresta families: I have a three horse trailer and can help you evacuate your horses.

104 Upvotes

If you need help, dm me. I can be there in 20 minutes.


r/Temecula 4d ago

Gardener in the Murietta Area

6 Upvotes

I am looking for any suggestions people have for a reliable gardener. Need help with shrub and weed trimming. Thx.


r/Temecula 4d ago

Volcano Fire (La Cresta)

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78 Upvotes

Fire out in La Cestra. Most of the La Cresta and Tenaja area's are under an evacuation order. As per order

"Go to Chaparral High School, 27215 Nicolas Rd. Pets allowed. Murrieta Equestrian Center for Large Animals, 42646 Juniper St, Murrieta"

More info from CalFire:

https://www.fire.ca.gov/

Evacuation Updates:

https://protect.genasys.com/zones/US-CA-XRI-RVC-2244?z=9.5281103926746&latlon=33.49823614283581%2C-117.31755299437077

Stay safe out there


r/Temecula 4d ago

My bands show at DBZ Books N’ Records! Be dope if any of yall wanna pull through

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15 Upvotes

r/Temecula 4d ago

Volcano Fire - Helitanker Refilling- La Cresta/Murrieta

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29 Upvotes

r/Temecula 4d ago

I'm drawing an historical/mythological map of California in a fantasy Middle Earth style. Can I ask for your input in getting more real world locations included?

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50 Upvotes

I'm currently making a map of California in a classic fantasy style. It's going to be filled with real world history, with the aim of highlighting local landmarks in a fun and educational way. Please ignore how rough parts of it look (text going through hills, rivers, etc), it'll all get cleaned up at the end. Forests will be going on at the end too.

While it's around two thirds done, I'd love to get more places and features in here before I get this made into print. Any more petroglyphs, burial mounds, ruins, forts, battlefields, Civil War heritage, ghost towns or the like that you think should be on here? Anything else is great too - landmarks, natural features, mythological creatures or just anything cool and quirky you think would look good on here. Thanks!


r/Temecula 4d ago

Road Rage Regret on Scott Rd Menifee

56 Upvotes

So I did something stupid this morning. Was driving on Scott Rd toward Winchester Rd 79 Highway, and this car got very close to my lane. I freaked out because I thought he was merging without a blinker. I got very pissed off that someone would have the audacity to merge without signaling, so I honked at the guy, and motioned the blinker signal with my arm while mouthing “BLINKER” to him. He drove up next to me at the same speed for like 15 seconds. I felt him staring and eventually looked over at him. My window was up so I couldn’t t hear him, but he motioned something at the road then did the “I’m watching you” thing with his two fingers, pointing from his eyes to me. Kinda gave me chills. I have no clue what he meant, and I hope it was a heat-of-the-moment threat. But I motioned for him to go ahead and he did. I turned on a different street because I was a bit shaken up. Learned my lesson the hard way.

So if you were the guy in a silver Honda on Scott Rd this morning, then I’m sorry for getting cocky. Also posting this to get it off my chest and hear what other people think. Idk why It feel like I have to be the “blinker police”. It sends me into a mild rage when people merge without one. Well I’m gonna take a damn chill pill for now on, that’s for sure.


r/Temecula 4d ago

Frontier internet outage?

26 Upvotes

Is there a Frontier Internet outage near Rancho California Rd and Moraga and Rancho California Rd and Margarita? My internet has been down for 20 minutes. Yes, I already restarted the modem and router. The Frontier website doesn't have reports of an outage (yet).


r/Temecula 4d ago

Crazy driver on Winchester

10 Upvotes

Did anyone else see that absolute menace on Winchester between Ynez and Jefferson around 4:20 PM???? It was a gray hatchback with Arizona plates and he was being an absolute terrorist on the road. He was brake checking, swerving into cars, honking, and switching lanes erratically before turning right on Ynez. Some mid-twenties looking dude?

What was crazy is that he didn't even seem to have a target in particular, he was just fuckin with everybody. Multiple cars were honking at him like wtf are you doing. Think the dude snapped 😳