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Chiquito Falls
4.4 ★★★★☆ 52 Google reviews · Running trail in Lake Elsinore, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 6.4 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Chiquito Falls' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Chiquito Falls
“No water at the falls but great views.”
“Nice hike, no water in the falls, but a nice 10 miles with some shade along the way”
Just like the name implies, this is a small waterfall. The 10 miles of hiking and 1500ft elevation gain isn't easy but doable if you're in shape or just determined to see it.
Great hike! It’s about 9 miles out and back. You’ll have to climb down the mountain, then up about 1600’, then down to the falls. No water at the falls but great views. Plenty of parking. There’s a restroom at the start. Not sure how often the city checks but you’ll need a parking pass.
Great way to de-stress after good rain through so-cal. This is a 6.4 mile hike from the San Juan Loop trail head. Takes about 2-2.5hr to hike there depending on your stops or abilities.
Nice hike! The trail is also used by Mt bike rides, most were polite and followed trail etiquette. No water going over the fall, but if there had been more water the hike would have also been more challenging with water crossings. I will hike here again. ☺️
Trail conditions & character
“The 10 miles of hiking and 1500ft elevation gain isn't easy but doable if you're in shape or just determined to see it.”
“Just like the name implies, this is a small waterfall.”
“The 10 miles of hiking and 1500ft elevation gain isn't easy but doable if you're in shape or just determined to see it.”
“Nice hike, no water in the falls, but a nice 10 miles with some shade along the way”
“Great easy local 10 mile hike, off Ortega Highway, trailhead near Candy Store.”
Plan your run at Chiquito Falls
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- Loop distance6.4 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Running trails near Lake Elsinore
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
