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Chiquito Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 50 Google reviews · Running trail in Lake Elsinore, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Chiquito Trail's 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 Trail
“Be prepared to do this amazing long rocky hike, you will love the beautiful pictures by the waterfall”
“A lot of shade along the trail, but full sun in other spots.”
“The trail was easy to follow and diverse, which kept it interesting (changing from curvy, rocky, sandy, tree canopies, then dirt with pretty moss-covered rocks).”
Love, love, love this hike! Exactly 4.5 miles to the Falls, though they were dry. Beautiful views and you get nice elevation without it being steep and difficult.
Beautiful, moderate hike.. wear appropriate shoes for hiking trail might be slippery.
This is one of our favorite trails so far; it is easy to moderate with nice views and combination of mountains, trees, rocks and water falls!
It was a moderately difficult trail only because of the distance to the dry Chiquito falls in late November. A lot of shade along the trail, but full sun in other spots. I recommend head gear and plenty of fluids with electrolytes.
Trail conditions & character
“This is one of our favorite trails so far; it is easy to moderate with nice views and combination of mountains, trees, rocks and water falls!”
“The parking lot has plenty of space to park, nearby bathroom (open whole with a lid to sit for a toilet).”
“Easy to follow trail that branches off the San Juan Loop.”
“The trail was easy to follow and diverse, which kept it interesting (changing from curvy, rocky, sandy, tree canopies, then dirt with pretty moss-covered rocks).”
“A lot of shade along the trail, but full sun in other spots.”
“Beautiful views and you get nice elevation without it being steep and difficult.”
“The parking lot has plenty of space to park, nearby bathroom (open whole with a lid to sit for a toilet).”
Plan your run at Chiquito Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone+1 858-673-6180
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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.
