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Cole Canyon Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 113 Google reviews · Running trail in Murrieta, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cole Canyon 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 Cole Canyon Trail
“This trail is adjacent to a cult de sac in a very beautiful part of Murrieta.”
“Parking is in a dead end of a nice and quiet neighborhood.”
“It's a relatively easy walk/hike and only very few difficult slopes (I'm working with long term ankle injury & recovery and was still able to manage).”
Definitely a nice hike. About a mile out and back. Very quiet. Filled with the sound of various bird songs. Heat is a problem for me but hiked on an 80+ degrees day with such a nice cool breeze. There is shade here...bring your pooch...
Always a beautiful hike. It was better before last year's fire but still a great hike. You can see a video of my latest hike on the Boulder Trail in Cole Canyon on YouTube under A3500MileWalker.
Parking is limited and in residential area, please be kind and courteous. The trails are great, perfect for beginners and mid level. Hills to climb and streams (after rain) to explore. Bring your camera! Dog friendly but remember to keep on leash and pick up after your dog!!!
Great hiking trail, quiet, not a lot of people. My dogs and kids love it.
Trail conditions & character
“A bit rugged after the burn, but there's some nice view and a really cool giant boulder scramble.”
“Dog friendly but remember to keep on leash and pick up after your dog!”
“Parking is limited and in residential area, please be kind and courteous.”
“Parking is in a dead end of a nice and quiet neighborhood.”
Plan your run at Cole Canyon Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–6 PM |
Running trails near Murrieta
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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