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Hot Springs Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 39 Google reviews · Running trail in San Juan Capistrano, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 12 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs Trail
“The Hotsprings trailhead is super well cared of, such beautiful and peaceful place.”
If you want a great hike from here, you can bag old and new Sugarloaf in about 13 miles. The trail is great, as are the views. Search for "hikingguy san juan trail to sugarloaf" for a video and full guide to the hike.
Such a beautiful hike! Its far enough from the city that you feel like you're out in the wild. There are lots of beautiful wildflowers and cute little lizards to see. The mountains are breathtaking. The trail is a little washed out from the rain so some parts you need to be careful with your footing
San Juan is the best trail in SoCal. The Hotsprings trailhead is super well cared of, such beautiful and peaceful place. Kudos to the park Rangers for doing such an awesome job.
What a ride!! Trail is a bit over grown. Fun and chunky. Difficulty rating. Fun and flowy. Awesome ride. Car didn't get broken into so we were all happy.
Trail conditions & character
“The Hotsprings trailhead is super well cared of, such beautiful and peaceful place.”
“Used this stop to leave our shuttle car to get to San Juan Trailhead once we are done with the 10 mile trail.”
“Used this stop to leave our shuttle car to get to San Juan Trailhead once we are done with the 10 mile trail.”
“The canyon trails and ridges offer great distance and elevation gains.”
“Trailhead for a single track mountain bike trail.”
Plan your run at Hot Springs Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance12 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone(951) 736-1811
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near San Juan Capistrano
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bell View Trail Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 63 reviews
Steep, unshaded hill trail featuring a pond (home to tadpoles, frogs and switchbacks).
