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McVicker Stairs Hiking Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 154 Google reviews · Running trail in Lake Elsinore, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from McVicker Stairs Hiking 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 McVicker Stairs Hiking Trail
“Beautiful scenery, great walking spot take lots of water and make sure to go when the sun is not too strong, not too crowded.”
Well thanks to Covid, I gained some C-19 weight and started researching places close to me to get fit. Found this hidden gem by accident. It’s a fairly intense walk, enough ups and downs to get your heart pumping...the view is beautiful from up there.
Convenient trail of stairs for getting in shape. Lots of cute wildlife. Don't come here for a super bloom, that's on the other side of town. 😉
Short but challenging stair trail of varying grades (keeps it from being monotonous). Super gorgeous views of Lake Elsinore. Check out the views during sunrise, sunset, and anywhere in between. It's a different experience every time!
It's a nice, well developed trail. Really eay but super short. It's almost like you are walking through everyone's backyard as the trail is directly behind lots of homes in a nice sub division.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful scenery, great walking spot take lots of water and make sure to go when the sun is not too strong, not too crowded.”
“Saw one today 4/13/25 Please pick up after your pets, fortunately I dont see a lot of dog poop, so thank you responsible pet owners”
Plan your run at McVicker Stairs Hiking Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
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.
