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Rancho San Clemente Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 25 Google reviews · Running trail in San Clemente, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Rancho San Clemente 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 Rancho San Clemente Trail
“Beautiful views, easy for kids to hike, fresh air with nice ocean air.”
“Great for a 20 to 30 minute run and walk.”
Great walk once you find an entrance. There’s not a lot of help out there, so I posted this picture of a sign that shows the various entrances. Happy walking!
This is an ok place to hike, but a bit challenging to find. Make sure to park at Richars Steed park as map will misdirect you. Trail starts at the park.
Park near the skatepark if it's open. There is a trailhead close to the bathroom. Nice views and I'd call it a medium difficulty trail. It is also a biker trail so watch out for them. Otherwise it's a really nice hike.
Probably my favorite trail in San Clemente. Lot's of hills provides a little extra challenge without being too rough. Great views.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful views, easy for kids to hike, fresh air with nice ocean air.”
“You can park at the skate park at the very bottom near the restrooms and head up.”
Plan your run at Rancho San Clemente Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
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 Clemente
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bonito Canyon Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 41 reviews
Linda Lane Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 786 reviews
City park featuring a fish-themed playground, green spaces, seating areas & more.
