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San Juan Loop Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 157 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 San Juan Loop 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 San Juan Loop Trail
“Been hiking here for years hadn't seen it with water flow though, it's so beautiful my family loves it here such a great hike !”
“Enclosed tree covered areas, open rocky trails, and mixed in between sections.”
This was a fun trail! It's about 9 miles total to the waterfall. I would recommend going now (beginning of April) as the water is really flowing! Other times of the year it may not be worth the trek out.
This is an out of the way trail that does not get a lot of travel. There is a decent elevation change, roughly 1,000 ft, and is varied in terrain. Enclosed tree covered areas, open rocky trails, and mixed in between sections.
Lovely loop trail with all kinds of terrain, a little challenge easily overtaken. I took my 2 and 5yo girls they did awesome! About 2 miles all the way around. Decent shade throughout. The oak trees are so majestic! Also there are camping grounds to be noted.
This is a great moderate hiking trail that can be completed less than 90 mins. I recommend bring water and a protein bar if hiking in the summer.
Trail conditions & character
“Bathroom facilities non flushing, there is also a drinking well/ pump in the parking area.”
“I really enjoy this trail with very magnificent views a lot of incline which I really loved I wasn't able to complete the whole trail to chiquito falls but I did the San Juan loop.”
“I really enjoy this trail with very magnificent views a lot of incline which I really loved I wasn't able to complete the whole trail to chiquito falls but I did the San Juan loop.”
“Enclosed tree covered areas, open rocky trails, and mixed in between sections.”
“I really enjoy this trail with very magnificent views a lot of incline which I really loved I wasn't able to complete the whole trail to chiquito falls but I did the San Juan loop.”
“Enclosed tree covered areas, open rocky trails, and mixed in between sections.”
“Bathroom facilities non flushing, there is also a drinking well/ pump in the parking area.”
“Recommend keeping fur babies on leash during trail.”
Plan your run at San Juan Loop 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone+1 951-736-1811
- 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.
