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Santa Margarita County Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 205 Google reviews · Running trail in Fallbrook, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Santa Margarita County Preserve'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.
Popular nature preserve with trails for hiking, wading and mountain biking.
What runners say about Santa Margarita County Preserve
“Beautiful wilderness 25 mins from Oside.”
“Very fun hike perfect for beginners or pros alot shade super cool in my opinion.”
It was absolutely gorgeous! However I wish they had more info on the actual trail itself. Dogs are allowed! I brought my dog Morty. Please bring your own bags just in case there aren't any stocked.
Such a nice area for a nature walk. Love the shaded trails and the water nearby. No real hills to hike if you stick to the main trail so it's quite enjoyable. I've also done the trail on my mountain bike and that is also fun, I would just do that on a weekday. Weekends can be busy!
Found this place on Google map and decided to check it out before school started. It's a nice little place to bring family for a short hike. We came on a week day after reading it's busy during weekends. Lots of horse trailers when w e arrived.
Most excellent place to bring your horses. Rode with friend who brought new horse. Trails are maintained. Many water crossings, small streams and some up to horses' belly. All safe. Some walkers with dogs but all respectful. PLEASE contribute to upkeep of trails.
Trail conditions & character
“If you're looking to do the river trail, plan to get there early, especially on the weekends, as the parking lot next to the trailhead is the only parking that's nearby.”
“Very fun hike perfect for beginners or pros alot shade super cool in my opinion.”
“You will encounter lots of hikers and dogs, so be on alert.”
“Took my niece on the loop trail that crosses the santa margarita twice.”
Plan your run at Santa Margarita County Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitesdparks.org
- Phone(760) 728-2303
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
Running trails near Fallbrook
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 846 reviews
Scenic trail along the Santa Margarita River featuring shade trees, rapids and free parking.
Luiseño Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 498 reviews
10-acre site with a contemporary play structure, jogging path, sports fields & tennis courts.
Oceanside Bike Trail
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
Sykes Ranch Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 95 reviews
Kid-friendly area with trails for hiking, biking and dog-walking, plus picnic tables and swings.
