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Tenaja Falls
4.6 ★★★★★ 271 Google reviews · Running trail in Murrieta, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Tenaja Falls' 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.
National forest waterfall accessed via a trailhead with spring cascades teeming with birdlife.
What runners say about Tenaja Falls
“Scenery drive, beautiful waterfall (even though it wasn't flowing this time of year) easy hike.”
“Scenery drive, beautiful waterfall (even though it wasn't flowing this time of year) easy hike.”
Nice walk/hike. It's a short and pretty easy walk to the falls from the trailhead. We came on a Sunday and there were a good amount of cars at about 2pm. There is a good amount of water running but the crossing at the start was east to get past without getting wet. After that it was nice and green the whole way.
Nice little hike! It's pretty easy and not too long. Maybe 1.5 miles altogether. The whole way there is uphill and a water crossing, if there even is water. The falls were big after the rain, but I've also seen it with no water and no falls.
Moderate hike. We took the long way down first to the falls and then took the shortcut (cement & continuous incline) back to the car parked. We did 6.5 miles in 4 hours which is pretty good! Before turning into the trail, there's a great photo op that I took after our hike.
In the middle of forest, good moderate to difficult hike. There is little water but it is still a good place to go with your family and pets. Expect high temperature and take plenty of water with you. You can find shade while on hike. It offers you breathtaking views of mountain top and valley. Must go for hikers.
Trail conditions & character
“There was no water flowing but we hear water so we hiked closer and out the back we saw a small waterfalls.”
“A little difficult to get to on a twisty one lane road with turnouts that leads you to the trailhead.”
“We took the long way down first to the falls and then took the shortcut (cement & continuous incline) back to the car parked.”
Plan your run at Tenaja Falls
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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Murrieta
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Tenaja Falls Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 107 reviews
Beautiful waterfall in a remote woodland area reached by steep, sometimes rocky trails.
