The Santa Margarita River Trail -Fallbrook Area

This is about  5 to 5.5 miles in length out and back style trail, through with the river crossings you can make this a nice loop trail. The elevation change is 400' and is open to dogs. We saw many dogs along the way and you will also frequently see horseback riders.

The trail is well travelled, well marked and well maintained through there are some areas where erosion narrows the trail and footing can be somewhat tricky. There is also a great sign area with maps of the area, the trail and a list of all the vegetation that can be found in the area.

This is a great hike I think for about any time of year but overall with the oaks and deciduous growth, the autumnal color change would be exciting to see.

This trail is well shaded and follows the river offering a cool refreshment on hot days and deep reflections of the surrounding landscape.

The trail here gets very in a few places and some areas show trail erosion.

Near the turnaround point if travelling as out and back and remaining on the same side of the river you will come across an old vehicle embedded in the riverbank

The trail winds the course of the river offering river access at several crossing and providing for many deeply shaded areas. Great places to cool off and rest if needed and a good place to water your 4-legged companions if needed.

For all the shots I only brought the 28mm along for this trip. For avid photographers the trail runs east-west so early morning will have the sun in your face on the way in, but not on the way out, and likewise in the afternoon you have the sun in your face on the way out.  We started around 10am and hiked through the harsh midday sun, but that made some of the shady areas even more  mysterious.

Overall this was one of the best hikes I have seen in San Diego. Good for all levels of hiker, well marked and well maintained. It offers many sceenic views of the river and area and can give one that sense of peace and solitude in being away from the sounds of the city.