39400 Clinton Keith Rd
Murrieta, CA

The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, located at the southern end of the Santa Ana Mountains in southwest Riverside County near the city of Murrieta, is a hidden gem that offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and ecosystems of the area. The Vernal Pools and Trans Preserve Trail to the Adobes are open to the public Saturday & Sunday 8am-2pm. Please note: Openings are subject to volunteer availability, public safety issues, and weather permitting. Check with staff at the Sylvan Meadows parking lot on Saturday and/or Sunday prior to driving up to the Vernal Pools. Sylvan Meadows Multi-Use trails are open to the public 7am-4:30pm daily, with the exception of Tovashal, Cajalco, and Cattle trails which are closed due to ongoing restoration efforts. Day use fees paid in exact cash only please: $4 adult, $3 child, $1 dog on 6' leash, or horse.

39400 Clinton Keith Rd
Murrieta, CA

Vernal pools are found on mesa tops, and support some of the rarest plant and animal species in the region – California Orcutt grass, San Diego button-celery, thread-leaf brodiaea, and fairy shrimp. During the winter months, these seasonal pools are frequented by many water fowl, including green-winged teals, Canada geese, grebes, greater yellowlegs, and long-billed dowitchers. As the water recedes in spring, brightly-colored wildflowers such as yellow goldfields and purple downingia circle the banks of the pools with bright color. Interesting fact: Of the two species of fairy shrimp that live in the seasonal vernal pools on the Reserve, one is found only here and nowhere else on Earth!

39400 Clinton Keith Rd
Murrieta, CA

Coast live oak woodlands frequent low lying areas. Engelmann oak savanna can be found on elevated land where water is infrequent, as Engelmann oaks are drought deciduous. Bird species such as band-tailed pigeons, acorn woodpeckers, red-shouldered hawks, screech owls, and great horned owls utilize these two oak species. ​

39400 Clinton Keith Rd
Murrieta, CA

The native bunchgrass prairie on the Santa Rosa Plateau is considered the finest example of native grasslands remaining in California. The prairie reveals a host of native wildflowers — among them chocolate lilies, mariposa lilies, lupines, checkerblooms, shooting stars, and Johnny jump-ups. The grasslands are used by badger, mule deer, and many burrowing rodents. ​

39400 Clinton Keith Rd
Murrieta, CA

An especially popular day-hike destination at the Reserve is the Moreno and Machado Adobes, the two oldest standing structures in Riverside County, which date back to 1846 and once served as bunkhouses for cowboys.

39400 Clinton Keith Rd
Murrieta, CA

These interesting historical buildings, shaded by a 400-year-old tree and separated by a relaxing one-of-a-kind picnic area, provide a unique opportunity to experience Riverside County’s rich history. ​