Rinconada Trail (14E30)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Parking is free at the trailhead.
No potable water most of the year, bring your own.
Very hot during the summer.

The upper part of the trail is very exposed and is likely to be very hot during the summer. There will be poison oak during the springtime. Always be aware of mountain lions and rattlesnakes.

From the town of Santa Margarita take Pozo Road towards Santa Margarita Lake for about 10 miles. The trailhead will be on the right and is well marked.

From the trailhead, take the trail on the left. The first section is well-traversed, steep singletrack in a relatively shaded/wooded area. After .75 miles, the trail widens to doubletrack and climbs out of the foliage. After another .75 miles, you'll pass through a gate and arrive at the top of a ridge and a 4-way intersection. This is a good turnaround point if this is the only trail on the agenda.

Continuing on, a small detour to the right and up a ridge will take you to the local high point; otherwise, continue straight and downhill on a very rocky doubletrack trail. You'll pass a well on your left, and the trail terminates on a fire road at the 2-mile mark.