Sandstone Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Waterfall · Wildflowers

The trail varies between shade and full sun.

The trail begins easily following the McNeil Canyon Truck route. It crosses the river (dry in the off-season) and leads through grassy wildflower fields. The trail is easy until you get to the end of the flat fields where it then climbs up to the top of McNeil Canyon for a great view. It is downhill from there, winding down to Santa Margarita Lake tributaries. Near the end is McNeil Falls. The trail passes beneath the falls. It is dry in the off season but still a spectacular stone formation even without the water. The trail abruptly ended at a washed out bridge.

Found lots of scat which appeared to be bear, fox, and/or skunk. Snakes and mountain lions are reported to be in the area although we did not see any.