Near Vista Grande Trail via the Boulder Loop Trail
Enjoy a pleasant, pastoral view looking east toward Mt. San Jacinto from the Vista Grande Trail.
Near Vista Grande Trail via the Boulder Loop Trail
A footbridge aids your crossing near the Tenajas.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Vista Grande Trail via the Boulder Loop Trail

5.0 (2 Ratings)
An out and back hike in one of the richest and most biodiverse areas in Southern California.
3.8
mi
Distance
265
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsFamily FriendlyRiver/CreekSpringViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Open from sunrise to sunset. No dogs or ATV's. Not sure about Mountain Bikes. Check the website before visiting for more information: http://www.rivcoparks.org/education/santa-rosa-plateau/santa-rosa-plateau/

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.83mi
Distance
265ft
Elevation Gain
265ft
Elevation Loss
15%
Max Grade
1,945ft
High Point
1,738ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
The Boulder Loop Trailhead is located at the northeast end of the parking lot and is a widely used trail. Once through this area, you'll hit multiple junctions that lead to various parts of the plateau trail system with many leading to dirt access roads. Follow trail signs while keeping left, leading to the Grande Vista Trail. Along this trail, you'll find Tenajas, pockets in the stream beds created by water rolling back into itself when met with these large boulder in its path, all of which create ecosystems found nowhere else. You'll cross seasonal streams over well-maintained foot bridges leading to open space grasslands bordered by Engelmann Oaks and wildflowers in the spring. When clear, you can see Mt. San Jacinto and Mt.San Gorgonio to the east. In the mornings and evenings, mule deer can be seen skirting the tree lines and also coyotes racing across the trails ahead of you. Birds, bugs, reptiles, and more can be found year round. This is a jewel of an area, and we're very fortunate to have it.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Santa Rosa Plateau Boundary

Hike Route

Santa Rosa Plateau Boundary

Birding
moderate
7.55 mi
+663 ft
Fisherman's Camp to Bluewater Canyon

Hike Route

Fisherman's Camp to Bluewater Canyon

Birding
strenuous
6.33 mi
+1,482 ft
Bear Canyon to Sitton Peak

Hike Route

Bear Canyon to Sitton Peak

Spring
moderate
9.6 mi
+2,183 ft
Sitton Peak

Hike Route

Sitton Peak

Dogs Allowed
moderate
4.67 mi
+1,698 ft
San Juan Creek Trail

Hike Route

San Juan Creek Trail

Views
easy
9.92 mi
+944 ft
Nature Loop Trail

Hike Route

Nature Loop Trail

Views
easy
0.97 mi
+13 ft
Contributors
Jacob Collins