San Juan Loop Trail

Overview: This is a easy and relatively short hike, yet offers a very complete experience. As the name says, it is a loop trail in the Cleveland National Forest, off of Ortega Highway. It goes through different portions of open trail and really old oak trees covered sections. You can enjoy views of landscape, a small waterfall in a gorge and go along the creek bed.
You do see a relative high number of other hikers, kids and dogs. Bikes are not allowed.



Tips: Located at Ortega Highway, around 21 miles east of I-5 and 10 miles west of Lake Elsinore, the trailhead is right at the parking lot across the "Candy Store" (Ortega Country Cottage). Make sure to bring a National Forest Adventure Pass and keep it displayed in your parked vehicle.
Also double check that the trail you are starting is the San Juan Loop Trail, and not the San Juan Trail, which is a much longer hike also in the area.
Bring water and sunblock. Always look for poison oak if wearing shorts. Always look for rattlesnakes, as it inhabits this region.
If you bring your dog, it has to be kept on a leash not longer than 6 feet.
Best if done around end of January and April, but can be potentially done all year, except after heavy rains periods, when trails might not be safe for hiking. Remember that on Summer temperatures here can get pretty high, so bring extra water and a hat.
Exceptionally beautiful area on Spring, when flowers are blooming, vegetation is green and water levels are higher.