Two-Canyon Empire

Hiking the Wiashal Trail Loop in Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve

Let’s see ... a plateau that’s an extension of a mountain range, an undulating ridgeline, big boulders, and two canyons: The 6.6-mile Wiashal Trail is a great hike for ticking off a SoCal geology checklist! The trail follows a ridgeline atop a plateau that’s actually a southeastern extension of the Santa Ana Mountains—all to gain panoramic views of two canyons.

This lollipop loop winds up and down multiple summits in the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve in Murietta for an elevation gain of close to 1,000 feet. It’s those ups and downs that garner you the dramatic views of Slaughterhouse and Cole Canyons down below. And the view of the Santa Anas isn’t so bad either!

Start your trek at the reserve visitor center. You’ll first get a lowland experience as you hike through dramatic Englemann oak woodlands. Watch for golden star and false indigo wildflowers along the way. Then the work begins as you hike the reserve’s toughest trail. You’ll ascend the spine of the hills, passing through dramatic boulder formations. As the canyon views unfold, you can see most of the reserve, as well as the Santa Ana Mountains. Be sure to gaze skyward as well. You might catch a look at a red-tailed hawk, who most assuredly has already seen you.

TIP: Large portions of the trail are lined by dense brush on either side, so long pants are recommended.

To visit the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, take I-15 to Clinton Keith Rd. in Murietta, exiting west. Continue on Clinton Keith for just over 5 miles, turning right on Tenaja Rd. The parking lot will be on your left in 0.7 mile. $4/adult entry fee. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  3. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View
  4. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Two kayakers on Upper Klamath Basin on tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures

    Zen & the Art of Kayaking

    It’s the most meditative and relaxing experience you’ll ever have on a kayak. Yes, you read that right, a Zen experience on a kayak. It all happens in beautiful Klamath County when you head out on a guided tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures.

    View
  3. A Rose in the Pines

    A crackling fire, a bottle of wine, a bubbling Jacuzzi tub with a waterfall … now the big question: Marvin Gaye tunes or not? In the morning (ahem) it's breakfast in bed and a leis

    View
  4. Alex Villicana, Villicana Winery and Re:Find Distillery

    Locals' Feature: Alex Villicana

    Tech booms, AI revolutions, okay that’s all fine, but you wanna know what else is really cool? Being a pioneer in a world-famous industry that—in Paso Robles—remains solidly down to earth. When Alex Villicana established Villicana Winery in 1993, he clearly had grape expectations...

    View