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. 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
  3. Hike the Rainbow

    Catch all the colors of a rainbow at Calero County Park on this 10-mile hike currently showcasing the season’s best blooms.

    View
  4. Hike Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve

    Purisima Charisma

    Hundred-foot redwoods, a shaded canyon, and views overlooking Half Moon Bay. This 10-mile loop hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a roller-coaster of uphill and downhill along with easygoing stretches through some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful landscape.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on a guided horseback tour with Central Coast Trailrides at Santa Margarita Ranch near Paso Robles

    Saddle Up with Central Coast Trailrides

    Untouched and sweeping, the mountainous scenery and deep valleys of Santa Margarita near Paso Robles are just begging to be explored. So saddle up for a scenic adventure with Central Coast Trailrides (CCT) at the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch.

    View
  2. A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

    Going Wildwood

    Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View