Docent-Led Hikes on the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve

These exclusive Docent-Led hikes are a fun way to visit this special place which is not open to the public.

Docent-Led Hikes Brochures

San Diego State University Field Stations Program Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve Bird Walk With Charity Flyer

Bird Walk with Charity

San Diego State University Field Stations Program Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve Chaparral Hike Flyer

Chaparral Hike

San Diego State University Field Stations Program Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve Gorge Hike Hike Flyer

Gorge Hike

San Diego State University Field Stations Program Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve Mushroom Flyer

Mushroom Walk

San Diego State University Field Stations Program Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve View Loop Trail Hike Flyer

View Loop Trail

Docent-Led Hikes Sign-Up Links

Hikes will resume in October 2026

Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve

In addition to protecting local flora and fauna, the reserve provides environmental research opportunities for students and researchers worldwide.

unpaved road with corridor of trees arching over

Riparian area by the SMR in the spring

River view with sky in background

Beautiful photo on Gorge hike taken by Nancy Stalnaker

river with steep walls on both sides with fog

Foggy morning in the Temecula Gorge

6 hikers sitting on rocks on top of a mountain with view of rocky terrain

Hikers enjoying the view

two hikers sitting on a rock near the river enjoy a rest

Hikers Rich and Janee resting in the Temecula Gorge

hiker resting on back giving peace sign with fingers

Hiker resting

4 hikers standing outside hole in rock

Botanists: Micheal Crouse, Ashley Ariaza, Tom Chester and Beth Cobb

hikers sitting on rocks on a hill with distant view of city iin the background

Hikers admire the rock pots

hiker smiling in front of rock

Lesley Gregory

3 hikers sitting on a rock near the river

Hikers enjoy a rest and snack on the Temecula Gorge Hike

5 hikers standing in a row

Hikers enjoy their hike

hiker sits on top of a rock looking outward. A rocky hill is in the background

Docent Tom Somers enjoys a thoughtful rest

Hikers on a high point of a trail with a view of the distant horizon

Hikers heading back

group of hikers sitting on rocks near river

gorge hike photos during bioblitz

5 hikers standing on rock near river

Temecula Valley Woman’s Club and Pablo in Temecula gorge

5 hikers climbing hill on dirt road

Buena Vista Audubon group walking up the hill from gorge

5 hikers climbing up a dirt road hear river

Buena Vista Audubon Docents visit Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve

One hiker standing in river with green plants in background

Beth Cobb Docent on Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve

4 hikers with mountains in the background

Ashley Ariaza on Chaparral Trial with hikers

Hikers resting on rocks
hikers exploring an ephemeral pool
hikers resting on rocks

Hikers rest on rocks in the Temecula Gorge

two hikers emerging from a small cave
Woman with blue backpack, blue baseball cap and glasses in front of hillside with scrub and rocks
Hikers on the road above the river
adult male pointing to rock formation

David Rogers pointing to pneumatic drill hole on railroad bed

hiker standing on hill with clouds in background

Docent Ashley Ariaza enjoys the Chaparral Trail

hiker standing holding a plant among lush green background

Beth Cobb stands holding a Tetracoccus dioicus branch on the Chaparral Trail. This plant is considered endangered and found on the protected Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve.

hiker stands with left hand holding a flower with rocky slopes in the background

Docent Ashlley Ariaza admires a Snowdrop plant flower

Docent-led hikes

Check out the schedule for upcoming fall 2020 docent-led hikes

Dangerous Snakes

Friendly People

PJ Falatek enjoys the Highlands HIke

Hikers observing fairy shrimp on the Highlands Hike

View from Highlands Hike

Hikers head back from the Highlands HIke

Teenagers enjoy the Temecula Gorge Hike