About Santa Rosa Plateau
The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, located at the southern end of the Santa Ana Mountains in southwest Riverside County near the city of Murrieta, is a hidden gem that offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and ecosystems of the area. Consisting of 9,000 acres, the Reserve protects unique ecosystems such as Engelmann oak woodlands, riparian wetlands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, bunchgrass prairie, and vernal pools as well as more than 200 species of native birds and 49 endangered, threatened or rare animal and plant species, including mule deer, mountain lions, badgers, bobcats, western pond turtles, white-tailed kites and fairy shrimp. Of the two species of fairy shrimp that live in the seasonal vernal pools on the Reserve, one is found only here and nowhere else on Earth!
An especially popular day-hike destination at the Reserve is the Moreno and Machado Adobes, the two oldest standing structures in Riverside County, which date back to 1846 and once served as bunkhouses for cowboys. These interesting historical buildings, shaded by a 400-year-old tree and separated by a relaxing one-of-a-kind picnic area, provide a unique opportunity to experience Riverside County’s rich history.
The Reserve offers a number of interpretive programs and trail walks. Horseback riding and mountain biking are popular activities in the Sylvan Meadows Multi-Use Area of the Plateau.
Location
39400 Clinton Keith Rd., Murrieta, CA 92562
Reserve Hours
Trails: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | No dogs allowed on trails.
Reserve Fees
$6 per adult and $3 per child
General Park Rules
RULES APPLICABLE TO DISTRICT REGIONAL PARKS
The following rules apply to all regional parks in Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space
District. For rules specific to each park, please refer to the corresponding section for each park.
1. All local, state, and federal laws shall be enforced in all District Regional Parks. County of
Riverside Ordinance 328 shall be enforced in all District Regional Parks.
2. The posted speed limit shall be observed.
3. Vehicles must remain on park roads and/or designated parking spaces.
4. Child/youth is defined as age 12 and under, children under the age of 2 are granted free
entry into the parks.
5. All pet fees are per animal. Maximum three (3) dogs/horses total.
6. Service dogs are exempt from the pet fee and the maximum limit of three (3) dogs/horses.
7. Dogs must be controlled and on a leash at all times no longer than six (6) feet in length.
8. Never leave pets unattended. Pets must be kept inside RV or tent overnight.
9. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up waste generated from their pet(s).
10. Hunting and use of firearms is prohibited in the park.
11. Never disturb or attempt to handle wildlife.
12. Fireworks are prohibited.
13. No off-road vehicles allowed. Street legal vehicles only.
14. Remote controlled flying objects, drones, bow and arrows/archery are not permitted unless
authorized in advance by Director or his/her Designee.
15. Do not remove or damage flowers, rocks, plants, animals, artifacts, and other park features.
16. No attaching, tying, nailing, or screwing of items to the trees. Tampering with these items is a
violation of County Ordinance 328.
17. Amplified music is not permitted unless authorized in advance by the District. Small radios are
permitted except during hours 10pm – 6am so long as the noise does not disturb the peace and
quiet of the campground or neighboring sites.
18. Know before you go! Guests are encouraged to check the website or call the park in advance of
their visit to see if there are temporary rules in place (i.e. campfire restrictions, water
conservation and water use restrictions due to statewide drought, etc.)
19. Notify Park Ranger immediately of any emergency, damage, or other problems arise
Species Habitat Ecology
The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve protects six distinct plant communities
Oak Woodland
Coast live oak woodlands frequent low lying areas. Engelmann oak savanna can be found on elevated land where water is infrequent, as Engelmann oaks are drought deciduous. Bird species such as band-tailed pigeons, acorn woodpeckers, red-shouldered hawks, screech owls, and great horned owls utilize these two oak species.
Grassland
The native bunchgrass prairie on the Santa Rosa Plateau is considered the finest example of native grasslands remaining in California. The prairie reveals a host of native wildflowers — among them chocolate lilies, mariposa lilies, lupines, checkerblooms, shooting stars, and Johnny jump-ups. The grasslands are used by badger, mule deer, and many burrowing rodents.
Vernal Pools
Vernal pools are found on mesa tops, and support some of the rarest plant and animal species in the region – California Orcutt grass, San Diego button-celery, thread-leaf brodiaea, and fairy shrimp. During the winter months, these seasonal pools are frequented by many water fowl, including green-winged teals, Canada geese, grebes, greater yellowlegs, and long-billed dowitchers. As the water recedes in spring, brightly-colored wildflowers such as yellow goldfields and purple downingia circle the banks of the pools with bright color.
Chaparral
The most common plant community in California can be found on the Plateau in areas of granite rock outcroppings. Plant species such as chamise ceonothus and manzanita are characterized by their tough, woody stems and small leaves which help conserve water.
Coastal Sage Scrub
Gone frome 95% of its former sourthern California range, the Reserve protects examles of a plant community that is home to endangered species such as San Diego coast horned lizard and California gnatcatcher.
Riparian Wetland
Low-lying areas where gravity accumulates water support dense stands of vegetation including western sycamore, arroyo willow and poison oak. Pools along these stream coarses called tenajas (ten-ah-has) allow western pond turtles, California newts and red-legged frogs to survive through dry summer months.
The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, located at the southern end of the Santa Ana Mountains in southwest Riverside County near the city of Murrieta, is a hidden gem that offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and ecosystems of the area.
Become a Docent with Santa Rosa Plateau for our Outdoor Education Programs!
Consisting of 9,000 acres, the Reserve protects unique ecosystems such as Engelmann oak woodlands, riparian wetlands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, bunchgrass prairie, and vernal pools as well as more than 200 species of native birds and 49 endangered, threatened or rare animal and plant species, including mule deer, mountain lions, badgers, bobcats, western pond turtles, white-tailed kites and fairy shrimp. Of the two species of fairy shrimp that live in the seasonal vernal pools on the Reserve, one is found only here and nowhere else on Earth!
An especially popular day-hike destination at the Reserve is the Moreno and Machado Adobes, the two oldest standing structures in Riverside County, which date back to 1846 and once served as bunkhouses for cowboys. These interesting historical buildings, shaded by a 400-year-old tree and separated by a relaxing one-of-a-kind picnic area, provide a unique opportunity to experience Riverside County's rich history.
The Reserve offers a number of interpretive programs and trail walks. Horseback riding and mountain biking are popular activities in the Sylvan Meadows Multi-Use Area of the Plateau.
