Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve
Photo: Reginald1992, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Just west of Temecula, the land rises onto the Santa Rosa Plateau, and the landscape changes completely. Here, in a 9,000-acre ecological reserve, ancient oaks, rolling grasslands and seasonal pools offer a glimpse of Southern California as it looked long before vineyards and freeways.
What makes it special
The reserve sits at the southern end of the Santa Ana Mountains in southwest Riverside County and protects an exceptional mix of habitats: Engelmann oak woodlands, riparian wetlands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral and bunchgrass prairie. Its vernal pools — shallow seasonal wetlands — fill with winter rains and support a fairy-shrimp species found nowhere else. More than 200 native bird species live here, along with 49 endangered, threatened or rare animal and plant species.
Hiking
A network of trails lets visitors explore oak groves, open grasslands and creek beds. Trails are open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Spring is especially beautiful, when the grasslands turn green, wildflowers bloom and the vernal pools hold water. In summer, start early to avoid the heat.
The reserve’s education program also highlights plant communities recovering from the 2019 Tenaja fire, a reminder of how fire shapes Southern California landscapes.
Visitor Center and fees
The Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is a good first stop for maps and information. Riverside County Parks lists admission at $6 per adult and $3 per child.
Tips for visiting
- Start early, especially in warmer months.
- Visit in spring for wildflowers and vernal pools.
- Bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes.
- Stay on trails to protect sensitive habitats.
Who will love the Santa Rosa Plateau
Hikers, birders, photographers, families and anyone who wants fresh air between wine tastings will love the reserve. It makes a superb morning before a chauffeured afternoon: a few miles among the oaks, then a pickup in the 1969 Cadillac and a drive back down into the valley for lunch at a winery restaurant.
For photographers, the plateau’s oak woodlands and wide views toward the Temecula Valley and distant San Jacinto Mountains offer a completely different backdrop from the vineyards — an excellent addition to an engagement or portrait session.
Planning your visit
Temecula’s attractions and shows are easy to combine with wine country, Old Town and dining into a full day. Check schedules and buy tickets in advance for performances and popular programs, and confirm hours before you go, since seasonal changes and private events can affect access. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, and mornings are best for outdoor attractions before the afternoon heat in summer. Families should allow plenty of time for younger children to explore. If you are planning a celebration — an anniversary, a birthday or a date night — a show or attraction makes a great centerpiece, and a chauffeured 1969 Cadillac turns the arrival and the ride home into part of the occasion.
Best time to go
Weekday mornings tend to be quietest; check the official website for hours, closures and showtimes before you go, especially around holidays.
Make a day of it
A sample Temecula day built around Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve:
- Morning — Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve while it is cool.
- Midday — chauffeured pickup and lunch at a winery restaurant.
- Afternoon — one or two tastings among the vines.
- Evening — dinner in Old Town before the ride home.
Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve at a glance
| Category | Nature reserve & hiking |
|---|---|
| Address | 39400 Clinton Keith Road, Murrieta, CA 92562 |
| Area | Santa Ana Mountains, near Murrieta |
| Good to know | Trails 7 a.m.–6 p.m.; Visitor Center Tuesday–Sunday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; $6 adults, $3 children |
| Website | rivcoparks.org/srp |
Getting to Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve in a 1969 Cadillac
This is an outdoor destination a short drive from central Temecula. It makes a refreshing contrast to a day of tastings: a morning in open country, then a chauffeured afternoon among the vines. Bring comfortable shoes and water; your chauffeur keeps your things secure in the car.
Chauffeured hire is $325 per hour with a three-hour minimum, booked and protected through DriveShare. Tell us where you want to go and we will build the route — Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve plus a winery or two, a sunset stop and a ride home.
Book the '69 Cadillac on DriveShare
More things to do nearby
- 1909 — restaurants
- Baily's Old Town Temecula — restaurants
All things to do in Temecula → · Month-by-month events calendar → · Temecula wineries →
Frequently asked questions
Where is Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve?
Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve is at 39400 Clinton Keith Road, Murrieta, CA 92562, in Santa Ana Mountains, near Murrieta.
What is Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve known for?
The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve is known for 9,000 acres of protected landscape at the southern end of the Santa Ana Mountains, including Engelmann oak woodlands, rare bunchgrass prairie and seasonal vernal pools, more than 200 native bird species and miles of hiking trails.
Can I arrive at Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve in a classic car?
Yes. 1969 Caddy offers a chauffeured red 1969 Cadillac DeVille convertible from $325 per hour (three-hour minimum), booked on DriveShare. We plan the drop-off and pickup around Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve and can add nearby wineries to the same booking.
Arrive at Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve in style.
A chauffeured 1969 Cadillac convertible for your Temecula day — booked on DriveShare.