5 Hiking Trails In Lake Elsinore To Kickstart Your 2025 Resolutions

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — With the holidays behind us, there’s no better way to kick off 2025 than by hitting the dusty trails to fulfill New Year’s resolutions of staying active and connecting with nature.

Recent studies have highlighted the numerous health benefits associated with lacing up your hiking boots for an adventure.

Hiking regularly can enhance cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones and improve balance. A 2023 study published in BMC Public Health found that participants in a winter hiking intervention increased their physical activity levels, which led to better sleep and less stress.

But it isn't all about physical health. Spending time in nature — especially while hiking — has also been linked to better mental health. According to 2024 research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, exposure to green spaces can boost mood, reduce anxiety and lower the risk of depression.

Heather Eliassen, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard, says even those who live in cities and work indoors can and should try to reap the health benefits of nature.

“If there are some green spaces a short or medium distance from home, try walking or biking to the green space to get the benefits of exercise while getting [there],” she said. “Or, find green space you could incorporate into your commute to or from school or work.”

AllTrails, a website and app that was "founded on the idea that we’re all made better by spending time in nature," makes it easy to find nature areas and hiking trails of varying levels near you.
While searching, the website allows users to set the distance, difficulty level, length, suitability and more.

In Lake Elsinore and around Southwest Riverside County, the website lists dozens of scenic trails — from steep mountainous terrain that can take hours to ascend to quick and "easy" trails along babbling brooks and wildflowers.

Here are five trails in and around Lake Elsinore to explore:

• Sitton Peak Truck Trail - This trail, which is ranked "hard" for experienced hikers, takes nearly 5 hours to complete and has a 2,060 elevation gain. It is a very popular area for hiking and running. Directions and more information here.
• Lake Elsinore Levee Walk - Ranked "easy" for most hikers, this 8.5-mile out-and-back trail near Lake Elsinore takes an average of two and a half hours to finish, but you don't have to walk the Levee's entire stretch. This trail is pet and stroller-friendly, with areas to have picnics. Directions and more information here.
• Bear Ridge and Sitton Peak Loop Trail - Here's another challenging trek to add to your 2025 resolutions. This route, popular for runners and hikers, takes an average of 5 hours to complete. Directions and more information here.
• San Mateo Peak via Morgan Trail - Ranked "moderate" difficulty, this 4.4-mile out-and-back trail is best to visit now through April. This trail is maintained by the Sierra Club and offers a gradual walk up to the summit of San Mateo Peak. Wildflowers are present during spring and summer. Directions and more information here.
• Bear Canyon Loop Trail to Pigeon Spring - This 6.5-mile loop trail near Lake Elsinore offers a moderately challenging trek, which takes about three hours to finish. The best times to visit are between now and October. Much of the trail's elevation gain is along the first half of the loop. Directions and more information here.

Search for more hiking trails near you.