5 Hiking Trails In Murrieta To Kickstart Your 2025 Resolutions

MURRIETA, 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 many 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 Murrieta 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 Murrieta to explore:

• Keller Trail - This trail is ranked moderate difficulty and takes about 2 hours to complete 5.5 miles. Directions and more information here.
• Tenaja Falls - Ranked an easy route, this scenic Murrieta trail will take you to a well-defined trail to a waterfall along San Mateo Creek. The hike should take no longer than one hour. Directions and more information here.
• La Alba Trail - This is a moderate 4.5-mile loop trail near Murrieta. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, according to AllTrails. Directions and more information here.
• Wiashal Trail Loop to Cole Canyon - This beautiful 1.9-mile loop near Murrieta will lead you to Cole Canyon Natural Park. Be ready for creek crossings and sections with loose ground, so AllTrails recommends sturdy footwear. During the spring, the trail will be lined with wildflowers. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed. Directions and more information here.
• Vernal Pool Trail and Transpreserve Trail Loop - Another good one for beginners looking for a slight challenge, this 3.3-mile loop takes you by the beautiful vernal pool. The easiest and most accessible part of the trail is the first 0.2 miles out before the narrow areas with rocks, according to AllTrails.