Murrieta: Trails, History and Spa

Get to know Murrieta through its trails, local history, markets and a spa. The destinations below can help you tailor your time in Murrieta to your specific interests.

Trail Network and Choosing a Route

Murrieta has a trail network spanning more than 20 miles for walkers, runners, cyclists and other users. Two named multi-use trails differ in length: the California Oaks Trail is 1.0 miles long, while the Cole Canyon Trail is 3.82 miles long. Comparing the stated distances, the California Oaks Trail is the shorter of the two options.

Connections are also relevant on the Cole Canyon Trail: several branching trails connect it to various residential neighborhoods and the Copper Canyon Trail. The Copper Canyon Trail starts at Copper Canyon Park and leads from the city into open wilderness within minutes.

History in Homes and a Park

The Hunt House was built by John Walters between 1921 and 1922. It served as the city hall until Murrieta was incorporated as a city in 1991; today, it is the Murrieta Museum.

Sykes Ranch Park also combines a visit outdoors with local history. It is a remnant of the original 154-acre Sykes Ranch, established around 1888. Visitors can walk there and learn more about the history of the people and the land. If you’d like to pair history with a walk, the park is a specific place to visit.

Market Evenings and Seasonal Offerings

Murrieta Market Nights are held in historic downtown Murrieta on the first and third Thursday of each month. If you’re planning your stay around one of these evenings, check the dates for your travel period. Murrieta’s farmers’ markets offer fresh produce and handmade goods; offerings may vary by season.

Spa and Geothermal Pools

The spa at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is open to resort guests, members and the public. The resort has more than 50 geothermal pools, water features and cold plunge pools at different temperatures. If a spa visit is part of your travel plans, this is a distinct attraction alongside the trails and historic sites.

Landscapes in the Wider Area

The City of Murrieta includes around 1,350 acres of trails, open space, road rights-of-way, hillsides and parkland, as well as 53 parks and several natural areas. The approximately 7,500-acre Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve is in the wider region. Its relatively undisturbed habitats include oak woodland, chaparral and native grassland. At its northernmost point, the Cole Canyon Trail provides access to the Santa Rosa Plateau; the plateau is not part of the City of Murrieta’s trail network.

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For the main travel overview: Riverside.