Tenaja Falls Trail head

"The trail actually goes way past the waterfall for about 3 miles. However, most people dont go past the waterfall. Definitely recommend exploring that part. The area has a nice small oak grove and a stream that eventually drops into the Tenaja Falls."

"The drive is great but when you get to the mountain side, it's only big enough for one car...definitely take an suv or truck, as the roads have big holes due to rain damage. The trail to the waterfall is easy...take enough BUG SPRAY because they are aggressive. Take plenty of water...the topportion is deep enough to swim in *BE CAREFUL FOR THE LOG underwater in the waterfall pool.* The rocks are slippery when wet..but overall great experience and it's local."

"Love this little hike, it's also a fun drive to get there! The hike itself to the falls is pretty short as far as hikes go. Maybe around a mile up? You can also find little offshoot trails to explore a little more. I have yet to explore if there is anything farther at the top. Pretty place and whenever I've gone it hasn't been too busy. The falls can dry up in the summer though so probably best to go after a good rain!"

"Took an early morning Memorial Day hike to Tenaja this morning. It was absolutely beautiful! I am posting most of the photos from the hike and hopefully the videos post as well. The sounds of the many different birds singing was just incredible. I wish I could have stayed there just sitting enjoying the peace for a while. Many hiking trails around here are super packed and you can hear cars and traffic or other noise pollution. Tenaja is one of the last less known, more secluded trails within 20 minutes of Temecula. To get here, you just take the 15 to Clinton Keith and head west up the hill past Bear Creek. You keep going to and pass Santa Rosa Plateau and La Cresta. Make a right at Tenaja Road and keep going until it looks like you can’t go further. Turn right onto Cleveland Forest Road onto a one lane road. Both directions of traffic use this one lane, so be careful. Park at the trail head parking lot and start at the trailhead to the right of the bathrooms. See my photos for the trailhead marker. The trail begins with steep decline overlooking the beautiful forest, turns slightly right and continues down. There are a couple of forks in the road where the one heading left leads to a steep ravine, just be aware with children! Stay towards the right following the trail. You hit the creek with lots of huge volcanic boulders. The creek was dry today May 31st. We saw three groups of people in total over the course of 3 hours, which is very nice if you want a secluded and peaceful hike. There are tons of Coast Live Oak Quercus agrifolia looming high overhead and countless baby oaks sprouting up from where acorns fell. It was an amazing hike and when you’re deep in the forest it’s not even very hot, until you get back out. There were blankets of wild ferns on the forest floor. Incredible experience!"