Hiking Trail Guide: Chiquito Basin, Cleveland NF

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Chiquito Basin, Cleveland NF

Distance
5 miles

Elevation
1100 feet gain

Difficulty
4/10

City
Trabuco Canyon ,CA (92678) 43.16 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
From Interstate 5: Take the Ortega Highway (California 74) exit in San Juan Capistrano and proceed east for about 22 miles to Long Canyon Road (unsigned -- the first paved road on your left about .40 miles past the candy store). Follow Long Canyon for just under 2 and a half miles to the Blue Jay Campground. Park outside the Blue Jay Campground.

From Interstate 15: Take the Central Avenue (California 74) exit in Lake Elsinore and proceed west about 11 miles to Long Canyon Road (unsigned). Turn right on Long Canyon Road. Follow Long Canyon for just under 2 and a half miles to the Blue Jay Campground. Park outside the Blue Jay Campground.

The trail begins in the day use parking lot just south of the campground entrance.

Description

This pleasant path winds in and out of oak woodlands and chaparral before it descends 600 feet to a broad meadow filled with bunch grasses, yarrow, and buckwheat. Chiquito Basin is named after the horse of the discover. Guidebooks speak of Indian morteros in the rock along the north side of the glade, but we were hard-pressed to find these.

Even if you do not find the grinding rocks, this hike is worth your time. Many campers enjoy it as a Saturday morning walk. We visited it on a Sunday afternoon in June and had it to ourselves except for two trail bikers. In the spring, expect explosive displays of chamise, white sage, and monkeyflowers. Enjoy the shade but bring ample water and bug spray.

Map / Directions: