Hiking and Equestrian Trails

EXPLORING THE HILLS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Come and explore over 15 miles of trails dedicated to hiking and horseback riding. Whether you are an avid hiker or just wanting to get out and stretch your legs after a long drive, the Trails at Vail Lake give you the opportunity to get into nature and enjoy all of the natural flora and fauna of the southern California mountains.

LOOKING FOR BIKE TRAILS?

Explore the Trails

The hiking and horseback riding trails are are color-coded on the Vail Lake Resort trail map. Many of the trails here are shared use trails, others are limited to only equestrian, hiking, or biking use.

Trail users can buy a day pass or an annual season pass valid for all of the trails at Vail Lake Resort.

DOWNLOAD TRAIL MAP (PDF)

Trail Use & Day Passes

Overnight Guests and Day Use visitors will find several fun short trails and hikes throughout the campground and Village area. Summer temperatures can be quite high, so we always recommend carrying enough water for everyone in your group.

Whether it’s a quick walk out to Gooseneck Bay, or a trip up Oak Mountain to catch the sunrise or sunset, the hiking is endless. The Gooseneck Bay trail is a popular short hike from the campground that rewards hikers with the shoreline of Vail Lake as the destination.

With trails around and in the park on tree shaded footpaths there is something for everyone to explore.  Our trail system is used by serious hikers and trail runners, to those wanting simply to enjoy the fresh air.  Grab a map in The Village and plan your next hike without ever having to leave the resort!

The equestrian trail area is located between the campground and Vail Lake at the recently refurbished Equestrian Center. Bring your horse to Vail Lake Resort and enjoy 10-miles of horse-only trails set within 365-acres of peaceful recreation space. Once the site of a stopover on the historic Butterfield Overland Stagecoach Line, today the horse trails evoke an escape into the untamed past. After a long day on the trails or a ride in the hills hitch up your horse at the Bunkhouse Bar to enjoy a cold drink with friends and toast the day.

Equestrians can purchase day passes or annual passes. Onsite RV Resort offers overnight camping sites for horse trailers.

Hikers chatting on trail at Vail Lake Resort Temecula CA
A group of horseback riders on the horse trails at Vail Lake Resort Temecula CA
Hikers taking a selfie on trail at Vail Lake Resort Temecula CA
Rider on The Horse Trails with mountain backdrop at Vail Lake Resort Temecula CA
Rider on The Horse Trails at Vail Lake Resort Temecula CA

Answers To Your Questions

A day pass is $5 – $10 per person per day.

Yes! Bring your ID with your address or a RCWD water bill and save 20%.

We offer a wide variety of trails ranging from wide flat walks, to steep hillside summits.

Yes, the Equestrian Center offers plenty of room for horse trailers.

Please call the front desk of the Temecula KOA for additional information.

SEE ALL FAQS

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Vail Lake Hours of Operation

SUMMER: JUNE - AUGUST
EVERY DAY, DAWN TO DUSK
FALL: SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER
DAWN TO DUSK
WINTER: NOVEMBER - MARCH
DAWN TO DUSK
SPRING: APRIL - MAY
DAWN TO DUSK

VIEW HOURS FOR ALL RESORT AMENITIES

Vail Lake In Action

#VAILLAKERESORT

Family biking together at Vailocity in Vail Lake Resort Temecula CA
Biker getting ready to bike at Vailocity in Vail Lake Resort Temecula CA
Campers enjoying s'mores at Vail Lake Temecula KOA
Solo horseback rider on The Horse Trails Vail Lake Resort Temecula CA
Hikers enjoying the view at Vail Lake Resort Temecula CA
Fishers chatting while fishing at Vail Lake Resort Temecula CA
Family enjoying time together camping at Vail Lake Temecula KOA
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