Master Plan
MurrietaTrails
February 2025
DRAFT
Introduction Community
Voice
Section One Section Two
Table of Contents
Executive
Summary
Plan Background 6
Key Recommendations 7
Conclusion 9
Trail Benefits 12
City of Murrieta Trails Master
Plan Approach
12 Review of Existing Plans
and Studies
13 Document Organization 16
Feedback Survey Summary
21 Stakeholder Interviews
22 Multimodal Community
Survey
23 Community Workshops 24
Welcome
DRAFT
Needs
Assessment
Recommendations
Section Three Section Four
Existing Conditions 32
Trail Classification 32
Existing Trails Descriptions 38
Field Review &
Maintenance Opportunities
59 Trail Usage 61
Proposed Trail Connections and Additions 64
Connections 64
Additions 66
General Trail Recommendations 67
Signage and Wayfinding 67
Trail Design Standards 71
Trail Amenities 76
Trail Maintenance Operations 78
Traffic Calming and Improved Visibility 80
Trail Mapping and Data Management 82
Example Trail Amenity Improvement Maps 84
Implementation 112
Next Steps 114
Funding 116
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4 MURRIETA TRAILS MASTER PLAN
Executive
Summary
Welcome
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5 DRAFT
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6 MURRIETA TRAILS MASTER PLAN
Plan Background
The City of Murrieta’s Trails
Master Plan (MTMP) is a visionary
document that sets the stage for
a more connected, accessible,
and enjoyable trail network.
The MTMP’s objective is to
support the City’s commitment
to fostering outdoor recreational
opportunities, promoting healthy
lifestyles, and ensuring accessible
and well-maintained trails for
all residents and visitors.
The development process for the
MTMP included evaluating existing
plans and studies related to trail
planning in the City, engaging
with community members, and
conducting a robust assessment
of existing conditions to identify
actionable recommendations
for enhancing and expanding
the City of Murrieta trail
network. By prioritizing key
recommendations, fostering
community engagement, and
securing diverse funding sources,
Murrieta can ensure its trails
continue to provide access
to nature and recreation for
people of all ages and abilities.
The Master Plan
Public Participation
The public input for this MTMP included:
2,849 views & 21 feedback comments garnered by a
dedicated project website.
1,525 residents representing 492 household responses
in a statistically valid, multimodal survey.
3 community workshops featuring online and paper surveys. 277 responses on online and paper surveys featured at
community workshops.
14 interviews with key stakeholders such as Council
Members, Commissioners, school district representatives, and community leaders.
Feedback from the community largely indicated a desire for improved trail signage, connectivity, amenities, maintenance, and expansion.
The Murrieta Trails Master Plan offers an exciting opportunity to enhance the community’s quality of life by creating a more connected, accessible, and enjoyable trail network. These trails will provide safe spaces for walking, biking, enjoying nature, promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering a sense of community. To ensure that this plan becomes a reality, an investment in trail maintenance staffing and/or volunteer programs, trail improvements, and new trail connections will be required.
-Call to Action, 2025 Trails Master Plan
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7 Key
Recommendations
As Murrieta continues
to grow, the demand
for well-maintained,
accessible, and
connected trails will
increase. The MTMP
addresses current needs
while anticipating future
demands, providing
a comprehensive
approach to trail
development and
management.
Informed by the existing
conditions analysis and
community feedback,
the MTMP identifies
several critical areas
of focus, including
the following:
Signage and
Wayfinding
Implementation of
Uniform Signage
Standardize signage
across all trails to
ensure consistency
and improve user
navigation.
Wayfinding
Enhancements
Install clear directional
signs at key points
along the trails to help
users easily find their
way. This includes
trailhead signage,
roadway crossing
signs, trail directional
signage, trail mile
markers, and on-street
trail guide signs.
Trail Connections and
Additions
New Trail Connections
Introduce connections
between existing trails
and/or new trails.
Sidewalk Connections
Utilize sidewalks to
formalize connections
between nearby
existing trails.
New Trail Incorporation
Incorporate trails that
exist but are not formally
part of Murrieta’s trail
network.
Future New Trails
The City’s General Plan
identifies a number of
new trail opportunities in
the Circulation Element
chapter, including the
Murrieta Creek Regional
Trail Project, which will
connect Lake Elsinore,
Murrieta, Wildomar,
and Temecula to form
a single connected
regional trail.
Seek opportunities
to proactively plan
for new trails as part
of new residential
developments.
Trail Classification and
Design Standards
Trail Classification
Adopt a trail
classification system
to easily identify the
various types of trails
present in Murrieta’s
trail network.
Trail User Classification
Adopt a trail user
classification system to
easily identify which
trail user types are
recommended for
each trail. User types
should be continually
monitored and
adjusted as the City
sees fit.
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8 MURRIETA TRAILS MASTER PLAN
Mapping and Data
Management
Comprehensive Trail
Mapping
Develop and regularly
update a detailed
map of the trail
network, including
new connections and
amenities. Develop
marketing campaign
to publicize trail maps
and trail information.
GIS Data
Management
Utilize GIS technology
to manage trail data,
ensuring accurate
and accessible
information for
Key Recommendations (Cont.)
Traffic Calming and
Improved Visibility
Enhanced Crossing
Safety
Implement high
visibility marked
crosswalks and
Rectangular Rapid
Flashing Beacons
(RRFB) at key trail-
roadway intersections.
Speed Reduction
Measures
Lower speed limits
on roads adjacent
to trailheads and
crossings to improve
safety for trail users.
Routine Maintenance
Programs
Establish ongoing
maintenance
schedules to address
issues such as
erosion, trail uplift
from tree roots, and
miscellaneous repairs.
Trail maintenance
can also help users
navigate the trail.
Identify future staff
resources needed
to effectively service
maintenance of trails.
Adopt-A-Trail Program
or Murrieta Fix It App
Encourage
community
involvement in
maintaining trails
through an adopt-
a-trail initiative or
through the Murrieta
Fix It App.
Develop and
utilize volunteer
program assigned to
individual trails for trail
maintenance.
Trail Maintenance
Trailhead Amenities
Include trail signage
including a trail map,
information and rules,
a QR code to an online
trail map, and dog
waste stations.
Staging Area Amenities
Provide additional
amenities at major trail
access points including
adequate parking,
bike racks, restrooms,
drinking water, picnic
tables, benches, and
shade structures.
On-Trail Amenities
Provide trail directional
signage and mileage
markers along the
trail to help with trail
navigation. Other
amenities could include
benches, picnic tables,
dog waste stations,
and/or educational
information signage.
Trail Amenities
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9 Conclusion
The implementation of the MTMP
will result in an interconnected
trail network designed to
enhance the user experience
and provide easy access to the
natural environment. By following
the strategic recommendations
outlined in this plan, the City of
Murrieta will promote outdoor
recreation, support healthy
lifestyles, and ensure that the
trails remain a valuable asset for
current and future generations.
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10 MURRIETA TRAILS MASTER PLAN
Introduction
Section One
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11 DRAFT
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12 MURRIETA TRAILS MASTER PLAN
The City of Murrieta is formalizing
their commitment to provide a
variety of recreation opportunities
for its residents and visitors by
creating their Murrieta Trails
Master Plan (MTMP). Murrieta
recognizes that its parks, trails,
and natural areas are a critical
part of what shapes the quality
of life for citizens of the City.
The City’s robust existing trail
network provides opportunities for
people of all ages and abilities
to enjoy the natural environment
that Murrieta has to offer.
Trail Benefits
Implementing a comprehensive
trail system in the City of Murrieta
brings numerous benefits,
enhancing the overall quality of
life for residents and visitors alike.
These benefits include:
• Promoting learning and
appreciation of the
natural environment
Introduction to the Master Plan
• Improving physical
and mental health
• Building community identity
and connections
• Boosting the local economy
• Encouraging use of non-
motorized transportation
• Providing access to
recreation and fun!
The multifaceted benefits—
ranging from health and
environmental sustainability
to economic growth and
community building—underscore
the importance of the MTMP.
By investing in this initiative,
Murrieta can ensure a healthier,
greener, and more vibrant future
for its residents and visitors.
City of Murrieta Trails
Master Plan Approach
The MTMP addresses the critical
aspects of the City of Murrieta’s
trail network, focusing on
identifying needs and providing
actionable recommendations for
enhancement. The objective is to
support the City’s commitment
to fostering outdoor recreational
opportunities, promoting healthy
lifestyles, and ensuring accessible
and well-maintained trails for
all residents and visitors.
To meet these objectives, the
Master Plan emphasizes the
following key elements:
Build on existing plans and studies
The MTMP will build on the City’s
existing planning documents
and studies which define the
goals and plans for future
growth of the trail network.
Clarify classifications
and design features
Provide more detailed
classifications of trails for
different settings and users
and define applicable design
features to create a successful
and cohesive trail network.
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13 Provide a robust public
participation process
The MTMP will incorporate
the feedback gathered from
community members to ensure
the trail network reflects the needs
and wants of the community.
Prepare a realistic
Implementation Plan
The implementation section of
the MTMP will include strategies
and resources for getting
trail enhancements funded
and built, and for operating
and maintaining the trail
network over the long term.
Review of Existing
Plans and Studies
Several important planning
documents and studies that
have provided guidance for
trail development in the City
are summarized below to
provide context on the history
of Murrieta’s trail network.
• Capital Improvement
Program Budget
• Park Amenity Listing
• City Parks and Trails Map
• Trails Guide (2006)
• Murrieta Creek Regional
Trail (MCRT) Plan
• Murrieta’s Interim Trail (MCRT)
• City’s General Plan – Section
5: Circulation Element
• City’s General Plan –
Section 9: Recreation &
Open Space Element
• Economic Development
Strategic Plan/Demographics
• Economic Development
Explore-Murrieta-Facts
• City “Funtier” Brochure
Capital Improvement
Program Budget
At the time of this report, the
Fiscal Years 2024/2025 through
2028/2029 was the most recently
available Capital Improvement
Plan published by the City. There
is over $12.7 million in projected
funding for parks, recreation
facility, and trails projects. There
is also approximately $52.8
million, $12.8 million in planned
CIP projects, in identified parks,
recreation facility, and trails
projects that remain unfunded.
Park Amenity Listing
The City Parks Amenity Listing is
a reference document of each
of the public parks in the City of
Murrieta, detailing the address/
location, acres, and presence of
any amenities. The City of Murrieta
encompasses approximately
4,000 acres of trails, open space,
streetscape, and parkland,
including 53 parks and a number
of natural areas. Parks range in
size from the 0.4-acre Rosewood
Neighborhood Park to the 45-
acre Los Alamos Hills Sports Park.
There are a variety of amenities
at each location, including:
• Amphitheaters
• Barbecues
• Ball Fields
• Basketball Courts
• Bike Paths
• Walking Trails
• Catch & Release Ponds
• Community Centers
• Concession Stands
• Dog Parks
• Football Fields
• Frisbee Golf
• Horseshoe Pits
• Mature Trees
• Open Grass Areas
• Parking Lots
• Par Exercise Courses
• Picnic Tables
• Park Benches
• Restroom / Port-O-Lets
• Shelters
• Soccer Fields
• Swimming Pool
• Tennis Courts
• Tot Lot / Playground
Equipment
• Volleyball Court
City Parks and Trails Map
The Parks Brochure is a map of
all trails and parks within the
City of Murrieta. The current
map/brochure posted on the
City website includes sixteen
(16) trails, and provides the
trail distance and ground type
(native soil, decomposed
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14 MURRIETA TRAILS MASTER PLAN
The Murrieta Creek
Regional Trail will
create a multi-use
trail alongside
Murrieta Creek that
connects Temecula
to Lake Elsinore,
and the cities
between.
granite, asphalt, concrete).
Trails Guide
The Murrieta Trails Guide,
published in 2006, provides a map
of all the trail locations in the City,
as well as a detailed description of
each trail. The descriptions provide
pertinent details related to the trail
head location, level of difficulty,
trail type, trail use, and length.
Murrieta Creek Regional
Trail (MCRT) Plan
The Murrieta Creek Regional Trail
(MCRT) Plan was prepared in
2014 and provides conceptual
alignment analysis and
recommendations for the MCRT.
The intent of the MCRT project
is to develop a “city-to-city”
trail that creates a multi-use
trail alongside Murrieta Creek
that connects Temecula in the
south to Lake Elsinore in the
north, and the cities between.
The MCRT Plan provides 20
recommendations for the City
of Murrieta, related to trail
alignment & design, trailhead
and access point development,
and bridges and road crossings.
Additionally, there is a general
recommendation for the
cities of Temecula, Murrieta,
Wildomar, and Lake Elsinore to
continuously work collaboratively
and continue to identify and
explore opportunities to connect
the MCRT to other existing and
future-planned trail networks.
Murrieta’s Interim
Trail (MCRT)
Following the preparation of
the MCRT Plan, interim maps
were prepared of the Murrieta
Creek Trail. When the maps were
originally prepared in 2015, there
were approximately 3 miles of
trail routes on-street and off-street
mapped in the City of Murrieta.
The trail connects the Murrieta
Equestrian Park and the Copper
Canyon Park. There are seven (7)
street crossings along the route.
City’s General
Plan - Section 5:
Circulation Element
The Circulation Element of
the Murrieta General Plan
2035 represents the City’s
overall transportation plan to
accommodate the movement
of people and goods within and
through the City. It establishes
goals and policies to achieve a
balanced transportation system
that adequately serves the growth
and development anticipated
in the Land Use Element. The
transportation plan consists not
only of the physical transportation
system itself, such as streets,
highways, bicycle routes, trails,
and sidewalks, but also the
various modes of transportation,
such as cars, rail, buses, trucks,
bicycles, and walking. The bicycle,
pedestrian, and trails system is a
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15 key priority of the General Plan.
Several policies relate to the
planning of the regional trails
system, specifically CIR-8.1
to CIR-8.15. These include:
• CIR-8.12 - Pursue funding
or grant opportunities
to plan, construct, and
maintain pedestrian bicycle,
and multi-use trails.
• CIR-8.13 - Maintain a map or
maps of current bikeways and
multi-use trails, and make the
map(s) available to the public.
City’s General Plan -
Section 9: Recreation &
Open Space Element
The Recreation & Open Space
Element of the Murrieta General
Plan 2035 represents the City’s
overall intention to prioritize the
following community concerns:
• Protect the natural
beauty of the mountains,
hills, and waterways.
• Provide abundant
parks and facilities for
recreational activities
and cultural amenities.
• Provide ample activities
for all ages of youth,
and jobs for teens.
Recreation planning is guided
by the City of Murrieta Parks and
Recreation Master Plan (Parks
Master Plan). The Parks Master
Plan provides information about
Murrieta’s parks and recreation
facilities. It also includes a needs
assessment and gap analysis,
recommendations for meeting
current and future needs, and a
financial implementation plan.
The City has adopted a standard
of 5 acres of parkland per 1,000
residents. As of June 2009, the
City had a deficit of 34 acres
according to this standard;
and if no new parkland is
added, there will be a deficit
of approximately 200 acres at
buildout (assuming a population
of 133,261). Additional acreage
is required to accommodate
recreation facilities such as sports
fields and courts that meet the
population’s demands. The
Parks Master Plan estimated that
240.3 acres of parkland would
be needed for a population
of 120,000 to meet identified
needs for recreational facilities,
in addition to what is needed to
meet the parkland standard.
Economic Development
Strategic Plan/
Demographics
The City of Murrieta Economic
Development Strategic Plan was
published in October of 2018.
At the time it was published, the
City of Murrieta had a population
of 113,541, which made it the
largest city in southwest Riverside
County. Income is higher than
the county average, with
average household income for
the City coming in at $99,600
with projected income growth
forecasted at 2.4% over the next
five years. The City’s average
household size was 3.2 and a
median age of 34. Residents in
the City of Murrieta are highly
educated when compared to
the surrounding region with 29%
having a bachelor’s degree
or higher and 92.2 % having at
least a high school diploma.
Economic Development
Explore-Murrieta-Facts
The City of Murrieta Economic
Development Department is
committed to continue to have a
qualified workforce that attracts,
retains, and expands industries,
and enhances the quality of life
for residents in the City of Murrieta.
A Murrieta Facts Sheet is posted
on the City website, providing
several facts and figures related
to the vibrancy of Murrieta.
The City of Murrieta lies 90 miles
north of the U.S. – Mexico Port
of Entry of Tijuana, Mexico, and
is 90 Miles east from the busiest
U.S Seaport, the Port of Los
Angeles. Within 75 miles are five
(5) international airports (Ontario,
San Diego, Orange County,
Palm Springs and Los Angeles),
offering a strong economy built
on diversification, small business
vitality and quality of life. The
Murrieta Innovation Center is
currently home to seven medical
technology startups including the
region’s first genomics laboratory
aptly named Murrieta Genomics.
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City “Funtier” Brochure
The City of Murrieta publishes a Family “Funtier”
Brochure, which looks to provide the details as to
why Murrieta is the “home of family entertainment.”
For example, the brochure explains:
Document Organization
This introduction gives an overview
of the MTMP, the benefits of
trails, and a review of existing
plans and studies related to
the City’s trail network.
Section 2: Community
Voice
covers the MTMP public
participation process and results.
Section 3: Needs
Assessment
details the robust existing
conditions assessment including:
Trail Classifications
Discussion of the observed
categories of existing trails.
Existing Trail Descriptions
Detailed descriptions of each
trail within the City, noting key
features and amenities.
“With over 1,350 acres of trails, open
space and natural areas, the City of
Murrieta is an unparalleled park paradise.
Murrieta’s 52* public parks offer the
ideal place for family activities, sports
and experiences. From the quaint to
the sprawling, Murrieta’s scenic and
well-maintained parks are primed for
everything from family picnics and
leisurely strolls to competitive youth
sporting events and tournaments.”
*As of September 2024, the City has 53 parks.
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17 Field Review and Maintenance
Opportunities
Insights from field inspections
highlighting areas requiring
maintenance, repair, or upgrades
to ensure safety and usability.
Trail Usage Analysis
An analysis of current trail
usage patterns, identifying
popular trails, peak usage
times, and user demographics
to inform future planning.
Section 4:
Recommendations
provides a detailed discussion
of the recommendations
developed by the consultant
team. It includes:
Proposed Trail Connections
and Additions
Strategic suggestions for new
trails and trail connections to
enhance the network, improve
accessibility, and create a
more cohesive trail network.
General Trail Recommendations
An assortment of
recommendations aimed at
improving overall trail quality
and user experience.
Implementation: Identification
of relative planning level costs
and time to implement the
identified recommendations.
Funding
An exploration of potential
funding sources, including
grants, partnerships, and
community initiatives, to
support the implementation
of the recommendations.
Appendix A
provides summaries of the
community outreach.
Appendix B
provides a map of the City
of Murrieta trail network.
Appendix C
provides individual trail cut-sheets
featuring a map of each trail
accompanied by trail amenities
and essential information.
Appendix D
provides trail usage charts
discerned from the trail usage
data collection processes.
Appendix E
provides a map of the
planned and recommended
future trail connections.
Appendix F
provides a map of the
planned Murrieta Creek
Regional Trail Project.
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Community
Voice
Section Two
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Community Voice
The community outreach campaign developed for the Trails Master Plan utilized multiple methods of information sharing and data collection including an online and paper feedback survey, one-on- one stakeholder interviews, a statistically valid multimodal survey, and three (3) community workshop online and paper surveys.
Throughout the process, project updates and summary results were posted to the project website. This website enabled community members to review updates and provide immediate feedback at any point in time. This resource enabled anyone in the community to have a voice in the process, regardless of when and where meetings were held.
The purpose of gathering community input through a variety of methods is to ensure that the MTMP is as inclusive as possible and that it reflects the views, preferences, and trail usage patterns of Murrieta residents.
Community Outreach Summaries are provided in Appendix A. 844-04B City of Murrieta • Trails Master Plan / Workshop #1 Summary Page 2 Following the February 15 meeting, a
commencement video of the workshop #1
presentation was made available online on
the project website for those who could not
attend in person. The workshop #1 survey
was available online and paper copies
were available at the city’s recreation
facilities. The survey was open for two
weeks until February 29, 2024.
The workshop #1 survey was advertised on
the City’s social media, City website, and
posters/flyers were displayed at the city’s
parks facilities.
After the February 29 survey close date.
All surveys from the in-person meeting
(individual and group sheets), online
surveys, and paper surveys were combined.
A total of one-hundred and four (104)
surveys were completed.
Workshop 1
Source: RJM Design Group
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21 Feedback Survey Summary
A project website was developed to keep the community
informed around the clock, launching to the public on February 6, 2024. Throughout the project’s duration, regular updates and surveys were published on the website. The site garnered a total of 2,849 views, averaging 20 views per day. A total of 21 feedback comments were received during this period.
The following is a summary of the most frequently recorded responses:
Improve trail connectivity
Improving connectivity will
make it easier for people
to access and navigate
the trail system. Creating a
comprehensive trail system
that connects all existing trails
will improve accessibility and
allow residents to fully enjoy
the natural beauty of the area.
Connect trails between parks,
neighborhoods, and schools:
This is important because it
will provide a safe route for
children to ride their bikes
between their neighborhood
and their school, reducing
traffic congestion and
improving safety.
Enhance safety of trails
Providing safe, off-road
trails for hiking, running, and
biking will promote outdoor
physical activity and improve
the overall well-being of the
community. This includes
separate bike lanes and trails
that are separate from roads
to ensure the safety of cyclists.
Repairing cracked asphalt
and better trail maintenance
was also mentioned.
Incorporate signage and
educational aspects
Adding identification markers
for native plants, animals,
and topography, as well as
providing information about
landmarks and historical
places, will enhance the
educational value of the trails
and provide a more enriching
experience for visitors.
Build new trails
Murrieta Creek Trail and
Vineyard Trail were both
mentioned as well as general
requests for more trails for
walking and running.
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Stakeholder Interviews
The following summarizes the results of the fourteen (14) stakeholder interviews conducted as a part of the public outreach effort to assist in the preparation of the MTMP. Stakeholder interviews were conducted between January 22 and March 8, 2024. Community stakeholders included City Council Members, Commissioners, school district representatives, and community leaders. Stakeholders were emailed a questionnaire related to the MTMP. They were asked to fill out the questionnaire, then later schedule a video conference interview to discuss their responses in more detail. The following is a summary of their responses to each of the questions.
What are the most
important issues in
Murrieta related to the
trails currently provided?
• Signage
• Update trails map
• Connected trails
• Trail maintenance
What are the most
important trail features
or trail amenities for
residents in the future?
• Signage
• Connectivity
• Maintenance
• Dog waste stations
• Separate walking
and biking paths
• Trail safety
How can the Community
Services Department
improve in providing trails
to community residents?
• Advertising and
marketing of trails
• Connecting trails
What is one trail feature
or trail amenity you would
most like to see added
or improved in Murrieta
to meet the needs of
the community?
• Signage
• Connected trails
• Trail information on
difficulty and amenities
What is one program,
class, or activity you would
most like to see added or
improved in the Murrieta
trail system to meet the
needs of the community?
• Hiking class or program
• Market and promote
location of trails
• Nature trail walks
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23 Highlights from the multimodal survey include:
When residents are looking for information about City trails, parks, recreation facilities, programs and services, 44% get information from the City’s website, 27% from online or Google searches, 12% from social media, and 9% from friends and family.
60% are satisfied with the network of trails in Murrieta.
What is one trail feature or trail amenity you would most like to see added or improved in Murrieta to meet the needs of the community? (in alphabetical order)
• Improve maps, signage, markers
• Improve safety
• Improve trail network and connectivity
• Provide dog waste stations and more trash cans
• Provide more bike trails
• Provide more hiking and walking trails
• Provide more trail information
Multimodal
Community Survey
The statistically valid, multimodal
survey consisting of 492
households was administered
between March 11 and March 18,
2024. Interviews were conducted
in English and Spanish languages.
52%
Throughout the
community outreach
process, 52% of residents
mentioned hiking and
walking as their main
activity or reason for
using a trail.
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Community Workshops
Community Workshop #1
Workshop #1 commenced on
February 15, 2024, from 6:00 PM
to 8:00 PM at the Alderwood
Park Clubhouse. Following the
February 15 in-person meeting,
a commencement video of the
workshop #1 presentation was
made available online on the
project website for those who
could not attend in person. The
workshop #1 survey was available
online and paper copies were
available at the City’s recreation
facilities. The survey was open
for two weeks until February 29,
2024. After the February 29 survey
close date, all surveys from the
in-person meeting (individual and
group sheets), online surveys, and
paper surveys were combined
and summarized. A total of one-
hundred and four (104) surveys
were completed. The following
responses to the survey questions
are listed in order of frequency.
Are you currently using the City’s trails? If so,
how are you using the Murrieta trails?
• Walking and hiking
• Biking
• Running
• Dog walking
• Other (equestrian or do not use trails)
How satisfied are you with the maintenance
and overall condition of the trails?
• Satisfied with some suggestions for improvement
• Dissatisfied with maintenance quality
• Neutral/no opinion
• Satisfied with the need for more trails
• Satisfied with specific trail mentioned
Are there any barriers or challenges that
prevent you from using trails more often?
• Trail condition and maintenance
• Accessibility and knowledge of trails
• Connectivity and length of trails
• Desired features and amenities
• Safety and Security
How can the Community Services Department
improve in providing trails to community residents?
• Trail access, expansion, design, and amenities
• Urban planning, development,
conservation, and trail preservation
• Community engagement, promotion,
awareness, outreach, and advertising
• Information and accessibility
• Trail maintenance and environmental protection
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25 Select Results of Workshop 1 Survey Charted
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Community Workshops
Community Workshop #2
Workshop #2 commenced on
March 28, 2024 from 6:00 PM to
8:00 PM at the Alderwood Park
Clubhouse. Following the March
28 meeting, a commencement
video of the workshop #2
presentation was made available
online on the project website for
those who could not attend in
person. The workshop #2 survey
was available online and paper
copies were available at the
City’s recreation facilities. The
survey was open for over two
weeks until April 14, 2024. After
the April 14 survey close date,
all surveys from the in-person
meeting, online surveys, and
paper surveys were combined. A
total of seventy-seven (77) surveys
were completed. The following
responses to the survey questions
are listed in order of frequency.
What is the name of the trail most often used or visited? • California Oaks Trail
• Cole Canyon Trail
• Las Brisas Trail
What do you like about this trail?
• Aesthetic appreciation
• Accessibility
• Recreational value
• Safety and cleanliness
• Wildlife and nature
What facilities or amenities do you find most
valuable on the City’s existing trails?
• Accessibility
• Basic amenities
• Safety features
• Environmental features
• Trail maintenance
Are there facilities or amenities you believe are missing, lacking, or could be improved on the city’s trails system? • Environmental conservation and maintenance
• Trail amenities
• Trail connectivity
• Trail information and signage
• Safety and accessibility
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27 Select Results of Workshop 2 Survey Charted
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Community Workshops
Community Workshop #3
Workshop #3 commenced on April 24, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Murrieta Senior Center. Following the April 24 in-person meeting, a commencement video of the workshop #3 presentation was made available online on the project website for those who could not attend in person. The workshop #3 survey was available online and paper copies were available at the City’s recreation facilities. The survey was open for three weeks until May 15, 2024. After the May 15 survey close date, all surveys from the in-person meeting, online surveys, and paper surveys were combined and summarized. A total of ninety-six (96) surveys were completed. The survey asked participants to rank the trail needs identified through the community outreach effort, with 1 being the most important and 9 being the least important. Participants were also given the chance to write in an answer if it was not listed.
The results were:
Add More Hiking and Walking Trails
(including Murrieta Creek Trail, Greer
Ranch trails, and Vineyard Trail)
1 Connect the Existing Trails (including
improve trail network and
connectivity)
2 Environmental Protection (including
preserve natural settings, protect
wildlife, preserve creeks, protect and
preserve open land, trees & ponds)
3 Bike-Friendly Trails (including more
bike trails, improve bike trails, provide
mountain bike trails, improve bikeway
network, trails for eBikes)
4 Provide Trail Amenities (including dog
waste stations, drinking fountains,
benches, trash cans, parking,
restrooms, features for children)
6 Safety and Access (including
improved safety, trail safety, trail
accessibility, trail safety features, ADA trail
access, no motorized vehicles)
7 Signage (including kiosk, trail markers,
difficulty level, type of trail, trail rules,
plants, animals)
8 Promote/Advertise Trails (including
provide more trail information, community
outreach, trail awareness, city trails map)
9 Trail Maintenance (including trail
conditions and maintenance, clean
trails, long-term trail maintenance,
flatter trails, multi-use decomposed
granite surface, native plantings, trail
repairs)
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29 Overall Priority Ranking with Average
Participant Response Charted
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Needs
Assessment
Section Three
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This analysis was conducted
to document each of the City
trail’s general characteristics
including surface material,
surface condition, general
width, description and location
of access points/trailheads,
parking availability and parking
conditions at trail access points,
and identification of where trails
cross a roadway accompanied
by crossing design characteristics.
Data was collected first through
an aerial mapping review using
Google Earth and Google
Streetview. This review provided a
foundation for understanding City
of Murrieta’s trail characteristics
which was then validated through
field work. A map of the City of
Murrieta trail network is provided in
Appendix B.
Existing Conditions
Trail Classification
The City of Murrieta offers a
diverse array of recreational
opportunities, including fitness
routes, trails, bike lanes, and parks.
For the purposes of this document,
“trail” refers to a broad range
of facilities dedicated to non-
motorized travel. Presently, City
of Murrieta features nineteen (19)
trails that accommodate users
of all modes and abilities. Using
the best practices implemented
by other cities, the consultant
team has been developing a
published classification system
for the City’s trails, as one is not
currently in place. This system
categorizes trails into five distinct
types, further divided into
unpaved Open Space Trails
and paved Mobility Trails.
While some trails may occasionally
have a mix of two trail types, this
classification system utilizes the
most prominent trail type found on
each trail.
Trail types found in the City’s trails
include:
• Type 1 - Nature Trail
• Type 2 - Recreational Trail
• Type 3 - Wide Dirt Trail or Utility
Roadbed
• Type 4 - Greenbelt Concrete
Path
• Type 5 - Paved Multi-use Trail:
Asphalt or Concrete
The following is a detailed
description of each trail type
found in City of Murrieta.
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33 Open Space Trails
(Unpaved)
Type 1
Nature Trail
2-12 feet wide
Typically located in “back-
country” natural open spaces,
these trails are at least 2 feet wide
and surfaced with locally sourced
natural materials, usually a mix of
soil and finely to coarsely broken
rock. These trails often feature
steep inclines, making them ideal
for hiking, mountain biking, and
equestrian use. Examples of this
trail type within the trail network
include Cole Canyon Trail, Toulon
Trail, Warm Springs Trail, Falcon’s
View Trail, and the Rancho Los
Alamos Trail System.
Toulon Trail Warm Springs Trail
Falcon’s View Trail
All images sourced from Fehr & Peers
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Open Space Trails
(Unpaved)
Type 2
Recreational Trail
8-14 feet wide
Similar to Type 1 trails, Type 2 trails
offer a wider and typically less
strenuous path. These trails have a
minimum width of 8 feet and are
surfaced with either local, naturally
occurring materials, or decomposed
granite. Designed to accommodate
a broader range of users, including
children and e-bikers, Type 2 trails are
the most common trail type in the
City of Murrieta. Examples of this trail
type within the trail network include
California Oaks Trail, Lincoln Ranch
Trail, Los Alamos Hills Trail, Murrieta
Oaks Trail, and Sycamore Ranch Trail.
Los Alamos Trail Sycamore Ranch Trail
Lincoln Ranch Trail
All images sourced from Fehr & Peers
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35 All images sourced from Fehr & Peers
Open Space Trails
(Unpaved)
Type 3
Wide Dirt Trail or Utility Roadbed
20-30 feet wide
Type 3 trails are primarily designed
to provide maintenance workers
access to utility infrastructure,
but they can also be enjoyed
by trail users. These trails typically
feature a decomposed granite
surface and are at least 25 feet
wide; however, the loose gravel
surface makes them less suitable
for strollers or bikes with medium to
thin tires. The only Type 3 trail in the
City of Murrieta is Mapleton Trail
East.
Mapleton Trail East
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All images sourced from Fehr & Peers
Mobility Trails (Paved)
Type 4
Greenbelt Concrete Path
5-8 feet wide
Typically, these trails are located
in neighborhood greenways
and offer gentle slopes that
are suitable for trail users of all
ages and abilities. These trails
look similar to sidewalks but
meander through greenspaces
and are excellent for families
or those requiring mobility
devices. Mapleton Trail West
and Pond Park Trail are the
only Type 4 trails currently
offered in the City of Murrieta
Mapleton Trail West Pond Park Trail
Mapleton Trail West
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37 All images sourced from Fehr & Peers
Mobility Trails (Paved)
Type 5
Paved Multi-use Trail:
Asphalt or Concrete
8-14 feet wide
This multi-use trail type is at least
8 feet wide, providing enough
space for trail users to pass others
safely. This type of facility can be
utilized by many types of bikes as
well as walkers/joggers, families
with children of all ages, and
people requiring mobility devices.
Generally considered easy, these
trails offer gentle slopes through
parks and green spaces. Las
Brisas Trail, Rail Ranch Trail and
Rancho Acacias Trail are the
only three Type 5 trails currently
offered in the City of Murrieta.
Rancho Acacias Trail Las Brisas Trail
Rancho Acacias Trail
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3 MURRIETA TRAILS MASTER PLAN All images sourced from Fehr & Peers Existing Trails Descriptions
As stated previously, the City
of Murrieta currently provides
nineteen (19) different trails.
Below is a description of each
trail including the location, trail
user types, trail material, trail
width, length, the trail type, and
the difficulty rating. Appendix
C provides individual trail cut-
sheets featuring a map of each
trail accompanied by essential
trail amenities and information.
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California Oaks Trail
Uses
Walking/Jogging, Biking
Trail Material
Native Soil
Trail Width
5-10 feet
Length
1 mile
Trail Type
Type 2
Difficulty
Easy
Moderate
Strenuous
California Oaks Trail is located in central Murrieta
just north of Interstate 15. This trail comprises
two legs with access points on Jackson Avenue
and Monroe Avenue. The trail is family-friendly
and serves a variety of users. The two legs
of this trail are connected by sidewalk on
Jackson Ave to create a 1.0 mile loop trail.
Trail has limited amenities available to users.
TRAIL 1
All images sourced from Fehr & Peers
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41 Cole Canyon Trail
Uses
Walking/Jogging, Biking, Horseback Riding
Trail Material
Decomposed Granite/ Native Soil
Trail Width
4-12 feet
Length
3.3 miles
Trail Type
Type 1
Difficulty
Easy
Moderate
Strenuous
Cole Canyon Trail is located in west Murrieta
between Clinton Keith Road, Calle Del
Oso Oro, and Washington Avenue, this trail
features multiple paths branching off the main
trail linking to various neighborhoods. The trail
contains segments with obstacles and uneven
terrain along with segments that are flat and
open. Street parking is provided on Oak Bluff
Lane, Single Oak Way, Vineyard Parkway, and
Madeira Lane. A parking lot is provided off
Hayes Avenue just south of Semillon Lane*. The
trail provides access to the Santa Rosa Plateau
which is not part of the City of Murrieta trail
network.
*At Sykes Ranch Park
TRAIL 2
All images sourced from Fehr & Peers
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Copper Canyon Trail
Uses
Walking/Jogging
Trail Material
Decomposed Granite/ Native Soil
Trail Width
8-14 feet
Length
1.56 miles
Trail Type
Type 2
Difficulty
Easy
Moderate
Strenuous
Copper Canyon Trail is located in west Murrieta
near Cole Canyon Elementary School. The trail
has multiple access points with a mixture of
on-street and off-street parking. Dedicated off-
street parking lots are located at Lower Copper
Canyon Park. A portion of the trail is identified
as a fitness route and the entirety of the trail is
family-friendly and serves a variety of users. Use
of this trail does require a roadway crossing at
the mid-block of Via Moreno. Restrooms and
other amenities are provided at the Lower
Copper Canyon Park trailhead.
TRAIL 3
All images sourced from Fehr & Peers
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Creekside Village Trail
Uses
Walking/Jogging, Biking, Family-Friendly
Trail Material
Native Soil
Trail Width
8-12 feet
Length
.85 mile
Trail Type
Type 2
Difficulty
Easy
Moderate
Strenuous
The Creekside Village Trail is located in the
southeast part of Murrieta, south of Pond
Park Trail. This trail consists of two trailheads;
one is located on Murrieta Hot Springs Road
and another is in the Creekside Village
Neighborhood by the Creekside Village Green
Park. There are a few designated parking
spaces for Creekside Village Green Park and
on-street parking within 500 feet. The entire trail
is family-friendly, but no amenities are provided
for trail users.
TRAIL 4
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All images sourced from Fehr & Peers
Falcon’s View Trail
Uses
Walking/Jogging, Biking
Trail Material
Native Soil
Trail Width
4-8 feet
Length
0.51 miles
Trail Type
Type 1
Difficulty
Easy
Moderate
Strenuous
Falcon’s View Trail is located in the northwest portion of Murrieta.
The trail contains segments with obstacles and uneven terrain.
The trail is surrounded by residential neighborhoods with Tovashal Elementary School directly to the north. On-street parking is only provided along the 5 Tribes Trail roadway which provides access to the middle trailhead. Parking for the other two trailheads is more than 500 feet away. As a strenuous trail, users of this trail may be limited. No amenities are provided to trail users.
TRAIL 5
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