Santa Rosa Mtn. - Toro Peak

From Temecula CA take Hwy 79 east to the community of Aguanga then Hwy 371 east to the community of Anza. Continue east on Hwy 371 to the intersection with Hwy 74. Take Hwy 74 east about 5.5 miles to the trailhead for Santa Rosa Mountain. The trailhead is on the south side of Hwy 74 and is marked with a Forest Service sign. (approx GPS

The trail is a fairly well graded Forest Service Road. Four wheel drive is not needed in good weather but in wet or snowy weather it would be required. The trail continues about 12 miles to near the top of Toro Peak. (8700 ft. elev.) Along the way are “Spectacular” views of the Coachella Valley, Borrego Valley, Coyote Canyon and to the west to Temecula.

I would rate the trail a 1+ in good weather. The trail gets lots of snow in the winter so the upper portion is usually inaccessible in winter.

Along the way take a trail to the right at N33 32.227 W116 27.440 to visit the ruins of “Desert Steve’s” cabin on Santa Rosa Peak. N33 32.254 W116 27.648. After visiting the cabin, continue to the gate just below Toro Peak at N33 31.353 W116 25.275. The peak has a number of radio repeater towers.

There are a couple of campgrounds along the trail. One in particular is small but nice with running spring water available as well as an outhouse. It is called Santa Rosa Spring Campground. (Approx GPS N33 32.398 W116 28.068)