Overview
Agua Caliente Creek is one of the few streams in Cleveland National Forest that runs throughout the year, fed by warm mineral springs that give the creek its Spanish name. The 6-mile out-and-back trail follows the creek upstream through a chaparral canyon lined with cottonwood, willow, and sycamore, entering the national forest in the upper sections and climbing gradually through increasingly remote terrain.
The lower canyon near the trailhead is adjacent to the Agua Caliente County Park, which manages a warm-spring pool and campground popular with San Diego and Riverside County visitors. The national forest trail departs from this more developed area and heads upstream into progressively wilder country. The transition from county park to national forest is noticeable but gradual: the maintained paths give way to more worn trails, the facilities disappear, and the canyon narrows.
Spring (February through April) is the best season for this trail. The creek runs at its highest, the warm-spring-fed lower pools are at their most inviting, and the chaparral slopes above the canyon floor are carpeted with annual wildflowers. The cottonwood and sycamore groves in the riparian corridor provide dense shade that extends the comfortable hiking window well into May. See our Leave No Trace guide for practices applicable to riparian corridors, which are particularly sensitive ecosystems.
The Route
Miles 0 to 1.0 (Lower Creek): From the trailhead parking area, the trail follows the creek upstream past several warm-spring pools. The vegetation is lush compared to the surrounding chaparral: cottonwood and sycamore shade the creek banks, and the willow scrub is dense in the lower sections. Several creek crossings are required in this section.
Miles 1.0 to 2.5 (Canyon Narrows): The canyon narrows and the trail climbs slightly above the creek in some sections. The chaparral slopes close in on both sides. Spring wildflowers peak in this section from February through March on the sunny canyon slopes.
Miles 2.5 to 3.0 (Upper National Forest): The trail enters national forest land and the canyon character changes slightly. The trail is less maintained here and some route-finding is needed where the creek braids. The turnaround is at approximately 3 miles where a rockfall blocks easy progress upstream.
The Return: The return follows the same route downstream, which tends to go faster. The warm-spring pools near the trailhead are a good reward on the way out.
When to Visit
November through May is the most comfortable season. The creek is most photogenic in February through April when wildflowers bloom and the cottonwoods are leafing out. Summer visits are warm in the lower canyon but the warm springs remain accessible. Check current trail access with the county park and forest service; parts of this area have been affected by fire in past years.
Check conditions and fire restrictions at our recommended pre-trip resources.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 1.5 liters for this trail, though creek water is available throughout for those with a filter. Individual needs vary.
Consider bringing:
- Sandals or water shoes for creek crossings
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Sun protection for open canyon sections
Practical Details
No permit required for day hiking on national forest sections. The county park area may have its own fee requirements; verify at the trailhead. Dogs allowed on leash. A vault toilet is at the trailhead parking area. Veterans should check our veteran benefits guide for relevant pass options.
Getting There
From Temecula, take State Route 79 south approximately 35 miles to Warner Springs. Continue south on State Route 79 to the Agua Caliente County Park entrance on the left, just past the Warner Springs turnoff. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes from Temecula. Cell service is absent in the canyon; download offline maps before departing.