Channel your inner cowboy with a trail ride around Lake Skinner, a reservoir located in the Santa Margarita River Watershed, just north of Temecula. Mountains surround the lake in the center of a beautiful valley, providing a ride filled with trees and birds. You might even catch a glimpse of the Bell’s Vireo, an endangered songbird.
A 6-mile equestrian trail surrounds the perimeter of the park providing the perfect scenic ride. There is an equestrian staging area for you to park your trailer since you will need to bring your own steed; there are no horse rentals on the property.
The cost of entrance to the park for day use is $6 for adults and $3 for children 12 and younger. Sunday through Thursday the park is open from 6 a.m. to Sunset and Fridays and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Plan a sunrise or sunset horseback ride as a romantic date or fun family outing. Make sure to plan your visit soon as the horse trail closes at the end of November and re-open at the end of May.
Lake Skinner has been a popular recreation area in Riverside County since its creation in 1973. It has garnered much attention as the host of the annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival for almost 30 years.
