MCRT -Murrieta Creek Regional Trail- is a *proposed* route connecting the Cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, and Lake Elsinore, CA. This is a "work in progress route" that focuses on following Murrieta Creek, staying on trails where possible, or roads with little traffic, or roads with bicycle lanes when possible. The goal of this .gpx map is to create the safest MCRT route, from City to City, away from most vehicle traffic (when currently possible), representing what the future Murrieta Creek Regional Trail might be, striving for a more peaceful, safe ride experience. The ultimate dream is to have a completely connected City-to-City *Trail* which will, in turn, connect with other area trails.
This map consists of a "Trail Route" that goes north starting in Old Town Temecula, ending at Serenity Park, Lake Elsinore, with a return "Road Route" going south back to Old Town Temecula.
MORE DETAILS:
A) "Trail Route": This route *mostly* follows the current proposed route of the MCRT from its starting point in Old Town Temecula to Serenity Park, Lake Elsinore. NOTE!! This "Trail Route" would require an adequate "gravel bike" and experience, as it encounters dirt, gravel, and other Trail Hazards and obstacles!! (See Pictures!) Palomar Street in Wildomar& Lake Elsinore has been avoided where possible because it is very busy, narrow, with no bike lanes!
B) “Road Route”: This return route is on paved roads from Serenity Park back to Old Town Temecula. The route would be suitable for a "road bike", except for .4 mile (4/10's mile) from Cherry Street to the Santa Gertrudis Trail which is on compacted dirt. "Road bikes" can avoid this short dirt segment by riding on the very busy Jefferson Avenue for that short distance. (Note!! Jefferson Avenue has a very narrow "bit of a bike lane”!) Special Note: This return "Road Route" goes through Old Town Murrieta where there is a market and several restaurants. (See pictures.)
There are restrooms in Old Town Temecula, Lower Copper Canyon Park, and Serenity Park. Happy SAFE riding!