The Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve in Fallbrook, California, is a 1,384-acre natural sanctuary managed by The Wildlands Conservancy. It encompasses five miles of the Santa Margarita River, one of Southern California’s last free-flowing rivers, and serves as a critical wildlife corridor connecting the Santa Ana Mountains to Camp Pendleton. The preserve boasts 18 miles of multi-use trails shaded by oak and sycamore trees, offering opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching and wildlife viewing, with the chance to see species such as the endangered least Bell’s vireo and the California golden beaver. The preserve is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with free admission and amenities including restrooms and parking. To protect the area's biodiversity, activities like swimming, fishing, and collecting are prohibited. The Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve offers a serene and ecologically significant retreat for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.