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Panhe Nature Trail

December 12, 2010 By Jeff Hester 6 Comments

Pacific Ocean Vista

Looking for an easy, family-friendly walk in South OC? The Panhe Nature Trail might be just what you’re looking for. Located near the Cristianitos campground at the San Onofre State Beach, this is a short one mile round trip with markers highlighting the natural beauty of the park.

Trail Details
Distance: 1 mile
Time: 30-60 min.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 171 ft
Dogs: No
Parking: $15
The Panhe Nature Trail begins at the San Mateo campground campfire center. There is an information kiosk with a key to the points of interest along the nature walk.

If you want to extend the walk, you can continue on another 1.5 miles to the famous Trestles surfer’s beach.

The San Mateo campground is one of two camping areas at San Onofre State Beach. If you’re not camping here, you’ll need to pay $15 for a day use parking pass, or display your annual State Park Day Use pass in your car window.

Nature Trail Marker

Nature Trail Markers

There is an information kiosk at the trailhead for the Panhe Nature Trail. If you’re lucky, you might be able to pickup a flyer with descriptions of the numbered markers along the nature trail. If not, here’s an overview:

  1. Coastal Sage Scrub Community
    Development, the introduction of non-native grasses and plants, agriculture and grazing have destroyed more than 25% of this plant community in Southern California. Native Americans commonly used many coastal scrub plants like the ones you will see on this trail. This area is also home to several threatened or endangered species: California Gnatcatcher, Arroyo Toad, Pacific Pocket Mouse, Least Bells Vireo, Steelhead Trout and the Tidewater Goby.
  2. Mountain Lions
    These elusive animals do live in the area. Please keep your kids close while on the trail and tell a Ranger immediately if you see a mountain lion.
  3. Animal Habitat
    The dense foliage of this area provides excellent cover for rabbits, coyotes, bobcats and other animals that call this area home.
  4. Elderberry Tree
    This tree played an important role to the Native Americans. The stems have a soft pulpy core with a harder outer core. Hollowed out branches were used for arrows. The branch was light which helped with flight. The branches were also used for skewers to cook meat over the fire, and flutes, thus earning the Elderberry tree the “Tree of Music”. The blossoms were used to make curative teas due to their high content of vitamin C, the berries can be made into jams and wine or boiled to make dyes to color grasses that are then woven into basket designs.
  5. Coyote Brush
    This common shrub is densely leafed and provides much of the cover for this area. In the fall it has a white flower bloom, followed by fluffy seed masses.
  6. Sage
    Local Native Americans considered coastal sage an important medicinal plant and used it to treat common colds and headaches. The leaves could be rubbed on the body before hunting to mask the human scent. Sage can be found in abundance along the trail.
  7. Bird Habitat
    You will probably see many birds along the trail, in the campground and at the beach. You may get lucky and see a nest. Some feed on seeds and berries, while the raptors, such as the Red Tailed Hawk hunt small rodents. Turkey Vultures patrol from the skies smelling out dead animals to feed on.
  8. Mule Fat
    This is a native shrub. It got its name because miners would tie their mules to the branches, and they would get fat or bloated from eating the leaves all day.
  9. Lemonadeberry
    In early spring little clusters of tiny pink flowers appear on this plant that will turn into sticky, red berries which you can drop into water to make a lemon like flavored drink. This shrub is from the Rhus family, the same as poison oak, yet it will not affect you the same. Lemonade berry is only found in California.
  10. Bush Monkey Flower
    There are 77 species of monkey flower, the most common here is the Bush Monkey Flower. The flowers vary from orange to red. The stems were used by Native Americans for salads or crushed to make a poultice that was used to relieve burns and skin irritations.
  11. Native American Life
    The Acjachemen occupied the village of Panhe, near the mouth of the San Mateo Canyon, for nearly 1,000 years. Here they had access to a variety of plant and animal resources like shellfish, surf fish, small mammals, birds, seeds, berries, and bulbs. The fenced area below contains reburials of ancient remains uncovered during developments in the Orange County area.
  12. Deerweed
    Also called California broom, Deerweed is part of the pea family. It is commonly found in coastal sage scrub and chaparral areas. It has yellow and orange flowers that bloom March-August that attract bees.
  13. Viewpoint
    Look out to sea where the coastal scrub plan community, the San Mateo Creek and the Pacific Ocean come together. The guided nature trail ends here, or you may continue for 1.5 miles to famous “Trestles”; one of the best surf spots in the world.

Trail Map

© OpenStreetMap contributors
Download

Photo Gallery

Trailhead
Late afternoon light
View over San Mateo Creek
Pacific Ocean Vista
San Mateo Campground
Nature Trail Marker
Steps to Campfire Center

Essential San Onofre State Beach Resources

  • Official San Onofre State Beach website
  • The San Onofre Foundation
  • SoCal Hiker’s Guide to San Onofre State Beach

Related

Filed Under: State Parks, Trail Guides Tagged With: easy, family-friendly, nature walk, San Clemente, San Onofre State Beach, State Park

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Jeff H

About Jeff Hester

I'm an avid hiker and backpacker. My wife Joan and I are on the trails every weekend. I started SoCal Hiker to share my passion for outdoor adventure.

Comments

  1. cindy says

    September 30, 2015 at 1:26 pm

    Hi Jeff,
    I moved here 2 years ago from Vermont where I hiked almost every weekend throughout the beautiful green mountain state! I’ve been looking for great GREEN hikes around SoCal and haven’t found too many but I also have a 21/2 year old son who I take for 1-2 hour walks with me. He loves all of it. It’s a slow walk but so awesome. I see your website shows a lot of great detailed information on different types of hikes with wonderful pictures! I’m going to try this hike with my son and husband! If need be, can we bring a stroller?

    Reply
  2. Dan B says

    June 19, 2016 at 11:36 am

    Chantry Flats, Big Santa Anita canyon may remind you a bit of home, with some Conifers and shade!
    We moved here from Maine with little ones, and that hike is good for a fix, with a waterfall pay-off. Not quite for strollers, but that kids walking by now anyway!

    http://www.bigsantaanitacanyon.com

    Reply
  3. Colleen says

    May 22, 2018 at 9:40 am

    Thank you for the great information! My daughter and I are heading over and trying out this trail today!

    Reply

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About Jeff Hester

I created SoCal Hiker while preparing to thru-hike the John Muir Trail. My goal? Create guides for the best hiking trails throughout Southern California--and occasionally beyond. I personally hike each trail to create these guides, sharing practical advice on gear and outdoor skills. Read more...

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