October in Temecula brings one of Southern California’s most anticipated seasonal attractions: the Big Horse Corn Maze. This agricultural wonderland transforms farmland into an intricate labyrinth of corn stalks that challenges and delights visitors of all ages. As the largest corn maze in Southern California, this annual attraction draws thousands of visitors eager to test their navigation skills while enjoying the fall air and festive atmosphere that defines the harvest season.
The Big Horse Corn Maze operates annually throughout October, with the 2025 season running from October 1st to October 31st. Situated at 33320 Temecula Parkway in Temecula, California, this popular attraction is part of the larger Big Horse Feed & Mercantile, a beloved local establishment that offers far more than just feed and supplies. Each year features a new theme and design that’s carefully grown throughout the summer months, creating a unique experience for returning visitors.
- The impressive design of Big Horse Corn Maze 2025, Southern California’s largest maze. Source: bighorsecornmaze.com
What makes the Big Horse Corn Maze special isn’t just its impressive size but its attention to detail in the maze design. Created through careful planning and precision agriculture, the maze typically covers several acres of farmland with pathways that form intricate patterns when viewed from above. The 2024 theme promised to continue this tradition of creative excellence, offering visitors a new challenge to conquer as they navigate through the towering corn stalks that can reach heights of over seven feet.
Beyond being a seasonal attraction, the corn maze represents Big Horse Feed & Mercantile’s commitment to agricultural education and community engagement. The maze serves as both entertainment and a connection to Temecula’s farming heritage, giving visitors a hands-on experience with agriculture that’s increasingly rare. It’s become a cherished autumn tradition for many Southern California families who return year after year to experience the thrill of getting temporarily lost among the corn rows.
- Families exploring the Big Horse Corn Maze, capturing the spirit of fun and adventure. Source: bighorsecornmaze.com
When visiting the Big Horse Corn Maze, guests discover much more than just the labyrinth itself. The experience includes a full Harvest Festival atmosphere with activities for all ages. Many visitors spend several hours enjoying hay rides, pumpkin patches, petting zoos, and seasonal food vendors that create a complete fall experience. The maze itself offers different difficulty levels, with some paths designed for families with young children and others creating more challenging routes for those seeking a greater test of their navigation skills.
The friendly staff members stationed throughout the property enhance the experience, offering hints to lost maze-wanderers and ensuring everyone has a safe, enjoyable visit. Many families make this an annual tradition, with children growing up measuring their height against the corn stalks year after year. The maze typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour to complete, though many visitors purposely take their time to soak in the autumn atmosphere and enjoy the seasonal photo opportunities throughout.
The location of today’s Big Horse Corn Maze holds significant historical importance in Temecula’s development. Over a century ago, this area was part of the vast Vail family cattle ranch that covered more than 100,000 acres of grazing and farming land. Temecula’s ideal climate and beautiful landscape made it perfect for ranching operations. They even attracted notable figures like President Ronald Reagan, who once owned property on the nearby Santa Rosa Plateau. The Butterfield Stagecoach route passed through this once-sleepy cow town, adding to its historical significance.
The mid-1960s marked a turning point when the ranch was sold for development, beginning Temecula’s transformation from a town of around 200 residents to a thriving community of over 100,000. Where cattle once roamed freely, a six-lane highway now cuts through the center of town. The landscape has dramatically changed, with shopping centers and residential developments replacing open farmland. Big Horse Feed and its corn maze represent one of the few remaining agricultural operations in an area that was once dominated by farming and ranching.
Big Horse Feed & Mercantile has established itself as far more than just a feed store since opening in 1998. What began as a sideline to the Corona Family’s farming operation (spanning more than 85 years) has evolved into a unique destination that combines traditional rural values with modern retail offerings. The store earned its distinctive name from the large draft horses owned by proprietor Rose Corona, which were so unusual in the area that locals would identify the location as “the one with the Big Horses!”
Today’s visitors to Big Horse Feed discover an eclectic shopping experience that appeals to everyone from equestrians to those simply seeking unique gifts and home décor. The establishment carries everything from feed and tack to high-end jewelry and fashion brands like Brighton and Ariat. This versatility has helped transform what could have been just another farm supply store into a community landmark that draws visitors from across Southern California. Follow their updates on Instagram @bighorsefeed or Facebook @BigHorseFeed to stay informed about maze hours and special events.
