OCLB - San Mateo Peak Dayhike

San Mateo Peak Day Hike

June 7, 2023 starting at 9:00 AM

Trip Leader: Doug Cable E-Mail : [email protected]

Next week’s last minute day hike will be June 7 ^th, to San Mateo Peak in the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness.

We will start at the true trailhead for the Morgan Trail on S Main Divide Road, at 09:00. It is best reached from I15. Drive up the 74 from Lake Elsinore, and S Main Divide Road will be the first left turn. The trailhead is 2.8 miles from the turn on the right and is well marked with a picnic table, and across the street from a spectacular view. There is a small dirt parking area but also street parking. A National Forest Adventure Pass or a National Park Pass is needed to park. Click here for a map of the trailhead parking lot.

The round-trip distance is 4.4 to 4.7 miles if we just go out and back. The peak is 3591’, the elevation gain is 950’. It will take about 2.5 hours. We will stay together as there are some tricky turns at the start. The views from the peak are spectacular. Depending on how we feel at the peak, we can retrace our steps, or add about 1.5 miles to the total and do a loop. The loop is better.

This is Wilderness Area so no mountain bikes are allowed. Rattlesnakes are allowed but may be dozing as it's so cool.

Wear sunscreen; bring a hat, plenty of water and a snack. Have your ten essentials.   No dogs.

Pictured:  Doug surrounded by wild flowers in the same vicinity of Morgan Trail.