Great Outdoors
Orange County/Long Beach Chapter
presents:
Morgan Trail Day Hike
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 9:30 AM to 2 PM
In the event of extreme heat this hike will be postponed. Check your email the morning of the hike in case the hike is postponed.
This hike is designed especially for senior and slower hikers. The hike is scheduled on a weekday.
Trip Leader: Frederick Brown, [email protected]
(Write up and picture taken from the United States National Forest Website.)
Elevation: Change 720 feet
Distance: 4.2 miles one way
Hike Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: moderate, only because of distance
This beautiful 4.2 mile (one way) out and back trail takes hikers through the manzanita and oak lined wilderness of Morrell Canyon. Willows and sycamore trees hug the canyon bottom. Water flows freely during a wet season.
Listed as moderate with an elevation change of 720 feet, hikers meander through oak groves before coming to an open meadow with an abundance of grass and wildflowers. We can turn back at the beautiful oak grove, depending on how people are doing; but at the mid-way point (4.2 miles), hikers are rewarded with terrific views over Lake Elsinore out to Mt. San Jacinto, Mt. San Gorgonio and Mt. Baldy.
Located in the heart of the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness, this trail provides the serene and secluded experience that hikers can only get from a natural, untouched forest setting.
We leave from the Candy Store on Ortega Highway, 34950 Ortega Hwy at precisely 08:00. Click for a map. There is plenty of parking in the U.S Forest Service lot across the street from the Candy Store, which requires an adventure pass. Along the way, we travel through a beautiful Oak Grove. At our destination, we have a nice view of Lake Elsinor.
We then hike to the true trailhead on S. Main Divide Road, 4.2 miles, and then retrace our steps. Rattlesnakes and ticks are possible. Bring 10 essentials, sunscreen, a snack, and at least 1 liter of water.
The Ortega Highway is a potentially dangerous road; drive safely.
Trip Leader: Frederick Brown, [email protected]
