OCLB - San Mateo Peak Day Hike

San Mateo Peak Day Hike

October 20, 2026 starting at 8:00 AM

Trip Leader: Frederick Brown E-Mail : [email protected]

This day hike for slower and older hikers will be October 20th 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 08:00. 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.

Wear sunscreen; bring a hat, at least two liters of water and a snack. Click here for your ten essentials that you need for safety.   No dogs.

Trip Leader Frederik Brown