San Mateo Peak via Morgan Trail in Cleveland National Forest, CA

Hike San Mateo Peak via Morgan Trail Cleveland National Forest, CA

Class 2 4.6 miles 1100 gain 1-2 hr Out + Back Apr 21, 2024
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

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After trespassing a peak in the morning that I didn't write a trip report for, Tyler and I split ways and I decided to check out San Mateo Peak in the Santa Ana Mountains. I orginally intended to spend another day or two in the area, but the temperature was so dangerously hot that it made sense to just use this outing as a warm-up for a future trip to the area. The drive to the Morgan Trailhead has great views toward Lake Elsinore, and the trailhead was surprisingly crowded for how hot it was.

I started along the Morgan Trail, only following it briefly since it leads west and away from San Mateo Peak. A spur trail pops in on the left, forming an unnatural hairpin turn that's easy to miss. This stretch of trail is gorgeous, following a flowing creek and crossing it a few times. Trees shaded the trail, but I was directed by a "San Mateo Peak" sign to leave the oasis and ascend the northern ridge of the peak. Reluctantly, I hiked up into the sun and ascended the gradual trail as it undulated through chaparral.

The couple of miles to the summit had pretty views to the surrounding mountains, but the hills were bsaically just a sea of brush. I was happy the trail was in good shape. I reached the summit of San Mateo Peak, a cluster of boulders where I found the southernmost cluster to be tallest.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
San Mateo Peak
3591 ft
911 rise

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Starting along the Morgan Trail, San Mateo Peak seen in the distance.
Starting along the Morgan Trail, San Mateo Peak seen in the distance.
Looking back at a hairpin turn where I left the Morgan Trail and took a spur trail.
Looking back at a hairpin turn where I left the Morgan Trail and took a spur trail.
Along the spur trail, which crosses a creek several times.
Along the spur trail, which crosses a creek several times.
Image 3 from gallery
Some pretty scenery and shade.
Some pretty scenery and shade.
A sign pointed me out of the forest and up the slope.
A sign pointed me out of the forest and up the slope.
View back as I ascend toward San Mateo Peak.
View back as I ascend toward San Mateo Peak.
San Mateo Peak seen top left.
San Mateo Peak seen top left.
Image 8 from gallery
View back toward the trailhead.
View back toward the trailhead.
The trail undulates through chaparral.
The trail undulates through chaparral.
Another shot back, Santiago Peak seen on the left.
Another shot back, Santiago Peak seen on the left.
San Mateo Peak ahead, some cool boulders poking out along the way.
San Mateo Peak ahead, some cool boulders poking out along the way.
Image 13 from gallery
View back as I approach the summit.
View back as I approach the summit.
San Mateo Peak ahead.
San Mateo Peak ahead.
San Mateo Peak summit boulders.
San Mateo Peak summit boulders.
I believe the highest boulder is the one seen left of center.
I believe the highest boulder is the one seen left of center.
San Mateo Peak summit, view north.
San Mateo Peak summit, view north.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!