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Apr 21, 2024 — 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.
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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!
