Sep 21, 2017 — Reaching the Oak Grove Trailhead should be fine for any vehicle, but sedans won't be thrilled. This hike wanders from hot, low desert to the forested summit of Signal Peak. The trail is in great shape. A bit of wandering in the foothills of the Pine Valley Mountains leads to a protruding slope/ridge that the Oak Grove Trail uses to access the rim above. The trail switchbacks fairly steeply up this slope, maintaining its steepness the whole way.
Once I reached the rim above, the trail loses some elevation as the trail continues north. A bit of pretty forest walking with sporadic meadows leads to the north side of Signal Peak, though the trail does not lead to the summit. I left the trail at a cairn, though you really could start up whenever you want since the forest is sparsely vegetated and the bushwhacking is mininal. The route continued to the not-so-obvious summit, since it's fairly flat on top. For so much elevation gain, you'd hope for a summit view, but you won't find one here.
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