2025-Dec: San Mateo Peak/Level 2

Last minutes post to train high elevation!
The hike to the peak IS NOT INTRODUCTION TO HIKING (not for Beginners or Occasional Hikers)
The lower peaks Autumn/Winter months in the prep series for mountain hikes. Know your limits!

DEPARTURE TIME
•9 AM start hiking

General Rating/Difficulty: Levels 2+, moderate pace, for distance, elevation and speed; Click RATING TABLE to read more about difficulty levels
https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating

ABOUT THE HIKE:
Highlights: Splendid high country, wilderness, no shades, some overgrowns, great view at the peak!
Near: Lake Elsinore, CA
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: 4.5 miles
Duration: at least 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 950+ft
Adventure Pass: Required!
More details:
San Mateo Peak via Morgan Trail on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/san-mateo-peak-via-morgan-trail?sh=dkqf3s

San Mateo Peak is the unofficially named 3,591-foot (1,095 m) peak, at the western end of the ridge running west then northwest from Elsinore Peak to Morrell Canyon, south and west of the Morrell Potrero in the Elsinore Mountains of the Santa Ana Mountain Range. The peak name was given by Sierra Club Lower Peaks Committee Guide, originally named by Ken Croker who for 20 years maintained trails in the Santa Ana Mountains with volunteers from the Sierra Club.[3] It remains officially nameless despite being the highest summit in the Elsinore Mountains, higher than Elsinore Peak, at 3536 ft., the highest named peak in those mountains.

GOOD TO KNOW & Essentials: 10 hiking Essentials (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/messages/boards/thread/9535234), wear hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, bring water, snacks and a light lunch. There is warning about overgrowns on the trails

DIRECTIONS: an Adventure Pass is required . Google map to
33.63360, -117.38287

REMINDER: By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings
****YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
****YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY
Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, mountain lions or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike