Morgan Trail Out-and-Back (~10.5 mi, 1,500 ft Gain | San Mateo Wilderness)

Join us for a scenic endurance hike along the Morgan Trail, part of the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness in the Cleveland National Forest.

We’ll start from the Bear Canyon Trailhead (next to the Ortega Oaks Candy Store), turn left at the Morgan Trail junction (about 1 mile in), and follow the rolling single-track all the way to the southern Morgan Trail parking lot before returning the same way.

This route totals about 10.5 miles round-trip with ~1,500 ft of total elevation gain, offering a mix of shaded canyon walking and open ridgelines with sweeping wilderness views. Compared to Sitton Peak, it’s less steep but still provides a steady, rewarding endurance challenge with a true backcountry feel.

Limited Space: Group size will be smaller for this hike to keep things organized and enjoyable on the long route. The trail is straightforward, but there won’t be backup leads, so please be comfortable hiking at a steady, moderate-to-fast pace and able to navigate if you fall behind — we’ll regroup at key points. Additional spots may open closer to the event for returning hikers or members who’ve joined previous hikes. If the event fills up, please join the waitlist — we may open more spots as space allows.

Meeting Details:

Location: 34040 Ortega Hwy, Lake Elsinore, CA - park along the highway near the Ortega Oaks Candy Store (the one with the big candy cane out front).
Trailhead: Bear Canyon Trailhead (near Ortega Oaks Candy Store)
Parking: Park along the side of Ortega Highway (Hwy 74) near the Candy Store, as the main lot is currently closed.
Important: This area is part of the Cleveland National Forest, so a Forest Adventure Pass is required to park along the roadside.

• Day Pass: $5 / Annual Pass: $30
• Available at REI, most outdoor retailers, or US Forest Service Region 5
• America the Beautiful Pass is also accepted.

Carpool if possible — roadside parking is limited.

Hike Details:

• Difficulty: Moderate (mostly for distance and length)
• Distance / Gain: ~ 10.5 miles; ~1,500 ft (rolling)
• Start Time: 7:30 AM — arrive early to park, gear up, and be ready to start on time
• Duration: ≈ 4-4.5 hours round trip at a steady group pace
• Trail Type: Out-and-back; rolling terrain with both shaded canyon sections and exposed ridges

📖 More Info: HikingGuy: Morgan Trail Guide

Route Overview:

Candy Store Trailhead → Bear Canyon Trail (~1 mi) → Left onto Morgan Trail → Continue past San Mateo Canyon turnoff → Descend to southern Morgan Trail parking lot → Return the same way

AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/san-mateo-peak-via-morgan-trail-124d398?u=i&sh=pxabuh

Essentials:

• Traction hiking shoes
• 2–3L water + electrolytes
• Snacks
• Sunglasses & sunscreen
• Hat or sun protection
• Trekking poles (recommended)

Here’s a link to a previous hike video in this area (slightly different route including San Mateo Peak): San Mateo Peak via Morgan Trail

Note on Punctuality & RSVP: Please be on time — we’ll wait up to 5 minutes past the start. If you’re running late, you can post your ETA in the event discussion, but the group may still begin without you. If your plans change, please update your RSVP — it helps us know who to expect on the trail.
Disclaimer & Safety Notice: Not So Casual Hikes are challenging outings designed for hikers in strong shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Organizers are volunteers—not guides—and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety. We hike at a steady pace and the group may spread out. Please be prepared to navigate independently if you fall behind, though we’ll aim to check in at major junctions when possible. By signing up, you accept full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation, and agree to hold harmless the Organizer, Co-Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and fellow participants for any incidents or injuries. Participation also means you agree to Meetup’s Terms of Service. Hiking carries inherent risks, including trip/fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak, ticks, snakes, coyotes, or mountain lions. Be prepared for sun exposure, heat, or marine layer conditions depending on the day.