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Scale the Heights of San Mateo Peak within the Cleveland National Forest

Unofficially designated San Mateo Peak, offering picturesque trails, lofty summit, and expansive vistas, is actually non-existent.

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Unofficial Nature Walk at San Mateo Peak Offers Stunning Summit and Panoramic Vistas
Unofficial Nature Walk at San Mateo Peak Offers Stunning Summit and Panoramic Vistas

Scale the Heights of San Mateo Peak within the Cleveland National Forest

Head to San Mateo Peak, an uncharted gem in Cleveland National Forest, for an exhilarating hike with breathtaking summit views. Contrary to popular belief, this trail isn't officially marked on Forest Service maps, and "San Mateo Peak" isn't featured on official topographic maps. But fear not, this guide will walk you through hiking the trail and discovering this hidden peak.

Finding San Mateo Peak

Start your adventure at the Morgan Trail parking area off South Main Divide Road. Unlike North Main Divide Road, South Main Divide Road is paved, so no dirt roads to get lost in. Use this trailhead address: Morgan Trailhead, South Main Divide, Decker Canyon Rd, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530. No permit is needed to park here, and there are no facilities available.

Gear Essentials

Although this is a backcountry hike, it's doable in fitness clothes. Bring at least 1L of water, as the summer heat can be brutal. A pair of trekking poles is handy for navigating a few steep slopes.

My Current Go-To Gear:

Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.

  • Osprey Hikelite 26: My trusty daypack, light, tough, and keeps my back dry.
  • Norda 001: Comfort like a cloud for your feet.
  • Garmin inReach Mini 2: Reliable SOS coverage for emergencies in the backcountry.
  • AllTrails Plus: Save 30% and enjoy up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
  • Garmin Fenix 8: After updates, it's perfect for mapping, tracking, and routing.

Discover more about these picks—and why I love them—on my Top Gear Picks page (last updated: June 2025).

Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.

Trail Maps for San Mateo Peak

The trail is relatively easy to follow, but things can get a bit overgrown. The initial part is rolling, then you'll have about 900 feet of climbing, with some steep sections. It's not a monster mountain hike overall, though.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.

See the Hike on CalTopo | Download GPX File

Elevation Profile and 3D Map

AllTrails Plus - 30% off! Up-to-date trip reports. AllTrails+ adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.

Elevation Profile

Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.

3D Map

Alternate 15-Mile Hike

For a longer hike, combine this trail section with the entire length of the Morgan Trail for a total distance of around 15 miles. Start at the Candy Store, head up the Morgan Trail, and pick up these directions at the wilderness sign-in box (see guide for Morgan Trail directions).

Brief Overview

If you're wondering why this trail and peak are hidden, you're not alone. Before 1984, San Mateo Peak was just another bump in the Elsinore Mountains. A man named Ken Croker entered the scene in the 1960s, discovering old trails built by the CCC in the 1930s and restoring them with the help of the Sierra Club. He was also the driving force behind the creation of the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness, known as "the wildest part of the Santa Anas." The Forest Service had reservations about the area's creation due to increased management responsibilities, but many locals supported it.

Though there's no official "San Mateo Peak," it's the highest point in the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness. The USGS topographic map doesn't show a survey benchmark at the summit. The Sierra Club maintains this trail and other trails in the area, so consider volunteering to help them.

Sign the trail register to help the Forest Service understand trail traffic and (hopefully) secure more funding for trails. Happy hiking, and don't forget to soak up the beautiful views on top!

  1. Begin your hike at the Morgan Trailhead, located off South Main Divide Road, with the address: Morgan Trailhead, South Main Divide, Decker Canyon Rd, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530.
  2. While this trail isn't officially marked on Forest Service maps, you can still navigate the trail successfully with a pair of trekking poles for easier navigation of steep slopes.
  3. Despite the trail's backcountry nature, fitness clothes are sufficient for the hike, but remember to bring at least 1L of water due to the summer heat.
  4. For enhanced safety, you might want to carry the Garmin inReach Mini 2 for reliable SOS coverage in emergencies, or use AllTrails Plus for up-to-date trip reports and offline maps.
  5. The trail from the Morgan Trailhead leads you to unravel the tucked-away glory of San Mateo Peak, sitting at the highest point within the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness, a vast wilderness maintained by the Sierra Club.

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