Description

This hike to the summit of North Fortuna Mountain offers up stunning views and diverse terrain. This 4.3-mile out-and-back hike is located in Mission Trails Regional Park near Santee, California.

You will start by following the Oak Canyon Trail along a scenic creek with waterfalls and boulders.

Then you will climb up the Fortuna Saddle Trail, which is steep and rocky but rewarding with panoramic vistas of the park and beyond. Finally, you will reach the summit of North Fortuna Mountain, where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of San Diego and its surroundings.

The view from the summit is spectacular and well-worth the climb.

You can see the San Diego River valley, the Kumeyaay Lake, and the Oak Canyon below you.

You can also see the rolling hills and mountains of Mission Trails Regional Park and beyond.

On a clear day, you can see the downtown skyline, the Coronado Bridge, and the Pacific Ocean in the west.

The view is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset, when the sky is painted with vibrant colors. The trail is open year-round and is popular for hiking, running, and birdwatching, Dogs are also welcome but must be kept on leash.

The trailhead is across from the Kumeyaay Lake Campground along the Mission Trails Regional Park Road / Father Junipero Serra Trail. Sources: https://www.theoutbound.com/california/hiking/north-fortuna-mountain-via-oak-canyon-fortuna-saddle-and-north-fortuna-trails https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/1998/nov/05/hike-summit-north-fortuna-mountain-mission-trails-/ https://trailtopeak.com/2017/04/06/hiking-south-fortuna-and-north-fortuna-mountains/ Conversation with Bing Chat