Hiking the Morgan Trail takes you on a serene journey through the rugged San Mateo Canyon Wilderness, off the beaten path and away from the hustle and bustle of other nearby and popular trails. You'll hike through the chaparral with high peaks of the Santa Anas flanking you until you reach scenic and shaded Morrell Canyon, full of willows, sycamore, and oaks. And at the end of the Morgan Trail, you'll be treated to epic views of Lake Elsinore and the high peaks of Southern California.
In this Guide:
Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions for the Morgan Trail
Hiking the Morgan Trail takes you on a serene journey through the rugged San Mateo Canyon Wilderness, off the beaten path and away from the hustle and bustle of other nearby and popular trails. You'll hike through the chaparral with high peaks of the Santa Anas flanking you until you reach scenic and shaded Morrell Canyon, full of willows, sycamore, and oaks. And at the end of the Morgan Trail, you'll be treated to epic views of Lake Elsinore and the high peaks of Southern California.
Where is the Morgan Trail?
The Morgan Trail is point-to-point, with the official parking area on the east side of the trail. However, I prefer starting the hike from the western end, which is at the big parking lot by the Ortega Oaks Candy Store on SR-74. With this routing, you do most climbing on the outward leg, get to see Morrell Canyon and the view at the end, and then have a (generally) downhill hike back to the start. Hiking the Morgan Trail in the other direction is a bit anticlimactic.
This is a fee area, get a National Parks pass or Adventure Pass to park here.
If you want sandwiches, drinks, or snacks, the Ortega Oaks Candy Store, right across the street, is a good bet.
Gear For the Hike
This is a backcountry hike, so I recommend proper hiking gear. It can get very hot here in the warmer months, and much of the trail is exposed. I generally bring 2-3L of water depending on the temperature.
Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.
Garmin InReach Mini 2Hit SOS or just tell loved ones that you're running late where your cell phone has no service. Review here.
Topo MTN RacerAggressive and fun with a wide toe box (=no blisters). Get them wet, they dry quickly. Lots of cushion and comfort.
Osprey Hikelite 26Lightweight, carries all your gear, and your back doesn't get sweaty. Oh yea, it's also one of the most inexpensive packs you can get.