Monserate Mountain Trail Loop Hike

4.5 miles - Moderate Effort
Or: 3.2 to Summit and Back
2-3 Hours (Total)
1,490 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 1,569 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

A local favorite, the Monserate Mountain Trail loop hike features a tough little climb with some unique trail markers. First off, you'll climb about 1,200 feet straight up the mountain, which is challenging but doable. And along the way, you'll have trail markers for every ten stories of the original World Trade Center, put there for the Fallbrook Firefighters 9/11 Memorial Hill Climb. The top offers panoramic views and a fun summit area that often includes a flag. You can head straight back down or hike a loop that rewards you with more great views into the Agua Tibia Mountains.

In this Guide:

Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions for the Monserate Mountain Trail Loop Hike
Where to Park for the Monserate Mountain Trail Loop Hike
Insider Tips and Recommendations

Quick Links: Monserate Mountain Preserve - NOAA Weather Report - Top Gear Picks (Sep 2023)

When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

Where is Montserate Mountain?

Montserate Mountain is located just off of I-15 in Fallbrook, CA, in the northern part of San Diego County. Use this trailhead address:
243 Horse Ranch Creek Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 3 — The parking area is big but does fill up. This is a popular hike with local hikers, runners, and dog walkers.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 4 — There is additional parking in the dirt lots south of the trailhead.

There are no bathrooms or water fills at the trailhead.

Gear for the Hike

While plenty of people do this hike in casual or fitness clothes, you'll fare better if you have light hiking gear.

The hike is totally exposed. In the summer it can get brutal, so avoid doing this when it's hot out. Bring at least 1L of water and plenty of sun protection.
The trail is rocky. Having good footwear will keep your feet happy.
Trekking poles will help on the steeper and rocky sections.

My Latest Gear Picks

Garmin inReach Mini 2 ( Amazon | REI )
HOKA Speedgoat 5 ( Men | Women )
Zpacks Sub-Nero Ultra ( Zpacks | Review )
Alpine Carbon Cork Poles ( REI | Amazon )

As a hiking guide, I test lots of hiking gear. On my picks page, I'll show you all of the gear that I actually use. I don't accept paid promotions or talk about the stuff that doesn't make the cut. It's just the gear that works best, so you don't have to waste your money.

All My September 2023 Top Gear Picks

Montserate Mountain Trail Maps

Explore Map on CalTopo View a Printable PDF Hike Map Download the Hike GPX File

Best Smartphone Apps to Navigate: AllTrails | GaiaGPS | OnX

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 2 — The Monserate Mountain Preserve is a diverse and fragile habitat, so please respect any closed areas and stay on the trail.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 1 — This is what the 9/11 markers look like. There are 11 markers on the way up, one for every 10 stories of the 110-story original World Trade Center. They were put here to honor the fallen first responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 and all those dedicated to saving the lives of others. They also serve as markers for search and rescue. If you have to call in an emergency, just give 911 the marker number and they will know where you are.

Elevation Profile

Monserate Mountain Trail Elevation — Aside from a short breather or two, the climb to the summit is straight up. The loop is a longer descent, with a little 200 foot climb at the end.

3d Map

Monserate Mountain Hike Directions

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Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 5 — Hike through the impressive ranch gate at the Monserate Mountain Preserve trailhead.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 6 — After a few minutes you'll come to the gate for the Preserve, hike on through

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 7 — And now you start the climb. You can see from this picture how rocky the trail gets in some sections. Avoid any small side trails and stay on the big wide trail climbing up.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 8 — You'll see the trail climb in front of you. And given that this is a popular hike, you'll probably see other hikers heading up and down, giving you clues as to where you will be next.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 9 — When you get to the junction, make the left to continue to the summit. There's also a trail marker here pointing left to the summit. You'll be coming back on the loop at this junction.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 11 — The climb is steep, so don't forget to take a break and look around. You'll have I-15 in view for all of the hike, which is not the prettiest, but as you climb, the surrounding countryside comes into view.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 12 — Some sections of the trail have pavement, but it's not long.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 13 — When you get to this trail junction, stay straight (and up) toward the top of Montserate Mountain.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 14 — Here's the detail of that marker, 0.6 miles to go to the summit. There are a few of these along the route.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 15 — You have a few minutes of respite as the trail levels off.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 16 — And then goes up a rocky section again.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 17 — The trail winds around and you get good views to the south.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 18 — Soon you can see the summit from the trail.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 19 — When you get close to the summit, take the spur trail to the left.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 20 — And here you are, the summit!

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 21 — At the summit you'll get your first views to the east. The big mountains are part of the Agua Tibia Wilderness. Just beyond these peaks you'll find Palomar Mountain.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 22 — Leave the summit and make the left to continue on the loop trail.

If you want to just go back down the way you came, make the right here and follow the same path back down.

Note the loop trail is closed because of construction. If you see that it opens up, please let me know and I'll update the guide!

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 23 — As the trail heads south you'll get some nice views of the surrounding countryside. You'll be hiking down the ridge in front of you.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 24 — Start the descent down the ridge. You'll see the trail unfolding like a ribbon as you descend.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 25 — When you get to the small rise, take the main (and semi-hidden) trail to the left. You can also go straight to continue but the descent is steep and slippery.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 26 — There are stairs right after that last photo, taking you downhill safely.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 27 — Pavement starts and the trail passes a spur to a water tank on the right. Hike straight to continue downhill.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 28 — When you see this side trail to the right on the descent, take it.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 29 — Hike over the ridge and enjoy the views.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 30 — Rejoin the paved section and go right.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 31 — And immediately after that, make the next right.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 32 — Hike through the gate and continue. You can see the trail climbing up in front you. You'll do that climb to arrive back at the loop junction.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 33 — You might notice a trail running parallel to the left. You might also notice that it doesn't have a climb. Avoid the temptation to go off-trail through the protected area and cut across.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 34 — The 200 feet of uphill might hurt if this was a challenging hike for you. Take your time and know that this section is short.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 35 — When you get back to the intersection, go straight and retrace your steps back down the hill.

Montserate Mountain Trail Directions 36 — In no time you'll be back at the trailhead gate. That's the hike!

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).

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