#148 The "M" View

Getting a good view of the "M".

Southern California Map.

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Hiking Map.

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Parking coordinates: 33.95902°N, -117.2722°W.

Summary

While still being early in my 1,000 hike quest,  I felt the need to get as many as I could to get my numbers up.  In that process, I had an internal argument: Do I provide comprehensive hiking plans, or also count short hikes as appropriate destinations.  Although I mostly sided with the comprehensive choices, on certain days, I felt that short outings were hikes too.

Looking up at Box Springs Mountain.

Thus hiking days take into account your current frame of mind.  Therefore, in retrospect, I think I would have included this hike as part of the #76 hike (The M Hike).  This would have only added about an additional half mile to that hike.  With that being decided, If I become a published author of my hikes, I would consolidate this hike with hike #76.  That means that I get to gather a completely new hike to add to my list someday.

At the overlook above Moreno Valley.

Meanwhile, with the desire to complete a short hike with some sweat equity, this is a good option.  The trail goes on The M Trail for much of the way, but there are also side trails that I included this time around, thus making it seem like a completely different hike.

Viewing the "M" from the overlook.

It eventually breaks off from the M Trail and extends south to an overlook over Moreno Valley.  To the NW sits the "M" in a perfectly clear view.  It is definitely the highlight of the hike.  If choosing to make this the turnaround point, as I did on the day, I returned the same way, while taking in some of the lower overlooks that face the east.  Kind of mini hiking adventure, but well worth the effort!

One last look on the way back.

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#147 Monserate Mountain

A semi-elaborate gateway to begin the hike.

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Google Maps Trailhead Link

Parking coordinates: 33.3723°N, -117.1486°W.

Summary

The trailhead is located just off of Interstate 15 in Northern San Diego County.  While there are not very many other hikes nearby, this spot is a rather popular one. 

Heading up the trail behind the trailhead.

Fortunately, there is a lot of space along the road to park.  The hike itself is unshaded and climbs gradually all the way to the summit.  The route is on an old dirt road converted into a hiking/mountain bike only trail.  It is a rather straightforward outing, without many surprises. 

On the summit.

On the summit is a register, and on my visit a waving American Flag.  Nice views open up from the top.  On the way back, it is possible to form a semi loop by taking a trail heading south just after dropping from the summit, which also adds some mileage.

Summit benchmark.

Otherwise, returning the way you came is fine as well, it also gives the opportunity to enjoy the views while descending.  This is a great hike for those who are looking for a quick workout, but without investing too much time to do it, plus you get to claim a peak!

Good views on the return.

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#146 Sierra Peak

Looking toward the mountain top.

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Parking coordinates: 33.85012°N, -117.6537°W.

Summary

The hike to Sierra Peak is long, no matter where the starting point is.  There are two routes that are along dirt roads, which makes it ideal for visiting via mountain bike. However, if a mountain bike can do it, so can a hiker.  The hike I completed started on the Santa Ana River Bike Trail in Corona. 

Views from Grassy Peak.

It did seem kind of awkward whenever bike riders passed by in this more than one mile segment of the hike.  It eventually breaks off to the south and passes under the 91 Freeway, where it eventually turns into a dirt road.  The hike passes through a little known section of  Chino Hills State Park, where I briefly visited Grassy Peak.

On the summit of Grassy Peak.

Grassy Peak was a minor victory, with much more gradual climbing to follow.  It quickly leaves Chino Hills State Park and enters Coal Canyon Ecological Reserve. to a high point on the ridge, known as Mini Moab Peak. 

Mini Moab Peak

A slight off trail led me to the high point.  I picked up Leonard Road from there and proceeded toward Sierra Peak.  It officially enters Cleveland National Forest along the way.  On top are numerous radio towers and good views. 

Approaching Sierra Peak.

After eating my sandwich, I headed down the same way.  I could have taken the Pipeline Trail down to form a loop, but I remember it being steep and rather hard on the knees, so I bypassed it and opted for more mileage (it only would have saved about 1.5 miles).

On the summit.

However, since the return the way I came was a gradual downhill, it was more of a long pleasant stroll than taxing, due to the mileage.

Summit benchmark.

Still, It felt rather awkward on the bike path in the remaining stages of the hike, but it was nice to look back up at the mountain as I walked beneath it, realizing that I had conquered it. Also there was no true reason to feel awkward, since I wasn't one of the bike riders on an easy flat ride, I actually did something on the day!

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#145 The Two Trees Trail & More

Wild Burros near the upper parking lot.

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Parking coordinates: 33.98555°N, -117.3058°W.

Summary

From the Two Trees North Trailhead in Riverside, the Two Trees Trail gradually climbs toward the high peaks on Box Springs Mountain.  The climb is unshaded but with some interesting boulder clusters to view along the way.  Also, Sugarloaf Ridge runs parallel to the trail.  The Box Springs Plateau gets reached in about 2 miles, where I made the decision to visit the rest of the peaks that I didn't get to visit when last ascending Box Springs Mountain. 

Table Peak.

The first stop was Table Peak.  I took a turn to the north to reach it.  A trail used to access Sugarloaf Ridge is where I left the road, then I accessed a use trail to reach the peak.

Heading up Peak 2843.

Afterwards, I backtracked to the upper parking lot, then continued toward two lightly visited summits.  These were Peak 2843 and Peak 2880.  Both were off trail scrambles past large boulders.

On Peak 2843 looking over and Peak 2880.

Visiting these three peaks meant that I completed all  the peaks on the Box Springs Plateau.  With that, I looped back down the Spring Trail and back down the Two Trees Trail.  This is a classic Inland Empire hike, which is almost entirely unknown to many, other than the Two Trees Trail portion of the hike.

On Peak 2880 looking toward Box Springs Mountain.

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#144 The Pantera Park Trail

Picking up the trail on the ridge.

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Parking coordinates: 34.01392°N, -117.7911°W.

Summary

Pantera Park turned out to be hike number three on the day, however, for visitors with limited time, this makes for a great short outing outside.  The hikes starts in bustling Pantera Park, where basketball courts and tennis courts are often full.  The hike begins in the parking lot and passes a dog park before accessing a trail that elevates toward a ridge.  A trail continues along the spine of the ridge toward the high point known as Pomona Benchmark.  Usually for me, the climbing of a peak at the end of the trail culminates a hike. 

Looking toward Pomona Benchmark.

However, in this case the peak is on private land, thus reaching it would be a case of trespassing.  There is a large fence near the end of the ridge trail that exemplifies that fact.  Some may ascend at their own risk.  It was tempting to me, but ultimately I never considered the risk to be worth it.  Instead, I turned around and headed back toward the water tank that sits above the park.  From there, I dropped down another pathway to form a small loop from the water tank back to the park.  This makes for a quick outing, but rather satisfying, since the hike passes through some open spaces preserved within the city limits.

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