#1 Monument Peak & Black Rocks

Approaching Monument Peak

Location: Lake Mathews, CA (Estelle Mountain Reserve) 

Southern California Map

Region: Inland Empire

Visit Date: 12/27/2020

Peakery Link: Monument Peak, 2,333'

 

Hiking Totals:

Driving Map

Miles - 6.2

Gain - 1,120'

Duration - 2:45

Max Elev. - 2,333'

Difficulty: 3.5 out of 10

Rating - Easy to Moderate
  

     

Monument Peak Parking Link

Summary:

Hiking Map

A locked vehicle gate and No Trespassing signs are at the trailhead. To add to the confusion, hikers are allowed to enter and explore the trails (I guess cars are not allowed to trespass?). I wasn't sure of it at the time, but nobody was around to question me, so I left the gate behind me as I continued forward (hikers of mountains are usually dealing with the irresistible wail of the siren call to climb the mountain, rather than private property concerns). A dirt road leads in the direction of Monument Peak, which was the clear target ahead. A few other side trail cross the landscape which seemed to be made by offroad vehicles and dirt bikes over the years.

Arriving at the second gate.

The dirt road passes near homes on the NE side of Monument Peak before passing through another locked vehicle gate. Just beyond the gate, I left the road by accessing a use trail leading through the brush up the slope of Monument Peak. Most of the days elevation gain occurred here. No significant bushwhacking was necessary since the route and destination were rather clear.

On the summit of Monument Peak

As with all summit climbs, I felt the excitement of achievement when approaching the summit. On top were two pieces of cement furniture (which looked like something out of The Flintstones) to go along with a great view of Lake Mathews. Spent a little bit of quality time on top taking videos and photos. I was also busy trying to be entertaining on video, since that's what YouTubers do. Over time, I realized that I was not very entertaining doing this, so I began shutting up more and more with every following video.

In the riparian area.

With the toughest accomplishment of the day out of the way, I still had Black Rocks to visit. I could see them from the summit. To get there, I departed the west slope to begin to form a loop back to the starting point. The route follows dirt roads to the valley floor. Along the way, the trail passes a riparian area with creek lined trees growing tall. The site is probably similar to what Southern California looked like long before land was cleared to build its cities. While taking in the scenery and shooting video, and while approaching Black Rocks, my inexperience raised its ugly head. My GoPro died. Fortunately, I had my reliable iphone on hand to take photos the rest of the way. I probably could've shot video too, but my phone was getting close to dying too. Who let this rookie out into the field!?! 

Summit Link: Black Rocks, 1,578 ft.

Black Rocks

Black Rocks is as the name explains, a pile of black rocks out in the middle of nowhere. They truly seem out of place in this lightly visited section of Estelle Mountain Reserve. I walked around its side and found a slot that easily allowed me to climb into and on top of the rocks. I took more photos there and then continued hiking toward the trailhead. On the way, there were some loud dirt bikers ripping up the road ahead. I didn't want to be anywhere near them, so I abandoned that route and opted to go north along a dirt road.

On top of Black Rocks

Video:

The road eventually petered out just south of Cajalco Road, so I did a quick cross country to reach the road. I wound up walking about a mile on the side of Cajalco Road to complete the loop. The GPX showed a nearly perfect loop hike after completing it. Although, if I had it to do over again, I would avoid walking the road and stick to the reserve dirt roads going back to the trailhead. Video hike #1 was in the bag. Will there be a #2?

Simulated Hike: