#37 Margarita Peak

Looking toward Margarita Peak from the road.

Southern California Map

Driving Map
Parking coordinates: 33.45579°N, -117.37582°W.

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Hiking Map

Summary

From Tenaja Road, I parked about 2.5 miles south on Margarita Road.  There is a shady oak grove with a pullout good for parking.  It seemed better to leave my vehicle in the shade on a hot day rather than pressing forward on a dubious road and parking it along the side. 

A nice place to park.

I began hiking from there while heading south on the dirt road.  The walk is about a mile before reaching the actual trailhead at a vehicle gate.  I turned left here and took this side road about a half mile to a signed junction.  A right here follows a trail up slope. 

Looking up slope.

Some sections are bit overgrown but leads toward the high points.  The first one is a false summit with a large tree on top.  Beyond, and through the bushes, is the true summit. A rock pile marks the summit, with great views into Camp Pendleton Marine Base.  Return the same way.  Margarita Lookout is further down the road from where the Margarita Peak Trail began, and is an optional addition to the hike.  Although the technical stats make this an easy hike, navigation can be difficult to discern.  Looking for clues for use trails as you go is the key to getting you to the summit.  Although it doesn't seem like it, the peak and trail are actually in the far northern corner of San Diego County, although the closest city is in Riverside County.

On the summit.

Video:

Simulated Hike: