#68 Peak 2444

Peak 2444 from the road.

Southern California Map.

Driving Map.

Google Maps Trailhead Link

Parking coordinates: 33.87622°N, -117.1322°W.

Hiking Stats:

Hiking Map.

Summary
The hike starts from a dirt road east of Lake Perris State Recreation Area.  The road name is Davis Rd, and the hike begins across the road from the San Jacinto Wildlife Area.  Hiking starts at a locked vehicle gate with a dirt road leading toward Peak 2444.  After a few hundred feet, a use trail leaves to the right and leaves the dirt road behind, but that's just where the adventure begins.  The trail gets faint at times, but with persistence, an actual path will lead to the lower slopes of the peak.  On the way in, I somehow veered off the path and made my own way via a route of least resistance before actually finding the trail later on.

Summit views.

At an unmarked point, the trail enters the Recreation Area property.  That is at about the point where the trail begins to climb steeply toward the top of the conical shaped peak.  The climb is short but rather steep, with some occasional bushwhacking along the way.  Once reaching the top, you get the first view into the park.  Great views of Perris Lake are a huge reward.

On the summit.

After hanging around for an extra few minutes to appreciate the view, I headed back down.  It was easier to follow the direct use trail on the way down.  The lower portion, which I inadvertently bypassed earlier, was also easy to follow,  and led me back to the same starting point.  For me, this was my third hike of the day, and definitely the highlight.  In fact, this hike is worthy of its own day of hiking.

Hanging out on the summit boulder.

Video:

Simulated Hike: