Midweek 5-Peak Challenge Hike 2: South Fortuna

Midweek 5-Peak Challenge Hike
Peak 2: South Fortuna Mountain
Wednesday, May 1, 2019

We had a great turnout for our first midweek hike, let's keep the momentum going! For those who have never done the Mission Trails 5-Peak Challenge, here's your opportunity. We're going to tackle all five peaks during the course of these midweek hiking sessions. South Fortuna Mountain will be the second of the five peaks.

At 1,094 feet, it's the smallest of the 5 peaks, but features a tough climb via the popular wooden steps up the mountain's western face. The return trip also features a good uphill climb. It's always a fun time of fellowship and enjoying the beauty of God's creation, this time in the heart of the San Diego City limits!

The hike will start at 5:45 p.m. sharp so we can hike with as much of the remaining daylight. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp in case it gets dark on the way back. There will be daylight until about 7:45 p.m.

This out-and-back hike is about 5 miles, with a steep climb to the summit. The trail features several different eco-systems and many wildflowers. I'm rating this hike moderate-difficult due to the steep stairs.

For this hike, we will meet at the Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Trailhead in Tierrasanta, by the wooden bridge. Park outside the gate on Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

More information and photos on the South Fortuna trail can be found here. (We will only be doing the first half to the peak and back).

Don't forget to take a selfie with the monument sign at the peak to record your accomplishment. More info on the Mission Trails 5-Peak Challenge can be found here.

I will also walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people. - Leviticus 26:12 NKJV

Itinerary:

• Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• Meet at Clairemont Mesa Blvd.Trailhead at 5:30 p.m.
• Hike starts at 5:45 p.m.
• Distance: 5 miles (Round trip)
• Elevation Gain: 519 ft.
• Peak Elevation: 1,094 ft.
• Hiking Time: 2 hours approximately
• Dogs on leash permitted but not recommended
• Weather: Hike will be canceled if it rains

What to bring?

• Good running or hiking shoes
• Comfortable clothing, bring layers as it will get cool
• Hat or visor
• Hiking Poles (optional)
• Water (at least 2 liters recommended)
• Snacks 
• Headlamp or flashlight as it will get dark

Trailhead Address:

Mission Trails Clairemont Mesa Trailhead
San Diego, CA 92124

Carpool Address:

No carpool for this hike.

Directions:

Take I-15 to  exit 11, Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Head east towards Tierrasanta. Stay on Clairemont Mesa Blvd. until it ends at Mission Trails Regional Park. Allow extra time, especially if driving on I-15 South, as traffic will be heavy at this time of day. Park on the street as the dirt lot is closed.

If you have questions, please contact Vinnie at worldbefreeman@yahoo.com