Midweek 5-Peak Challenge Hike 3: North Fortuna

Midweek 5-Peak ChallengeHike 3: North Fortuna Mountain Wednesday, May 15, 2019

We've had great turnouts for our first two mid-week hikes, let's keep it up! For those who have never done the Mission Trails 5-Peak Challenge, here's your opportunity as we're going to tackle all five. North Fortuna Mountain will be the third of the five peaks we are doing. It's always a fun time of fellowship and enjoying the beauty of God's creation, in the heart of the San Diego City limits!

This out-and-back hike is about 5 miles with an elevation gain of 1,108 feet. At 1,291 feet, North Fortuna is the third tallest of the five peaks, but features two very difficult climbs. The first climb to the Fortuna saddle is via the trail some call the E-Ticket hill. Once we reach the saddle, just when you thought it was safe to breathe easy, we begin the actual climb to North Fortuna. I'm rating this hike as difficult due to the steepness and length of these two climbs. Please self-evaluate your fitness and hiking levels before attempting this hike.

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 7:50 p.m.

For this hike, we will meet at the dirt parking lot across from the Kumeyaay Lake Campground entrance. Park in this lot or outside the first outer gate on Father Junipero Serra Trail as this gate is closed at 7 p.m.

More information and photos on the North Fortuna hike can be found here.

Don't forget to take a selfie with the 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: Difficult
• Meet at Parking Area at 5:30 p.m.
• Hike starts at 5:45 p.m.
• Distance: 4.6 miles (5 miles counting walk to and from parking lot)
• Elevation Gain: 1,108 ft
• Peak Elevation: 1,291
• 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 in case it gets dark

Trailhead Address:

Parking Lot across from Kumeyaay Lake Campground
2 Father Junipero Serra Trail
San Diego, CA 92119

Carpool Address:

No carpool for this hike.

Directions:

From Interstate 8 - Take I-8 to I-15 North and exit onto Friars Road East. Friars Road will turn into Mission Gorge Road. Proceed east on Mission Gorge Road passing Jackson Drive, the Visitor Center entrance and Golfcrest Drive. Continue over the hill and turn left at the first light onto Father Junipero Serra Trail. The dirt parking lot is located two-tenths of a mile at the stop sign on the left. Do not park inside the outer gate as it is locked at 7 p.m.

From SR 52 - Take 52 East to Mast Blvd. Make a left at the bottom of the off-ramp onto Mast Blvd., then go to the far right lane to make a right onto West Hills Parkway. Make a right onto Mission Gorge Road then a slight right onto Father Juniper Sierra Trail. At the 4-way stop, make a left into the dirt parking lot. Do not park inside the outer gate as it is locked at 7 p.m.

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