Peak 92 - Mother Miguel Mountain - A quick hike up to a Sweetwater view
Mother Miguel Mountain
Elevation: 1,527
Mileage: ~4.1
Trailhead: Mount Miguel Mountain Trailhead
Agency: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Date Hiked: 11/13/2020
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11/13/2020
Since San Miguel Mountain is private property, this peak is a nice way to see the Sweetwater River Valley. Many locals refer to this hike as the Rockhouse Trail.
I pulled into the parking lot of Mount San Miguel Park, wanting to avoid parking in a neighborhood that is likely constantly bombarded with hikers getting in and out of their cars. I noticed on the map that there was a clear trail leading to the rest of the Rockhouse Trail.
Starting the trail from Mount San Miguel Park
It was a warm day, so I got my gear on and headed on the trail. At only around 4 miles, I knew it would be a quick hike.
I hiked to the end of the roundabout and skirted the edge of the park, finding a trail that crosses and goes along a concrete drainage.
I came upon a wide dirt road, likely used to service the many power lines in the area, and headed toward the mountain.
There were many people out on the trail, as this appears to be one of those easily accessed local trails that can be used for fitness and training. There is a nice network of trails that continues to the other side of the mountain, so you can make your hike as long as short as you’d like it.
On the dirt road leading to Mother Miguel Mountain
I crossed a dry creek and started switchbacking my way up the mountain. It’s clear that the US Fish and Wildlife agency is desperately trying to fix the trail and all the erosion that comes with countless people cutting the trail.
There were numerous signs and fencing attempting to keep people on the trail, but that didn’t stop almost all of the hikers I saw as I carefully followed the switchbacks.
As I got to the smaller switchbacks, it was frustrating to see people completely ignore the signs and fences over and over, as the erosional scar will never have the opportunity to heal. The other hikers likely thought I was crazy for taking “the long way.”
Regardless, I made my way up the hill and over to the other side. The views of the surrounding hillsides were nice as I continued to ascend.
On the backside of Mother Miguel Mountain, summit flag in the distance
I got to the top and was treated to a great view of the Sweetwater Reservoir and the valley around it, as well as the Rockhouse itself. I ventured off to a side trail and found a nice rock to sit on and have my lunch as hikers came and went from the summit.
The view of the Sweetwater Reservoir from Mother Miguel Mountain
A view of San Miguel Mountain from Mother Miguel Mountain
The sun was warm, but the breeze was nice; a typically lovely San Diego day. Since the hike was shorter than a typical hike, I lingered near the top, leaning against a rock, having a snack, and letting the breeze blow around me.
Ready to get moving again, I stretched out and hiked back down the trail, taking the switchbacks on the way down. It was pretty far from a backcountry or wilderness experience, but it was still another beautiful day on the trail and a great way to see another part of San Diego County.
Mother Miguel Mountain Trail Map (Click to enlarge)
