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Ortega Canyon Hike – Morgan Trail

Orange County Morgan Hiking Trail – Ortega Canyon Overview

If you are looking for an adventure in the Ortega Canyon, but don’t want to push it up too many hills; this Ortega hike is for you! Located at the same starting point as the Sitton Peak Hike, this starts along the Morgan hiking Trail and intersects the Tenaja Truck Trail. If you have any doubts during the hike about where to go next, keep turning left as you will complete a large loop on this hiking adventure.

Length: 5 mile roundtrip loop.

Parking: An Adventure Pass is required for parking. They are $5/day and are available at The Ortega Oaks Candy Store.

If you are preparing for a more difficult hike, such as Sitton Peak or this backpacking adventure, this Ortega Canyon hike is a perfect experience. The Morgan Trail combines single track footwork with minor trail navigation skills. There are several eco systems that are experienced during the hike, including rivers, desert, and dense tree undergrowth.

The drive out to the Morgan Trail is very scenic and provides a great perspective into Orange County and Riverside County’s natural flaura habitat. Following the hike, if you need some refreshments, The Ortega Oaks Candy Store is a good resting point!

Ortega Canyon Hiking Trail Map:


View Ortega Canyon Hiking Trail in a larger map

Address for GPS: 34950 Ortega Hwy, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

From the Los Angeles/North Orange County Area:

  • Take the I-5 South toward San Diego
  • Take the CA-74 Hwy exit toward San Juan Capistrano. 
  • Turn left onto CA-74 E/Ortega Hwy.
 

From the San Diego Area:

  • Take the 1-5 N toward Los Angeles
  • Take the CA-74/Ortega Hwy exit toward San Juan Capistrano
  • Turn right onto CA-74 E/Ortega Hwy
 
When to Go: Spring & Fall: Due to the pleasant winter conditions, it’s best the visit this Ortega Canyon hiking trail in the Fall and Spring. Try and avoid the hot or cold, wet months.
How it Looks:  

 

 
 

 

Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs with leashes are allowed are on the trail.
Intensity Levels: 
  • Barry-the-Bear: “I used this hike as a practice run for the Los Pinos Peak Hiking Trail. It was challenging, but the visit to the Candy Shop at the end, made it all worth it!”
  • Larry-the-Lion: “A perfect balance between a challenge and an escape. The terrain was long enough to work my muscles and being away from cell phone reception was a true delight.”
  • Chris-the-Cheetah: “Very scenic! It was a good warm up for a back-to-back hike. I followed it up with Sitton Peak!

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