The highest point of the oft-overlooked Temescal Range, Estelle Mountain offers arguably the finest clear-day views of the immensity of Southern California's Inland Empire than any other place. Perfectly positioned, and at an appropriate height, the peak overlooks the entire region from the Chino Hills in the west across the Santa Ana River floodplain, past the Riverside metro area, into the San Gorgonio Pass and down towards the Palomar Mountains above Temecula. Additionally, the trek to the summit follows an enjoyable solitary dirt road through multiple canyons and above ridges, both of which host a surprising variety of biodiversity. Conclusively, to journey to the top of Estelle Mountain showcases some of the best of the natural and visual beauty the lower ranges of the Inland Empire can offer.
Stats:
Category: Moderate
Miles: 10
Elevation Gain: 1,800'
Location: Estelle Mountain Ecological Reserve, County of Riverside
The Hike: From the turnout off of the end of Lake Street, follow the well-maintained dirt road immediately up as it begins its ascent of the range. In a few yards, you pass a gate indicating the entrance to this county natural preserve, along with concurrent regulations. As the road travels further up the ridge, the grade lessens and overlooks a pleasant and rocky stream-bed. After about one mile, the road passes into a riparian zone and travels in its immediate vicinity for quite awhile.
In contrast to the hardy and shrubby Brittlebush, Coyote Bush, and Sugar Sumac that brave the exposure of the hillsides, the ravine-laden plants, made up mainly of California Sycamore, Coast Live Oak, Fremont Cottonwood, and Laurel Sumac, grow to immense proportions. The route soon gains a small ridge, before dropping abruptly towards a small bend in the ridge. Here, the route again steepens as it climbs the remaining two miles to the summit, accompanied most of the time by the constant humming of above looming electrical towers. Near the summit plateau, a sign welcomes the hiker into the Ecological Reserve before culminating at the benchmark in the midst of some rocky outcrops. Enjoy the impressive viewshed, particularly down into the Lake Matthews basin directly below. Return the way you came, with a note of some uphill sections on the return.
Hiked 12/30/2017. Riverside County, CA
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| Trailhead |
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| Temescal Valley (I-15) seen from trail |
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| Going up the Temescal Mountains |
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| Morning Glory in bloom |
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| California Sycamore in Fall Color |
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| Chamise Chaparral in canyon |
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| Higher peaks of the Temescal Mountains |
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| Yucca |
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| Sugar Sumac |
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| Steeper section... |
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| Nearing Reserve |
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| Benchmark |
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| North |
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| West towards Sanitago Peak and the Santa Anas |
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| South view |
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| Lake Matthews from summit |
The Hike: From the turnout off of the end of Lake Street, follow the well-maintained dirt road immediately up as it begins its ascent of the range. In a few yards, you pass a gate indicating the entrance to this county natural preserve, along with concurrent regulations. As the road travels further up the ridge, the grade lessens and overlooks a pleasant and rocky stream-bed. After about one mile, the road passes into a riparian zone and travels in its immediate vicinity for quite awhile. 
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