Photos: Spiders, Butterflies and Cattle in the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness

Just beyond the border of Mission Viejo, less than half an hour drive inland from San Juan Capistrano on Highway 74 (read Ortega Highway), lies the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness. Positioned within the larger Cleveland National Forest, San Mateo Canyon Wilderness' nearly 40,000 acres are a local hiker's paradise.

The park's rugged, low-mountain landscape is covered mostly in coastal scrub and tall chaparral. Occasional forested areas and steep, wooded canyon bottoms fed by flowing creeks lend a diversity that can't help but charm visitors. 

My buddy Elliott and I were so impressed on our first visit back in early February that we knew we'd return for an extended, overnight hike as soon as we could manage it. It took us a few months, but recently an opportunity presented itself. 

Our plan was to get dropped off in the morning at the San Juan Loop trailhead near the "candy store" on Hwy. 74, backpack about 14 miles of connected trails known as the Bluewater Traverse, and then rendezvous for pickup the following afternoon at the Tenaja Falls trailhead (parking is available at both trailheads). El's gracious wife volunteered to chauffeur us. Thanks, Meg!

We hit the trail around 11 a.m., which on any other day could have been a problem. As with any long hike, the earlier you begin the better, as high temperatures and strenuous activities DO NOT go well together—especially when you're carrying a 30-pound pack. Fortunately, the weather stayed cool and overcast with a steady breeze until the early afternoon, when things heated up.  

To see photos of the hike, click through our slide show above.

After passing through the Four Corners crossroads, Elliott and I didn't see another person on the trails until late the next morning. The names and approximate mileage of each trail on our route follows:

• Bear Canyon trail to Four Corners/Vedugo Canyon Trail (3.2 miles)
• Four Corners/Verdugo Canyon Trail to Oak Flats Trail (2.7 miles)
• Oak Flats Trail to Bluewater Canyon Trail (1 mile)
• Bluewater Canyon Trail to San Mateo Canyon Trail (3.3 miles)
• San Mateo Canyon Trail to Tenaja Falls trailhead (3.7 miles)

For details about the hike and route, check out the captions from our photos. Bear in mind that this is only one of many different hikes to do in the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness, and as such, it can be shortened (or lengthened) as desired.

Also, the precise name of the back road that leads to the Tenaja Trailhead can lead to confusion. On most maps—old or recent, Internet or printed—this road is labeled as "Wildomar" or "Tenaja Road," but current signs in the area mark it as "Cleveland Forest Road." 

Recommendations:

• Start early.
• Wear hiking-appropriate footwear (closed-toed, with good ankle support).
• Bring plenty of water. 
• Bring a good map (available for purchase at a local REI or through the USFS website).
• Wear sunscreen and head cover (the more shade it provides, the better).

Caution:

The best seasons to visit are spring and fall, since summer temperatures can prove quite dangerous and winter rainfall can lead to flash flooding in some of the deep canyon areas. Also, heavy rain can wash out or submerge parts of trails, making them impassable.

No Campfires!

Don't expect your cell phone to work—generally speaking, the deeper you hike into any wilderness area, the spottier cell phone coverage becomes. 

Bring plenty of water! Depending on the heat and season, you'll need between 2-3 liters to a gallon per person, per day. During most seasons, water can be found in pools, though it must be boiled and/or treated before it can be safely drunk.

Most of the campsites are fairly primitive and offer no amenities, which means you need to plan accordingly regarding water, food, safety and sanitary/bathroom needs.

Whether you're going deep into the park or not, do not hike alone. Much of the trails mentioned above get very little traffic, and you could land yourself in serious trouble if you become injured or lost.

Mountain lions and rattlesnakes call this area home and present real risk. Not straying from trails, hiking with friends and staying alert will go a long way toward minimizing the risk these animals present. 

Poison oak is present in the canyon bottoms, especially near the Fisherman's Camp area, so tread carefully.  

For more info or current conditions in San Mateo Canyon Wilderness/Cleveland National Forest, visit:

fs.usda.gov

Cleveland National Forest office: 

10845 Rancho Bernardo Rd.
Suite 200
San Diego 92127

858-673-6180