Hike #22 South Fortuna Mountain

52 Hike Challenge 2016 Adventure Series

4.5 miles | +1400'

The top of 1094-foot South Fortuna Mountain has sweeping views of all of the major peaks found in the City of San Diego’s largest regional park. South Fortuna is part of a long arced mountain with two peaks that was once called on century-old maps Long Mountain. North Fortuna, at 1291 feet, is separated from South Fortuna by a 910-foot saddle. This long mountain provided physical fitness training for U.S. Marines when Camp Elliott was active. It is still a great place for a workout with many possible approaches and loops possible.

Although not the tallest of the two peaks, South Fortuna has one of the best views and is the most challenging when approached from the south ridge. Instead of switchback that would make the climb easier, there is a steep staircase of about 300 steps fashioned from 4x6-foot timbers and rock leading up to the bench from which there is an easy stroll to the summit.