Uploaded February 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
MAPS & HIKE LINKS: hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/hiking-san-diego/corte-madera-mountain-hike
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Guide: hikingguy.com/hikes/corte-madera-mountain
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
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Corte Madera Mountain rises as a 500-foot cliff face in San Diego's backcountry, often called the area's Half Dome. The route to the top avoids exposed scrambling and is accessible to most hikers willing to tackle steady elevation gain. Los Pinos Mountain adds a side trip to a working fire tower in service since 1925. Expect moderate uphill sections but no technical terrain. The trailhead sits in the Laguna Mountain area, reachable via paved and dirt roads. Spring and fall offer the best conditions before summer heat or winter snow closes higher elevations.
00:00 Why the Hike is Great
00:16 Hike Stats
00:55 Map Overview
02:13 Gear for the Hike
03:04 Corte Madera Directions
14:50 Los Pinos Fire Tower
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*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
MAPS & HIKE LINKS: hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/hiking-san-diego/corte-madera-mountain-hike
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Guide: hikingguy.com/hikes/corte-madera-mountain
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
Corte Madera Mountain rises as a 500-foot cliff face in San Diego's backcountry, often called the area's Half Dome. The route to the top avoids exposed scrambling and is accessible to most hikers willing to tackle steady elevation gain. Los Pinos Mountain adds a side trip to a working fire tower in service since 1925. Expect moderate uphill sections but no technical terrain. The trailhead sits in the Laguna Mountain area, reachable via paved and dirt roads. Spring and fall offer the best conditions before summer heat or winter snow closes higher elevations.
00:00 Why the Hike is Great
00:16 Hike Stats
00:55 Map Overview
02:13 Gear for the Hike
03:04 Corte Madera Directions
14:50 Los Pinos Fire Tower
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
