Monserate Mountain is one of a number of beautiful preserves managed by the Fallbrook Land Conservancy. The trail takes a no-nonsense approach up the west side of the mountain through the typical mix of chaparral and coastal sage scrub, leading to panoramic vistas of Fallbrook’s avocado orchards, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mountains. Because the trail is steep and exposed, it is best enjoyed in cooler temperatures. Not a problem. When we began it was 49°...a perfect hiking temperature.

John Muir said, “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” It has been a while since we did this hike (January of 2019). It was good to have dirty boots again.