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2 Morena Butte

DISTANCE: 8 miles (out-and-back)

ELEVATION GAIN: 1,500'

HIKING TIME: 4 hours

BEST TIMES: October–May

TOM HARRISON MAP: San Diego Backcountry

USFS PCT MAP: Volume 1

OUTSTANDING FEATURES: Views

Morena Butte is an attractive granite outcrop overlooking Lake Morena. This moderate hike follows the PCT from the lake to the flank of the mountain, and then takes a straightforward climber’s path to the summit. Go on a cool clear day to enjoy the panoramic views. The origin of the butte’s name is lost in history. It may come from the Spanish word for “brown” or may honor an early settler of the region.

Morena Butte has three distinct summits. The trail leads to the first one, which is the highest. The other two summits are also easy to reach and offer their own unique vistas.

On the return, you may consider making a semiloop by taking the unmarked Morena Butte and Ward’s Flat Trail that you passed on the way up. It leads north through a pleasant glen and then joins a road that takes you back along the shore of Lake Morena.