Field Trips Current

This field trip reached capacity on May 23. Registration is now closed.

SYNOPSIS

Lauren Quan, the Forest Botanist on the Cleveland National Forest, will join us for our first ever trip along the Morgan Trail. This trail is located off the paved South Main Divide Road near the crest of the Santa Ana Mountains and slowly descends down Morgan Canyon and into the San Mateo Wilderness area, to or near the headwaters of San Mateo Creek.

The habitat is quite varied and beautiful and includes excellent oak woodland, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and grassland communities. We will point out many flowers and plants along the way. Expect to travel about 2-3 miles down the trail.

Following the trip, you may want to explore other areas in the vicinity, such as the botanically rich Elsinore Peak area.

LOGISTICS

Meet: Either…

8:00 am at the Bravo Fresh parking lot in San Juan Capistrano (31722 Rancho Viejo Rd., just off Hwy 74 near Int. 5). We will caravan drive to the Morgan Trailhead.
* OR *
8:45 am if driving directly to the Morgan trailhead. It is about 2.5 mi. on South Main Divide Rd., off Hwy 74.

Bring: Trail shoes, hat, sunscreen, water, camera, and lunch.
Facilities: No water or restrooms.
Physical Difficulty: Moderate.
Plant Intensity: Medium to high.
Time: About 3-4 hours, plus drive time.
Leaders: Ron Vanderhoff and Lauren Quan.