Monserate Mountain Preserve is a North County San Diego landmark.  The challenging trail to the summit draws hikers from all over Southern California, and the diverse habitat is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including endangered California Gnatcatchers.

The acquisition of this preserve started with 225 acres in 2000.  An additional 115 acres were added in 2003 and 2004.  In 2018 the FLC was able to acquire the 7.34 acres that includes the Monserate Mountain trailhead, ensuring access for the more than 48,000 people who use it every year.

A steep 1.5 mile trail to the summit rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Peninsular Range to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.  The FLC is currently seeking additional properties that could be added to the Preserve as funding becomes available.  Read about our "I love Monserate Mountain" campaign here.

Since 2013, the Fallbrook Firefighters 9/11 Memorial Hill Climb, honoring the memory of 343 firefighters killed when the twin towers collapsed, has been held here at Monserate Mountain.  The FLC is proud to host this event, which is organized by the North County Fire Protection District. Money raised will be split between the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project.  See more photos from the event on our Facebook page.

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In 2018, eighteen trail markers were installed on two trails to provide safety and location points for hikers.

In an emergency, call 9-1-1 and inform the dispatcher that you are on the Monserate Mountain Trail in Fallbrook and provide them with the alphanumeric posted on the nearest trail marker. This is the fastest way for rescue services to find you.

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The trail markers A1 – A11 also represent every 10 floors of the former World Trade Center's twin towers, honoring the fallen first responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 and all those dedicated to saving the lives of others.  The markers are a combined project of Troop 718 Eagle Scout candidate Joseph Greenwood, the North County Fire Protection District, Palomar College Geographic Information Systems program, Fallbrook Village Rotary and the Fallbrook Land Conservancy.

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Monserate Mountain Preserve is just east of I-15 at the intersection of Stewart Canyon and Horse Creek Ranch Roads.  Scroll down for maps.  Download the MMP trail map here.

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