Hike of the week: Mother Miguel Mountain is a tough climb — but worth it

The hike to this Chula Vista summit isn’t easy, but hikers will be rewarded with big views of San Diego County, from La Mesa to Imperial Beach and beyond.

Mother Miguel Mountain is a 1,527-foot peak within the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. This roughly 4-mile out-and-back trail starts on the refuge’s southwestern side and climbs through the hills and above the Sweetwater Reservoir before reaching the mountaintop, where there is an American flag and one honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action. Most of the first half is rocky and steep — with a 870-foot incline — making this a moderately strenuous hike.

On a clear day, hikers can see as far as Mt. Helix, Mt. Soledad, downtown San Diego and even the Coronado Islands off the coast of Mexico. Also keep an eye out for threatened species, including the endangered Quino checkerspot butterfly and Otay tarplant, plus other wildlife such as rattlesnakes, lizards and bees.

The trail to Mother Miguel Mountain peak is lined with blooming flowers.

(Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

This hike was a great way to start a May morning, but I’ll be less inclined to return in the summer or early fall as the trail is entirely exposed to the sun. There was a breeze, especially as the trail climbed higher, but make sure to wear proper sun protection and bring a sufficient amount of water.

To begin, park at the end of Paseo Veracruz, a residential street located off Mount Miguel Road and just behind Mount San Miguel Park.

Hikers will take this short dirt road at the northeastern end of Paseo Veracruz to access the trail.

(Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

From the road, walk north on the sidewalk toward a wide dirt path and a large metal gate. Once at the gate, turn right to start on the County Trail Easement, a half-mile fire road that leads to the official trailhead.

Note that the fire road starts to wind northwest after about 0.3 miles; do not continue walking straight on it.

Some hikers may find it helpful to consult a map, such as on an app like AllTrails or through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, to make sure they’re on the correct trail.

The trailhead, which heads southeast, is located directly off the fire road. Though the start of the trail isn’t clearly marked, hikers will quickly come across a welcome sign in a shaded section along the path.

From here, the trail is relatively easy to navigate as it heads toward the peak. Watch your step as there are some larger rocks in the path.

Around the 1-mile mark, hikers will find a series of switchbacks. Though these help hikers ascend steep hills, there were so many; I was constantly turning left and right and I sometimes lost the trail. Hikers will see some trail markers that guide them along the path.

The view looking south as hikers head up Mother Miguel Mountain.

(Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

After the intense switchback section, which lasts about a half-mile, the trail cruises along a ridge. Hikers get the chance to catch their breath and see pretty views to the southeast before the final steep climb to the summit.

Once at the top of Mother Miguel Mountain, hikers can take a rest — and try to spot the many San Diego County landmarks — before finding their way back down.