DISTANCE: 2.7 milesELEVATION: 6,271 ft
TIME: 2 hours
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
Monument Peak is the highest of the peaks in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area, and the fourth highest peak in San Diego County. It sits on the edge of the escarpment that separates the mountains and the desert, so like many other peaks in the area, it offers spectacular desert views. It is also not too difficult of a hike with only a 500' elevation gain/loss. If you're in the area (which is at least an hour drive from most parts of suburban San Diego), I highly recommend either this hike or Garnet Peak (described in a previous post).
Follow the Sunrise Highway (S1) northward from Interstate 8 to the Laguna Mountain area. Just a few miles past the general store, you approach mile 25.2, where there is a small dirt turnout area where you can park your car. Be sure to hang the Cleveland National Forest Adventure Pass in your windshield (you can probably get at the general store if you don't have one).
Start at the trailhead for the Big Laguna Trail meandering through burnt Jeffrey Pines and head eastward 1/2 mile until you meet up with a segment of the famous Pacific Crest Trail which runs from Mexico to Canada. Turn left (north) and follow the PCT about 1/4 - 1/2 mile (800 steps according to Jerry Schad), until you see the first set of microwave towers. Shortly after the towers come into view you'll notice a fork to the right which veers away from the PCT and toward the towers. This is where you leave the PCT and follow a more narrow ascending trail.
After a short distance, you'll come to a fenced laser research facility. I'm not too sure what type of lasers are tested here or if it's even an active facility (an abandoned Air Force facility tops nearby Stephenson's Peak), but there are other structures in the proximity that warn danger. I took my chances that a laser would not be blasted my way as we took this photo.
Follow the fenceline to the left until you meet up with the paved road that leads a short distance to the summit, where you can find a climbers log in a red tin can. Monument Peak has been listed on the Sierra Club's Hundred Peaks Section since 1946. The summit has several other microwave towers upon it, but they don't get in the way of the incredible views, especially to the north and east. To the north you can see beyond San Diego county to Toro Peak, San Jacinto, and Mt. Baldy. To the East you can see mountain ranges beyond the Arizona Border. To the south you see peaks that lie in Mexican Territory.
On our particular visit, my brother Byron and I encountered quite a bit of unexpected snow, which led to the throwing of a snowball or two.
