Today was a true test to see if my left knee, injured in August during a 19.5 mile journey, and the right knee, flared up at the end of August after a 6 mile one, were ready for this incline. It had been a full month since that hike, and since then, all my hikes were mostly flatter and shorter ones.
It was my second time hiking to this peak, in northern San Diego County, just south of Murrieta. Why have I not been here more than once. It is only a 45 minute drive from my house. Enough excuses, and here I was for summit #2!
Monserate Mountain loop is a popular and often crowded 4 miler. It is also the site of a 911 monument, which pays homage to those lost in the events of September 11th. Every year hiker’s will visit here on that date, to pay their respects to the fallen.
In order to get here on time, I had to be up early!
Our group of 10 began our hike at 6:30 am, when it was still relatively dark out. It was a gorgeous foggy and cool fall morning in September, similar to the first time I visited here, and the sun was just beginning to rise as we climbed.
The trail had me climbing a series of switchbacks, some very rutted, and washed away by rain. The path was however well marked and well traveled. There were narrow sections and also wide areas every so often to spread out and take a break.
On this particular day I was here for a group hike. I only occasionally hike with groups these days. It is tough to know when I am even going to be up for a hike. With a packed schedule, sometimes I just want a little alone time, and when I have a moment, I will go just solo. However there is something about hiking with friends, that makes me want to make a little extra effort to make it to one of these. Hiking with an awesome group of women is generally why I join in on group hikes, to adventure together, with my sisters.
There were stunning views in all directions, and I felt like I was walking on clouds.
After about 2 miles and just over an hour of hiking, I had made it to Monserate Mountain (Elev 1549 ft). Summit #2 complete!
The benchmark is located right by the summit and was easy to spot.
On my descent, I wound my way down the backside of the mountain along the trail, which felt even more like I was walking on clouds.
There were scenic views of the Cleveland National Forest in the backdrop in all directions.
There is are a series of stairs, before you reach another fire road. Depending on the cloud cover, you may or may not be able to see the peaceful valley of small farms, tucked away down below.
I made it back to my car by about 8:30 am. My hike was 2 hours long, and 4.5 miles with about 1400 ft of gain. Until next time Monserate Mountain!
Another Healing Journey
So the past year…and again over this past summer, I have had physical issues and associated pain that stopped me from going hiking. It was one thing after another. But I accepted it all as part of my journey. I knew it was out of my hands, and I just had to do what I can, when I can. During the summer of 2024 I had to just stop hiking all together, because of my back and sciatica. My leg was numb, and I had shooting pains. It hurt to sit wrong, drive, or even lay wrong. It was very trying. Even yoga, my go to tool for healing was out of the question. It actually made it worse, depending on the type I did. So there was no more trail running or even hiking, since I was injured. Throughout the last year, I started to slowly feel better, and have less pain, leading up to summer of 2025. By the spring of 2025, I was driving myself places, healing from the back injury, and driving myself to a trailhead an hour away, with aid of a back support cushion. The inflammation and sciatica had finally backed down enough that I could get out there again.
By July, I had gotten in several awesome hikes, which I checked off my bucket list. I had hiked to Pacifico Mountain, Red Tahquitz Peak near Idyllwild, and even gotten in a 4th summit of Mt Baldy via the Ski Hut trail. I then re-visited Mt Baden Powell for a 3rd time. However this time, an exact year since my last hike up this mountain, which preceded my back injury, I blew out my knee. I triggered a knee problem, after jogging down the steep incline of Mount Baden Powell. Trail-running is up one of my favorite things to do. You climb a mountain, you jog some of the way up and most of the way back, depending on the terrain. It feels so freeing. But I had to stop. So all of July I was back to no hiking as I healed
Well after taking an entire month off hiking, with a blown out left knee, I knew I likely had to stop trail-running, possibly for good. By the first week of August I felt like I was healing, finally feeling better, and decided I needed to head to the Sierra at least once before the summer season had ended. After a long an strenuous trek to New Army Pass, I blew out the other right knee as well. I had hiked 12.5 miles one day and 19.5 the next. It was too much too soon. This was on August 5th, and afterward, I had to take off hiking, yet again. Even 2 miles was tiring and stairs were out of the question.
By the end of August I felt somewhat better. My knee was very tight, and stairs were still a problem. Somehow I still thought I could hike to Mount Waterman at the end of August, with it’s small amount of gain, I thought perhaps my knees were better enough. Well now both knees were in trouble, after that 6 mile climb. So by last week of August 2025 and into September I was having issues with both of my knees. I was facing the reality that I needed to take it easy. It was difficult to bend and kneel down even. Both knees were in trouble, and I hoped with time they would heal.
So after a month had passed, and I felt I was better enough for just this 4 miler to Monserate Mountain. I had not been doing much hiking all of September, only short walks, without much incline. It was the incline, that was triggering inflammation, or so I thought. I did not know what was wrong, but as the month unfolding I would soon find out. A combination of issues were occurring in unison, and soon I would have clarity on all of it. Going in to today’s hike, I was of the mindset, I may not make it, I may need to turn around. I was in acceptance of the fact, that bodies can fail, and sometimes we need to just rest. I was prepared to go that.
9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
- 2 Corinthian 12:9-10
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
Leave No Trace
Just be sure to come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the wilderness pristine for future hikers.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer:
The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2025 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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