About this peak
Corte Madera Mountain is a 4,633-foot summit in the Pine Creek Wilderness of Cleveland National Forest, often described as “San Diego’s Half Dome” for its sheer cliff edge. The recommended Six-Pack route is the out-and-back Corte Madera Mountain Trail, 6.7 miles with about 1,469 feet of gain. The trail is rocky in places with some minor scrambling, and parking at the trailhead requires a National Forest Adventure Pass.
Know before you go
Hazards
The trail is rocky in places with minor scrambling, including a steep scramble around a small peaklet, and the summit sits on the edge of a sheer cliff. Fog and wind can reduce visibility and chill hikers quickly, and there is no water. The access road and fire road are shared with dirt bikes and off-road vehicles, and part of the road past the Espinosa Trail junction crosses private property. Observe seasonal raptor-nesting closures on the cliff face.
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More peaks in this challenge
Sorted by elevation. Bars show summit elevation against the highest peak.
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- Corte Madera (you are here) 4,633 ft
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