North Fortuna Mountain via Oak Canyon, Fortuna Saddle, and North Fortuna Trails is a 4.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near San Diego, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
February 27, 2021
February 26, 2021AllTrails rates this as “Moderate,” which is a reasonable rating. However, I would say that it is on the strenuous side of moderate—not because it requires any technical skill, but because it has a relentless incline averaging 14% sustained over 1.2 miles. The overall distance/elevation numbers are somewhat misleading, because nearly ALL of the elevation gain comes inside that 1.2 miles, once you turn up Fortuna Saddle. Unfortunately, Fortuna Saddle doesn’t really have amazing views or places to take a break. Having said that... the mountain has great views, a well-maintained trail, and this hike is a solid workout. It all depends what you’re looking for. (Currently, due to COVID, there are no porta-potties at the trailhead parking lot. Stop at the lot across from the campground and walk in past the entrance gate to use those restrooms.)
February 25, 2021Good workout. A decent stretch of just a steep uphill service road like trail. Nice views beginning and end of trail r fun but the middle is kinda bland. Would rather hot north fortune from south fortune mountain trail, way more fun of a hike!
February 21, 2021The scenery was nice. The trail was a bit confusing. Then again this was our first time. Lots of shade, that’s for sure.
February 16, 2021February 15, 2021it’s steep ... it’s beautiful
February 11, 2021Really cool hike by the river, multiple neat bridges, and lots of frogs!
February 7, 2021Great! Steep but great for early morning. Shady for 75%. States at 7:30 ended @ 11am. Took a nice long break at the summit.
February 5, 2021February 3, 2021February 2, 2021January 31, 2021Super solid trail. Best 360 view of San Diego I’ve found so far. Definitely worth it. Varied terrain so it’s got lots to look at. Nothing too crazy so I would consider it moderate. I even wore 1 Lb ankle weights for the first time and had no issues. There is one part that is quite steep but it’s wide and fairly flat so it wasn’t horrible. Just took our time. Wouldn’t go immediately after heavy rain because part of it runs along a river but two days post rain it was really nice. We even heard a couple frogs enjoying the water.
January 31, 2021The river was very nice after the rain. Very heavily trafficked so I would recommend very early morning hike to avoid the crowd.
January 31, 2021January 31, 2021January 22, 2021January 22, 2021January 17, 2021January 16, 2021January 10, 2021A little busy with groups of people hiking. Likely with gyms closed and it being January more people than usual. Still big stretches with few to no people. This specific route/trail gets confusing and I had to check all trails frequently to keep on the right path. Easy in spots, tough in others.
January 9, 2021January 9, 2021January 9, 2021January 7, 2021January 2, 2021First half is extremely rocky. Difficult for dogs.
December 26, 2020December 11, 2020December 11, 2020
