Cleghorn and Monument Mountains

Of the five peaks in this area on the Sierra Club’s Hundred Peaks List, Cleghorn and Monument Mountains are the peaks on either end of the group. This route is for peakbaggers or adventurers looking to just explore a new area. At 19.4 miles, it is enough for a full day’s adventure, and the steep climbs to both mountains are certainly ambitious. 

The dirt road here is open to OHVs, and it is common to encounter motorized vehicles along the way. Even though much of this trip follows a dirt road, the views in all directions make up for it. As one gains elevation, views open up dramatically to the east, with Silverwood Lake in the foreground and the San Bernardino Range further distant. Further along, and even more dramatic, the eastern end of the San Gabriel Range rise high just to the west, with an especially fantastic view of the north face of Mt. Baldy. Relatedly, an ideal time for this hike is in late winter and early spring, when this route up to Cajon is green and free of snow, but Mt. Baldy and the San Gabriels are still covered in white. The view from Monument Mountain includes the San Gabriels, but it also includes the sprawl of civilization and its many freeways.
After starting to climb away from Cleghorn Road, one leaves the West Fork of the Mojave River and the only water flowing on this route. Be sure to pack enough water and protection from the elements, as the ridge is entirely exposed. For more information about Silverwood Lake Recreation Area, check out https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sbnf/recarea/?recid=26377. Parking at Silverwood Lake is free and accessible from a paved road.