I am so behind on posting but here goes.
Earlier I did respond to David R post on Baja Fortaleza but here is my TR just in case you choose to go this way here it is.
Just a little background, my friend Justin, is currently working on clearing the ridge that leads to all three peaks. Getting to Fortaleza requires bush-wacking through buckthorn and Alta Fortaleza is a steep climb a mile further. Justin is still working on a path that avoids some trees up to Fortaleza but its been a challenge. He has guided a few groups up there a few times.
Back in June, I invited two friends to accompany me on this exciting adventure. After talking to Justin ad getting his GPS track, I was determined to find the San Rafael benchmark. We initially planned on meeting at 6am to get a 630 am start but crap happens and my friend was late picking me up. Start time 7:30 am not good! It was going to be a hot day but I was prepared and brought frozen bottles to stash.
We started at North Etiwanda preserve. After a mile or so we took a left turn. (There is a pole with stickers and graffiti). This is the turnoff.
We followed the road for a bit just before the road splits and ascended the firebreak on the right and followed the ridge route.
A very steep, rocky, slippery but cool route. The views are fantastic. You can see the back of Mt Baldy, Pine and Dawson peaks.
There were some cool rock outcroppings along the way.
This area is totally exposed with minimal shade under the bushes.
Just getting to Baja Fortaleza was the first challenge.
Once we reached the summit it was such a relief. We had 360 degree views. It's a pretty big summit. From here you cannot really see Fortaleza because its buried in the brush and Alta Fortaleza cannot be seen either because its past the steep ridge that you can see from BF. It looks tough but according to Justin it is only about 1000 foot climb.
By the way Justin gave all three peaks their names. Not sure if it is on the maps. I haven't checked.
On the summit, Swallow tail butterflies were all around us and of course the nasty deer flies. No shade at the top. There is a register box placed by Justin. Full of stickers it was hard to find a place for mine but I also left a Eispiraten flag.
I was so determined to continue on at least to Alta Fortaleza and I started to walk a bit but my friends had enough and it was hot!!!
After the summit photos and eating a quick lunch we decided to call it a day. The descent was very slow as we had to keep stopping to try and find shade every once in while crouched under bushes.
I was pleasantly surprised to see my favorite wildflowers, Mariposa LIllies. We also found a cute little Horny toad.
Even though it was a very hot day, we managed to make it to BF. We will return in the fall and do all 3.
A beautiful hike, and a good workout. I can't wait to go back.
Stats for all three peaks is about 9 miles with 4000+ gain.
Last two photos are Justin's track.