Margarita Peak is a 3,193-foot mountain in San Diego County, about 9 miles southwest of Murrieta Hot Springs and 9 miles northwest of Fallbrook, and it ranks as the county’s 32nd most prominent peak. It was long regarded by hikers as one of San Diego’s hidden gems for its sweeping 360-degree summit views. The usual route followed Margarita Road and then a main trail toward Margarita Lookout before a steep, poorly maintained firebreak led to the top, making the hike about 3 miles each way. Now owned with the surrounding preserve by the Fallbrook Land Conservancy, the area is closed to protect sensitive habitat and support biological studies.