Saddleback Mountain (Santiago Peak)

Area Status: Open

Saddleback Mountain

Trail Views

Elevation Gain	4000 ft
Distance	15 Mile out and back
Pets Allowed	Yes, but caution is recommended
Fees	$5 for Adventure pass
Hike Time	8 hours
Difficulty	Difficult - Strenuous
Best Seasons	Spring, Fall, Winter
Ranger District	Trabuco Ranger District - (951) 736-1811

Saddleback Mountain, also known as Santiago Peak, is an intense 15 mile out and back trail with steep inclines and phenomenal city views, with enough challenges to push yourself to the limit. At almost 6,000 elevation, the peak is the highest point in Orange County, offering incredible views that span from Catalina Island to Orange and Riverside counties.

Mossy trails	Tranquil streams

Although it is one of the more difficult trails in Orange County, this back country road also offer an almost rain-forest like environment with overgrown ferns and moss, large fig trees, and small running streams. Historical to early Orange County, this area still displays many remnants of the late 1800's when bee keeping and woodcutting was the main occupation of mountain dwellers

For a list of more trails to explore in your area, please see our Recreation Trail Guide

General Information

Accessibility:

Santiago Peak is best accessed via Holy Jim Trail which is located off Trabuco Canyon Road approximately 6 miles up stream from O'Neil Park. Roads are not paved on the way up and 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended

Parking:

Parking is available free of charge at the Holy Jim Falls Trailhead