Santiago Peak

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views

This 17.1-mile round-trip starts at Trabuco Creek Road, heads up Holy Jim Trail and North Main Divide Road before diverting off to explore Santiago Peak.

From the trailhead on Trabuco Creek Road, head north on Holy Jim Trail, a path that follows the creek through a densely shaded canyon. At 1.4 miles when the trail junctions, take a left to stay on Holy Jim Trail and head up the canyon wall via a couple sets of switchbacks. Around 3.5 miles, the trail becomes a little less brushy and there are more taller trees shading the path.

At 5.2 miles, Holy Jim Trail ends at North Main Divide Road. Take a left to head south and west on North Main Divide Road for about 2.9 miles. A the junction, turn left to explore the summit of Santiago Peak. There are numerous roads branching off since the summit is covered in cell and radio towers. Spend some time eating lunch, and then explore the roads at the summit of Santiago Peak in order to get the best views of the Palomars, the San Bernardinos, the San Gabriels and the Santa Monica mountain ranges. When you've had your fill (of both views and food), head back the way you came.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.

Ferns and vines in the canyon below, and higher up oaks, sycamores, and some Douglas fir dominate the path.

These mountains were once called the Sierra de Santiago because of Santiago Peak which dominated the ridge.