Off-Roading in Orange County, CA - Santiago Peak via Maple Spring Trail

Decided to take my daughter for a drive and picnic at the top of Santiago Peak. There aren’t a ton of off-roading spots in OC so figured I would share one of the better trails in OC for anyone looking for an easy fun adventure. Most of the main trail can be done in 2WD, a few of the off shoots and just the last final section I would recommend 4WD or AWD.

[@TheBroadcastEngineer]

It’s always a fun drive! I get to do it for work all the time. See you on the trails up there sometime!

[@hawkeyeted]

On my short list to try.

[@geoffryallan7261]

Hi - really nice, is 2 lane or 1 lane going u0mor down?

[@drock949]

Most of the trail is wide enough for one lane going in each direction. However, there are parts of the trail that are narrow and only wide enough for one car at a time. It isn’t bad though because there is always a spot where one person can pull over and let another person pass.

[@geoffryallan7261]

@@drock949 - thank - it looks like a fun drive, now I think I’ll try it 😊😊

[@drock949]

@@geoffryallan7261 make sure you check this site when you plan to go because sometimes they close the trail. From my experience they usually close it after heavy rain. It doesn’t happen often but it’s a real bummer if you drive in just to find the gate closed. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cleveland/recarea/?recid=75035

[@geoffryallan7261]

@@drock949 - thank you 😊

[@erikc7201]

Can I take a full size pick up here?

[@drock949]

Sorry for the super late reply, yes you can get a full size truck up there. The only part that may be tricky is literally the peak where the radio towers are. Basically when you get to the very top where the towers are, there is a short down hill to the vista point. That down hill is slightly steep with loose gravel so I've seen some trucks struggle when they leave the vista point, trying to get back up that little climb. If you have 4x4 you should be fine but if you don't, you may want to park at the top by the tower and just walk down. That way you don't risk getting stuck.