Vehicle access to Saddleback Peak?

[L8 APEKS]

Hey guys,

I just got a new Jeep and I'd love to break it in driving up to the antenna tower at Saddleback Peak. I used to drive in at Modjeska Canyon Road I think, where it "dead ends", but it's been a few years since I've been over that way.

It was closed nearly 10 months out of the year because of the "Arroyo Toad" which was low in number, or something like that.

Does anyone know what access is like now? Can I still drive in through that entrance, or anywhere at all? Any info is appreciated. Thanks so much!

[Pain Freak]

If you're going to do it, you better do it quick. I'm betting they close the roads real soon because of fire danger.

[CalEpic]

The route you're looking for is Silverado Canyon Road (Maple Springs).

Pretty tame off roading though. I've seen Honda Civics up on Main Divide.

C

[Ladd Jasper]

You can check the Cleveland NF site for updates, though it looks like Maple Springs is currently closed.

Doesn't say whether it's the annual Arroyo Toad breeding season closure (4/1 - 9/1 in years w/ "normal" rainfall), or some other temporary issue, but a call to the Trabuco District office at (951) 736-1811 can clear that up.

Another option is Skyline Dr. on the Corona side. I believe it's almost always open, or at least used to be when I lived out there. That should get you to the same place.

Good luck, and have fun w/ the new toy.

[Winger]

[SIZE=1]I made up a Haiku going up Maple Springs

Grit in my darn teeth.
Dust in my eyes hurts a lot.
Motorcycles suck.



I have the same feelings towards cars on the trails....hate them. Yeah, I know they have a right to be there. I ride to get away from society....just me, nature, and my leg-powered bike.

Nothing takes me out of my groove like hearing the roar of the engine approach as I'm grinding it out on the only rideable line, knowing the vehicle expects me to put my foot down and yield.

Go to the desert and ride something that bikes can't access.

I wish vehicles were not allowed on Main Divide. Beek's might still be a house instead of a foundation. The road wouldn't be littered with beer bottles. High speed descents wouldn't include maneuvering through tire tracks cemented in the now dry mud.

/rant
[/SIZE]

[L8 APEKS]

Originally Posted by Winger

[SIZE=1]I made up a Haiku going up Maple Springs

Grit in my darn teeth.
Dust in my eyes hurts a lot.
Motorcycles suck.



I have the same feelings towards cars on the trails....hate them. Yeah, I know they have a right to be there. I ride to get away from society....just me, nature, and my leg-powered bike.

Nothing takes me out of my groove like hearing the roar of the engine approach as I'm grinding it out on the only rideable line, knowing the vehicle expects me to put my foot down and yield.

Go to the desert and ride something that bikes can't access.

I wish vehicles were not allowed on Main Divide. Beek's might still be a house instead of a foundation. The road wouldn't be littered with beer bottles. High speed descents wouldn't include maneuvering through tire tracks cemented in the now dry mud.

/rant
[/SIZE]

No offense, but the route I'm talking about is a fire road, built for vehicle access - not pedestrian/cyclist access - and much of it is asphalt. Not exactly a mountain biker's dream trail. I wouldn't even ride my bike there, because there's no feeling of "getting away" there. It's a road, not a trail.

As for tire tracks (ruts) - nobody with a brain would wheel or ride in the mud, because it destroys the trails when it dries out. Alas, people still do. Hooray for the "dee dee dee's".

[spookydave]

You and Winger are talking about the same road. The first part of Maple is paved.

Now that it's brought up I some of my 4x4 customers saw my bikes sitting at the shop. They asked what's the deal with those GU wrappers we see all over?? I hung my head in shame and said, always a few bad apples where ever you go. To bad ours are prolly acting like earth saving tree huggers right before and after they litter.

Beerbottles & GU wrapers, both left behind by thier sports rotten apples.

[Kid A]

Originally Posted by Winger

[SIZE=1]I made up a Haiku going up Maple Springs[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Grit in my darn teeth. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=1]Dust in my eyes hurts a lot. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=1]Motorcycles suck.[/SIZE]

[FONT=Arial]haha. yeah eating dust sux but it's always been the f'n bugs that drove me crazy climbing Maples. Am sure i got it wrong but here goes[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]Small Black, Nasty Gnats[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Flying, Buzzing, in my Eye[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Must Windshield Wiper[/FONT]

Originally Posted by spookydave

Now that it's brought up I some of my 4x4 customers saw my bikes sitting at the shop. They asked what's the deal with those GU wrappers we see all over?? I hung my head in shame and said, always a few bad apples where ever you go. To bad ours are prolly acting like earth saving tree huggers right before and after they litter.

Beerbottles & GU wrapers, both left behind by thier sports rotten apples.

as opposed to the cig butts i see atop MD from 4x4'ers after a long well deserved break driving up as if smoking in a dried out forest was the smartest thing to do anyway

Originally Posted by L8 APEKS

No offense, but the route I'm talking about is a fire road, built for vehicle access - not pedestrian/cyclist access - and much of it is asphalt. Not exactly a mountain biker's dream trail. .

certainly not the greatest SoCal has to offer but imo a decent climb and then hit motorway a fun down