Santiago Peak???

[Ponch]

How do I ride to the top of that mountain that I can see from my house (Laguna Niguel). The one with the radar stuff or what ever is up there. How long is the ride and how difficult is it?

 

[i am dino]

do a "santiago peak" search poncharelli. there are many ways to access it. going up harding, going up maple springs, going up holy jim are the most popular ways.

as far as milage goes, you can count on it being at least 10 miles to the peak no matter what way you access it. it is a grinder and the "ass-factor" certainly kicks in, but if i can do it on a 33lb Heckler, you certainly can do it on your hardtail. just make sure to bring lots of liquid and snacks...probably a good idea to do this ride with a buddy as well.

 

[killa Cali Kid]

think u can access via multiple trailheads. probably maples or harding are easiest (i.e least distance). Think can also get there from B-star.

 

[dstepper]

Per my GPS. 12.63 miles from Maple Springs gate to towers. 4003 feet of climbing. Best to do when it is cool out. I like to do it in the winter just after a storm when the air is clear. I little bit of snow and things are better.

 

[Pho'dUp]

Shortest way is Up Holy Jim Trail to the Main Divide to the Peak.

 

[Ponch]

Thanks guys.

I plan on doing it with my Bro-in law maybe in Sep. I am thinking that I might do the Holy Jim way up.

 

[i am dino]

not sure if you ever done holy jim, but don't be fooled by it being the shortest way up...mileage wise it may be short, but i'd say it is the most grueling way up to the peak out of maple/harding/holy jim.

 

[Kid A]

Ponch - i'm gonna be outta town next few weekends but if your cool with holding of for a bit and do this via maples I may be down to join u. think I have a few other guys that would do ride as well.

 

[LBmtb]

not sure if you ever done holy jim, but don't be fooled by it being the shortest way up...mileage wise it may be short, but i'd say it is the most grueling way up to the peak out of maple/harding/holy jim.

This man speaks the truth, eh.

 

[singletrakk]

yes i would agree with gonz and dino.definitely the harder out of the three.lower holy jim climb isn't so bad just switchbacks,but kinda overgrown near the bottom.However,climb on main divide from lower Holy Jim to Santiago Peak is relentless.I think its only 2-3 miles but steep and no breaks.Didn't seem like there were any turns to let you recover.Just straight up.

 

[Ponch]

Ok, Holy Jim Sounds sucky! I will do maples.

killa Cali Kid let me know when you are ready.

 

[GeorgiaOfTheJungle]

Promise to post this ride so we can all join in? Maple Springs is probably my favorite way up; of course, any way is a climb.

What kind of shape is Holy Jim in now? And, anyone know how Trabuco is?

 

[dukethenuke]

Don't know about holy Jim or Trabuco, but you know the fire road between them is going to be hot.

 

[GeorgiaOfTheJungle]

True, have to do that one a bit later....just sitting here at work, in air conditioning (a bit too much), without any windows, daydreaming of being free...

 

[Ponch]

I will post when I am ready to try this ride.\\/

 

[ECOdork]

While this has been sufficiently covered I'll add this:

For me, Maple Springs is the easy way up--Dean is spot on with the milage. My first ascents to the peak were via MS.

Holy Jim is "shortest" Lower HJ isn't too bad but is WAY more techy than MS. It kinda reminds me of the approach to Old Camp--which is good training for that ride. ...But North on Main Divide after HJ just looks scary brutal!

 

[royta]

Don't know about holy Jim or Trabuco, but you know the fire road between them is going to be hot.

I rode HJ for the first time last Friday. We had to turn on the lights for the last 1/4 to 1/2 mile or so from the top. It's in real good shape, although there are a few spots where some folks let there tires off the trail. Trails like HJ don't do well if people can't stay on the trail. The ride back down was a hoot.

The farthest I've been up Main Divide from HJ was to the flat spot at UHJ. That was a while back when I did the Indian Truck Trail - Coldwater Trail ride. That section of Main Divide isn't too bad. Although, I did use the "need to take a gallery picture for geoladders" excuse so I could take a breather. Pain Freak was on that ride, and it was way fun.

 

[i am dino]

It is pretty much a grind to the peak after HJ. We did it sometime last year and it is definitely tougher than going there via MS or Harding. I wish we new where the upper HJ s/t was when we came back down though. I believe the next time they went they hit the upper HJ s/t.

 

[Pain Freak]

I'll be up in Tahoe for the mid part of Sept, but if you all are doing it anytime other then that...Count me in. I personally love the HJ trail, although somewhat more difficult I love climbing/descending switchbacks.But I haven't rode up MS in years.

 

[Von-Skipp]

It is pretty much a grind to the peak after HJ. We did it sometime last year and it is definitely tougher than going there via MS or Harding. I wish we new where the upper HJ s/t was when we came back down though. I believe the next time they went they hit the upper HJ s/t.

You guys should climb Maple Springs then descend down both HJ. (shuttle) Upper Holy Jim is a sweet trail (especially at night).