Hike 114 📍Santiago Peak
🥾 7.7mi 📈 1,447ft gain 🏔️ 5,689ft peak
⭐ Highest and most prominent peak of both the Santa Ana Mountains and Orange County, and also marks a border point with Riverside County.
⭐ Six Pack of Peaks Challenge

We were gonna hike Sitton Peak today but there is a road closure about 10 minutes to the trailhead. Asked the sheriff and he said that that road will be open again tomorrow by 5am. We already drove about an hour to Cleveland NF so I made a call to just do Santiago Peak instead.

Santiago Peak is the highest point in Cleveland National Forest and it is highly recommended that you use a high clearance vehicle to get to the trailhead (via Maple). I think it's doable with a regular sedan but you probably will wreck your car at some point. A lot of truckers come here to drive up the summit. Lots of mountain bikers and motorized bikers as well so watch out for them.

There is a hiking trail around midway point that is well shaded if you want to avoid all the vehicles. You will know you're in the right path if you pass an abandoned truck by the trail. The hike itself is moderate but can get pretty exposed the last two miles. It's pretty hot out the next few weeks. Stay safe, stay hydrated, stay happy.