Hike Log

Santiago Peak – the cops are here

Trailhead:

Cadillac

Type of Hike:

Day hike

Trail Conditions:

Trail in good condition

ROAD:

Road suitable for all vehicles

Bugs:

No bugs

Snow:

Snow free

We parked down at the trail head by Holy Jim’s and started our ascent for along, tough day. Trail is literally 2 Miles up, passing a truck that years ago slid down the embankment to a dusty, sad death.

Once your done with the uphill scramble, you’ll come to a crossroads. Taking a right you’re rewarded with some gradual terrain and a view of the towers, giving you a false sense the peak is not that far… of course your harming reminds you, that’s wrong.

Trekking on you’ll walk through Old Camp, enjoying the little creek and tree shaded path. But alas, if peaks were easy, everyone would be doing it… and so your real grind to the top begins. About 3 1/2-4 miles in.

Up you scramble, wishing you had more cardio under your belt, but distracted every few minutes when you glimpse the peak.

single track up for the next few miles on Joplin. An occasional Mountain Biker wheezing dow past you.

If you have to pee, you’re outta luck. Same if you run out of water. No “Water Parks” to be found so come prepared.. not like the poor young man who we passed with a large Evian water bottle with just sips left

At Mile 6 you hit the dirt road that allow cars and dirt bikes – explaining the buzz you’ve been hearing for the last 45 minutes. It’s dusty as they pass, which is annoying, but everyone was polite and careful of hikers.

The last 2 miles up were uneven, but manageable road, peppered with rocks. The mountain had small patches of snow, which was fun – since it had rained 3 days earlier

Finding the sign at the top was a challenge. Took about 20 minutes. It essentially up til you T, then take a left, staying on the road. Choose the path going up again and it’s on your left after the building. We decided to check out the other towers a mile away then we headed back

Let’s talk about going back:

Of course it’s the exact same path you used to ascend… but all those creekbed, loose rocks that were a mild annoyance on the way up, were slippery little suckers waiting to take you down. To say we cursed them mildly would be wrong. A few tumbles from our group even with poles. Just remember the scratches and bruises make for good stories.

Old Camp was a nice shady place to recollect your pride after several tumbles. Then off for those last 2 Miles of Slip n’ Slide, to the finish line and a cold beer.

Feeling pretty good as I passed the abandoned, landscaped engulfed truck, I peaked over to the parking lot to see the police were there. Oh no – tickets!

Heres the deal, the “parking lot” where 6-8 other cars were, is a no stopping zone. In fact, that whole road is a no stopping zone. Unfortunately signs have been torn down and it’s not apparent you are parking illegally. Second, the trail head is actually Private Property. So, the owner of the property calls the police to get help. Again, signs communicating this have been removed, and so you do not know you’re in the wrong – especially since you see so many others doing it. Hey, you assume it’s fine. Since we walked up when the cop was just starting the tickets, he politely explained why he was there and gave us a pass.

So I guess folks looking to do Santiago Peaks should consider the Maple Springs route vs Cadillac. Or go by way of The Luge, parking by Cooks instead.

I’ve always wanted to peak this mountain after decades living below it. It’s a one and done for me, but was a great challenge with some beautiful areas to hike through.

Next up: Baldy Mt.

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  1. Sorry for the typos, next time will write from computer vs. iPad (*your vs you’re, Garmin not Harming, down vs Dow) Apologies.

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