Santiago Peak via Joplin Trail
June 19, 2021
Elevation: 5,689 ft
Elevation Gain: 4,961 ft
Total Distance: 18.34 miles

Full disclosure: this is my least favorite hike anywhere, but at least the Joplin Trail offers single track and shaded portions (unlike the Maple Springs trail, which is basically a dusty dirt road to the top, trafficked by OHVs and motorbikes)

The tradeoff of having a shaded trail, as it got really hot on the descent, is the relentless bugs. The summit? Great views if it’s clear (it was hazy and unremarkable). Summit sign? Well, it’s gone. So much for the selfie. Just a pile of rocks next to a radio tower. This hike is a hard sell if you’re not completing the 6POP challenge, or not a mountain biker. Apologies to those who feel differently.

Oh yeah, if you do hike the Joplin Trail, there’s a chance you might get ticketed if you park at the trailhead. Apparently it’s private property, owned by the OCPW. I parked at the dirt lot just off Trabuco Canyon Road and walked the 1.8 miles to the trailhead.

Peak 4 of 11 – SoCal #SixPackofPeaks challenge
Hike 30 / 52 of the #52HikeChallenge2021