Tag Archives: CNF

SAN JUAN TRAIL

05 Thursday Jan 2012

Posted by in Distance hikes, Strenuous Hikes

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I started this hike from the San Juan Trailhead located about 2 miles down Hot Spring Canyon Rd.

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This hike is 11.6 miles one way. So to avoid a 23 mile round-trip hike we parked one car at the beginning and one at the San Juan Trailhead in the bluejay campground.
(This is where you will end your hike.)

Right off the back you are faced with 17-20 switchbacks (I lost count). The elevation gain is gradual so you will barely notice it. Soon you will be rewarded with great views.

This trail is popular with mountain bikers so be extra cautious as they sometimes come speeding down in the opposite direction.

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There are a few connecting trails along this hike so remember to stay to the left at every junction. Look for the mile markers to make sure that you are on the right trail.

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About 6 miles in you will reach the Los Pinos Potrero this is a flat meadow with lots of Oak trees. This is a great place to take a break and relax in the shade.

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The remaining 5 miles are pretty shaded and make for a great hike out.

Happy Trails
Alex G.

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• 11.6 miles one way
• Elevation change- 2600 ft
• Difficulty – moderate
• Forest adventure pass

Happy Trails,

Alex G
map of hike

 

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LOS PINOS PEAK (via The Lazy W)

28 Wednesday Dec 2011

Posted by in Distance hikes, Peaks, Strenuous Hikes

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Los Pinos Peak (4,510 ft) is the 4th tallest peak of the Santa Ana Mountains and is located in the Cleveland National Forest.

The peak is accessible via the Los Pinos Trail and can be accessed from two points. One being via the Main Divide Rd, which is the easiest route to the peak. The 2nd is from the Los Pinos Trail via The Lazy W. This is the hardest route to reach the summit and is the way we decided to ascend the peak.

We parked one vehicle at the San Juan Trailhead which is in the back of Blue Jay Campground. We then carpooled to the other end of San Juan Trailhead which is located just before The Lazy W Methodist Camp. Before attempting this hike be sure to ask the camp for permission, being as the trailhead is on private property.

This is a tough hike! Only attempt it if you are ok with hiking long distances and are used to inclines as this trail is a combination of both. The hike was a total of 14 miles from one car to another. The elevation change from the base to the the peak is 3,300 ft but the total gain with all the”up and downs” is closer to 7,200 ft so be prepared!

On a clear day the hike along the ridge offers great views of the Pacific ocean, Catalina, San Jacinto, Baldy, San Gorgonio, Lake Elsinore and of course Santiago Peak.

The hike is along the ridge the whole time and it’s not very shaded. Be sure to bring a hat and sun block as you will be exposed to the sun the majority of the time.

Happy Trails,

Alex G

my map of the hike

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• 4,510 ft peak

• 14 mile one way trail

• 3,300 elevation change

• Lots of “up and downs”

• 7 hours to complete

• Difficulty- Strenuous

 

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