Tags
california, cleveland national forest, Hiking, Holy jim, Main Divide road, nature, orange county, outdoors, santa ana mountains, Trabuco canyon
This is a 13 mile hike that starts in beautiful Trabuco Canyon. The trailhead for this hike is located at the end of Trabuco Creek Rd. This is a bumpy ride on an unmaintained dirt road. So a 4×4 or a high clearance vehicle is recommended.
The first 2 miles on the West Horsethief Trail are mostly shaded and follow the creek.
View of Trabuco Canyon
After the first 2 miles you start to climb up the walls of Trabuco Canyon and the views begin to open up. This steep section is the toughest part of the hike. After 2 miles you reach the Main Divide Rd.
The Main Divide Rd. offers some great views into Riverside County. Lake Elsinore is pictured above also visible from the road are San Jacinto and the San Bernardino Mountains.
Los Pinos Ridge Trail
After 3 miles on the Rd you reach the Los Pinos Trail. This ridge line is one of my favorites in the range. The views from the ridge are amazing!
View from Los Pinos Peak
Once on the peak, enjoy the marvelous views an retrace your steps. Go back to the main divide/los pinos junction and make a left to take the Trabuco Canyon trail.
This shady downhill trail is my favorite! It’s a bit rocky but the views are so worth it!
Trabuco Canyon Trail
This Trai will take you back to West Horsethief trail. Then return the way you came. This lollipop loop is one of the best in So Cal!
Trail route:
West Horsethief to Main Divide, Main Divide to Los Pinos Trail, Los Pinos back down to Main Divide/Trabuco Canyon/ Los Pinos trail Junction, Take Trabuco Canyon trail back to West Horsethief and back to parking lot.
● 13 mile Lollipop Loop
● 4th highest peak in the range.
● Beautiful views
● Dog friendly trail
● approx 2,500 ft of gain
● High clearance vehicle recommended
CLICK BELOW FOR GOOGLE MAPS LINK TO PARKING AREA
West Horsethief/Trabuco Canyon Trailhead
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