Hike Santiago Peak & Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs

In This Guide	Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions From Maple Springs Parking & Road Conditions for Maple Springs Tips & Recommendations for the Hike
Total Distance (?)	16 miles (25.8 km)
Other Options	8 miles from dirt parking lot
Hike Time	7-9 Hours (Total)
Difficulty (?)	Hard
Total Ascent (?)	3,500 feet (1067m)
Highest Elevation	5,689 feet (1734m)
Fees & Permits	Free
Dogs Allowed	Leashed
Alerts & Closures (?)	Cleveland National Forest
Park Phone	951-736-1811
Weather & Forecast	Latest Conditions
Stay Safe	Copy this webpage link to the clipobard and share with a friend before you hike. Let them know when to expect you back.
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If you want to bag both peaks of Saddleback Mountain, Modjeska and Santiago, the route from Maple Springs is a great option. In this guide I’ll show you how to park at the end of the paved road and then hike through the heart of the Santa Anas to the summits. The first few miles of the hike are on a dirt road, but then we’ll switch onto rugged singletrack. There’s a lot of confusion around hiking this route, and this guide should clear it all up and make it easy.

Where is Maple Springs Trailhead?

If you’ve looked at other guides, there are usually multiple starting points listed for Maple Springs or Silverado Canyon. I’m going to start this guide at the spot you can safely get to with a low-clearance 2WD vehicle in all conditions. You drive to the end of the paved road and then start hiking.

Start by driving to the Maple Springs Trailhead / Visitor Center in Silverado. Use this address in your driving GPS:
Maple Springs Visitor Center, 31332 Silverado Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 3 — When you get to the trailhead, drive through the white gate. If the weather is bad or there is a high fire risk, this gate can be closed. Check the park website before you go. Most of the time it’s open.

The point we’re ultimately going to is where the pavement ends, which can be found here: 33.745171, -117.544064.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 1 — Once you drive past the gate at Maple Springs, the road becomes narrower and has sections with dips and potholes. You might have to go slow at points and avoid potholes, but it is all paved.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 4 — When you get to the hairpin turn at the end of the pavement, park on the left by the boulder. There’s space for about 3 cars. This isn’t a popular hike, and you should be fine parking here, but if not, there are several wide sections of road before this on the paved section where you can park.

If you have a high(er) clearance vehicle and want to cut some mileage off the hike, you can drive about 4.5 miles past this point to a large parking area (informally) known as Four Corners. The condition of the road varies over time. I believe fire crews keep the road passable; otherwise, it’s not graded or maintained. I’ve seen Subarus do the road, and I’m sure other 2WD have tackled it as well. But if you want to play it safe, park at the end of the pavement.

Gear For the Hike

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 2 — Bugs can be intense when it’s warmer. The silly bug head net will preserve your sanity.

This long hike is mainly exposed and offers no water along the way. Bring at least 3L of water.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Santa Ana’s, they can get very hot, sometimes into the 100Fs. The hike is best done when temps are cooler.
The singletrack portions of this hike can be slightly overgrown. Having long pants and sleeves can save you from some abrasion.

FYI ➤ Huge REI July 4th Sale On Now

Garmin InReach Mini 2
I’m a firm believer in carrying a satellite communications device which works where cell phones don’t. I use a Garmin InReach which lets me send text messages back and forth to my family to let them know that I’m okay or if my plans change when I’m out in the backcountry. It also has an SOS subscription built-in so that you can reach first-responders in an emergency. The devices also offer weather reports, GPS, and navigation functionality (what’s the difference between a GPS and satellite communicator?). For a few hundred bucks they could save your life, so for me it’s a no brainer to have something like a Garmin InReach. If you use a smartphone to navigate and want a more affordable option that integrates with your phone easily, check out the ZOLEO.
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Latest Prices: Amazon | REI

Altra Lone Peak 6
For most people, the Altra Lone Peak is a solid choice that will leave your feet feeling great at the end of any hike. The feel is cushy and light, and if it had a car equivalent, this would be a Cadillac or Mercedes Sedan. The grip is great and they’re reasonably durable for this type of trail runner, which I think is better in most conditions than a hiking boot, and here’s why. The downside of this shoe is that it won’t last as long as something like the Terraventure 3 or Moab 2 (see alternate footwear choices at the bottom of my gear page). I’ve been using mine for many miles and my feet always feel great. I have a video on the details of the Altra Lone Peak 6 here.
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Women’s Latest Prices: REI | Amazon
Men’s Latest Prices: REI | Amazon

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles
I’ve gone back and forth on trekking poles, but I think for most people they are a good investment. They help you dig in on the uphills, provide stability on loose downhills, act as a brace when crossing streams, and can probably poke away aggressive wildlife in a pinch. The Trail Ergo Cork poles are a good balance of light weight, durability, affordability, and ease of use. If you want something ultralight and a little more pricey, I’ve had great luck with the Black Diamond Z Poles too.
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Trail Ergo Poles: REI | Amazon
Z-Poles: REI | Amazon

Gregory Zulu 30 & Jade 28
After testing quite a few backpacks, the Gregory Zulu 30 (and Jade 28 for women) is, for most hikers, the best all-season day-pack. First off, it’s very comfortable, and the mesh “trampoline” back keeps your back dry. Its 30L capacity is enough for all the essentials and plenty of layers for winter hiking. External pockets make it easy to grab gear. It’s hard to find something wrong with the pack; if anything, it could be a bit lighter, but overall, it’s not heavy. And its price-point makes it not only affordable but generally a great value.
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Women’s Latest Prices: REI | Amazon
Men’s Latest Prices: REI | Amazon

Here’s my complete gear list that I personally use, have tested, and recommend, updated June 2022.

My June 2022 Top Gear Picks

No company pays me to promote or push a product, all the gear you see here is gear I use and recommend. If you click an a link and buy gear, I get a small commission that helps keep the website ad and promotion free. There is no cost to you.

Maple Springs to Saddleback Trail Maps

Explore Map on CalTopo View a Printable PDF Hike Map Download the Hike GPX File

If you try to download the GPX file and your browser adds a “.txt” or “.xml” extension to it, simply rename it as a “.gpx” file.

How Are You Going to Navigate This Hike?
Here’s what I use. If you are a hardcore hiker and/or hike in extreme conditions, I recommend getting a dedicated GPS like a GPSMAP 66sr or 66i, or a wrist-based GPS with maps like the Garmin Fenix 7 or Epix. If you only hike in fair weather and a touchscreen is fine, or just want a solid tool, I highly recommend downloading the smartphone app, Gaia GPS. It’s a piece of cake to use and very powerful, just make sure your phone is in airplane mode so the battery doesn’t drain. You can also check for wildfires, weather, snow, and choose from dozens of map types with a premium membership (HikingGuy readers get a big discount here). Note that I also carry a paper map with me in case the phone dies or gets smashed.

To access this guide when out of cell phone range on the trail, simply save the webpage on your phone ( iPhone – Android ).

Elevation Profile

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Elevation — Here’s the one-way elevation profile. It’s pretty much uphill to Modjeska, down to the saddle, and back up. On the return, you can skip the ascent to Modjeska.

3D Map

Maple Springs to Saddleback Hike Directions

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Video Directions

Turn by Turn Directions

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 5 — Start hiking up the dirt Maple Springs Road from the parking area.

You will be sharing the road with vehicles. Usually I’ll see a few 4×4 and motocross bikes. Sometimes more, sometimes none. You’ll generally hear them coming before they reach you. Do the smart thing and move to the side to let them pass.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 6 — Off to the left you’ll see the hills and approach to Bedford Peak.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 7 — If you look at some maps, you’ll see a hiking trail going straight up from here, intersecting Maple Springs Road in a few places. I wish it was in better shape, but it’s very overgrown in some spots, and brought my pace down to a crawl. I found it easier to hike up the road.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 8 — As you climb Modjeska Peak looms in front of you.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 9 — You’ll climb through some nice pines along the way, passing the lush areas of Bigcone Springs and Maple Springs (toward the top).

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 10 — The high peaks of Angeles National Forest come into view as you climb.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 11 — You’ll pass another portion of the cutoff trail as you wind up on Maple Springs Road. The upper section of the singletrack here is easier than the lower section, but again, I find it easier to just stay on the road.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 12 — Soon the foot of Modjeska comes into view and you’re approaching the end of Maple Springs.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 13 — Keep straight, avoiding the small spur to the right.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 14 — As you approach the saddle you’ll see San Jacinto in the distance.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 15 — This is the area known as Four Corners. Hopefully when you arrive, there won’t be 4x4s doing donuts here. Go straight through and make the right onto Main Divide Road.

If you choose to drive up Maple Springs Road on the dirt road, the parking is here on the right.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 16 — As you leave Four Corners you pass the gate for Maple Springs Road, which you just hiked up.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 17 — When you make the right you’ll see a signpost for Main Divide Road.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 18 — Just after the gate in the last photo, look for a steep singletrack off to the left.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 19 — Now you’re on decent singletrack. It’s usually a little overgrown. Having long pants helps. But otherwise it’s not too bad.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 20 — Views open up to the west as you hike above Main Divide Road.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 22 — Keep hiking uphill. This stretch is probably the steepest on the hike as it goes through a burn area from the 2018 Holy Fire.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 23 — There are some spots where the trail goes into shaded areas covered by oak.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 24 — When the trail spits out onto the Modjeska Peak access road, make the left.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 25 — Go straight up the road toward the peak. Notice the singletrack trail on the right, which is where we’ll continue after bagging the peak.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 26 — If you are a masochist, go up the steep part. Otherwise take the scenic route to the left.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 27 — This little section of trail is one of my favorites on the hike. It’s mellow with nice views.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 28 — As you twist around you’ll see Santiago Peak in front of you. That’s our next stop. Otherwise continue right toward the Modjeska Peak summit.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 29 — Here we are at the summit of Modjeska Peak!

This peak is named after Helena Modjeska, who lived in Santiago Canyon. Previously it was known as the “North Peak” of “Old Saddleback.”

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 30 — There’s sometimes a summit register or sign, but no USGS survey marker.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 31 — Soak it in and then head back the way you came to hit the next peak, Santiago.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 32 — When you get back to the junction where you came out to the access road, make the left onto the singletrack that I mentioned earlier.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 33 — Head down the singletrack toward Saddleback Saddle.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 34 — When you reach the saddle, hop onto Main Divide Road for a hot second.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 35 — And then bear left once over the saddle to start another singletrack section.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 36 — Go through the gate at the start.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 37 — And start climbing up the singletrack toward Santiago Peak.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 38 — You’ll pass the wreckage of a 4×4. I believe this is the truck that rolled off the road to the peak in 1988, killing 2 people.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 39 — The trail ends at the road. Go through the gate and bear right.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 40 — Hike the short distance up Main Divide Road.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 41 — Hike through the gate,

What’s up with all the towers up here? The first one went up in 1946, and today there are 20. Over the years the antennas have served different uses, from private industry to Air Force communications. Today most serve as cellular data links between Southern California. Private users pay leasing fees to the US Forest Service to use this land.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 42 — You’ll pass a sign with some mileages on it. My favorite way to hike Santiago Peak is via Holy Jim.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 43 — When you get to the mess of antenna, bear right.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 44 — And then take the next right, following the main trail up.

Hike Santiago Peak Modjeska Peak From Maple Springs Directions 45 — Look for this building, the top-most one, as you climb. The summit is behind it.

Does the last photo’s building look a little like a fire tower structure? The first fire tower on Santiago Peak was built in 1914, and the structure in front of you was the last iteration of a tower, built in 1951. Since then the fire tower watch area has been replaced with radio antennas, but the structure dates to that 1951 tower.