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Saddleback Mountain Hike Featured
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Hikes In and Around Orange County

Saddleback Mountain Hike (Santiago Peak)

  • 15.8 miles - Hard Effort
  • 7-10 Hours (Total)
  • Not Often Hiked
  • 4,200 Total Feet of Climbing
  • Max Elevation of 5,689 feet
  • Leashed Dogs Allowed

Hiking Saddleback Mountain takes you to the highest point in Orange County, Santiago Peak. It's also the highest point in the Santa Ana mountains at 5,689 feet. This hike takes the scenic Holy Jim Trail, the shortest route to the summit. Still, this is a long and challenging hike. Don't try this hike without a good level of fitness.

In this Guide:
  • Turn by Turn Hike Directions & Video
  • Saddleback Mountain Trail Maps
  • How to Get to the Saddleback Mountain Hike

How to Get to the Saddleback Mountain Hike

Saddleback Mountain Hike Map
The trailhead is about 30-45 minutes from most populated spots in Orange County, CA.

Use this address to get to the trailhead: Holy Jim Trailhead, Holy Jim Canyon Rd, Corona, CA 92883

Saddleback Mountain Hike Drive
The last few miles to the trailhead follow Trabuco Creek Road, which is paved in spots but otherwise dirt. The road has potholes, rutting, and some light stream crossings. That said, I've seen low-clearance vehicles many times at the trailhead, so it is doable with a car, but you'll have to pick your way through the rough patches.

You need a parking pass for the Cleveland National Forest. I use the affordable National Parks Pass, which gets me in every national park, national monument, and national forest. You can also use an (Southern California only) Adventure Pass, or buy a $5 day permit from the ranger's office.

Saddleback Mountain Hike Directions 1
The parking area is massive and you shouldn't have to worry about a spot. The trail board is at the eastern side.

Gear for the Hike

Santiago Peak is a proper backcountry hike, and you should be prepared with emergency gear and, ideally, a satellite SOS device. Trekking poles are helpful on the slopes. When it's warmer out, the temperatures can soar here in Cleveland National Forest, so ideally, pick a time in the winter to do the hike. I find 3L of water is enough, but when it's hot out, you'll want to cache more on the way up. Insect repellant helps keep the bugs away. There is usually a decent amount here when it's warmer out. The upper parts of the hike rarely get snow, but it can happen.

There is an unreliable water source at the end of the Lower Holy Jim Trail at Bear Springs. Expect some water in the spring and early summer, but otherwise, it's usually dry.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.


Gear Inreach Mini 2
Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can see my review here.
Gear Hoka Speedgoat 5
HOKA Speedgoat 5These are a great balance of comfort and performance. The high stack height leaves my feet feeling great after a hike.

Check out the complete list here.

Saddleback Mountain Trail Maps

There are mountain bikers on all these trails, so keep your eye out and give them the right of way, especially on the narrow sections of the Holy Jim Trail.

Click Here To View

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

Saddleback Mountain Hike
Santiago Peak is the highest point in Orange County, so plan on going uphill. There are a few sections to catch your breath. The first half of the hike is gentler than the second half.

Saddleback Mountain is actually two peaks, Santiago Peak and the lower Modjeska Peak. Saddleback Mountain can be seen from most of Orange County and dominates the skyline. It's called Saddleback Mountain because the two peaks look like a saddle from most of Orange County. This hike goes to the higher Santiago Peak, but you can also hike to the lower Modjeska Peak.

Saddleback Mountain Hike Directions

Saddleback Mountain Hike Directions 2
Start the hike by going up the dirt road behind the trail board.
Saddleback Mountain Hike Directions 3
Hike up the road for about a half a mile, through an area of private cabins.
Saddleback Mountain Hike Directions 4
At the end of the cabins you'll see the official trailhead. Go through the gate and hike up along Holy Jim Creek.
Saddleback Mountain Hike Directions 5
When you get to the junction for the spur trail to Holy Jim Falls, make the left uphill toward Main Divide Road.
Saddleback Mountain Hike Directions 6
Start the climb. From here on up it's pretty much uphill.
Saddleback Mountain Hike Directions 7
Over the next few miles you'll navigate switchbacks along the climb.
Saddleback Mountain Hike Directions 8
When you reach Main Divide Road, make the right onto it.
Saddleback Mountain Hike Directions 9
Walk up Main Divide Road for about a half a mile.
Saddleback Mountain Hike Directions 10
After about 0.5 mile you'll reach a saddle. Look for a small overgrown trail back and to your left. Sometimes there's a cairn marking the location. It helps to have electronic navigation here.
Saddleback Mountain Hike Directions 12
Follow the smaller Upper Holy Jim Trail uphill along the switchbacks for about a mile.
Saddleback Mountain Hike Directions 13
When you reach the wide flat area, it's Main Divide Road again. Make the right and the quick left to continue toward the summit of Santiago Peak.
Saddleback Mountain Hike Directions 14
You'll follow Main Divide Road for about a mile toward the summit.
Saddleback Mountain Hike Directions 15
Go through the gate at the summit area.
path to summit on saddleback
So the summit can get a bit tricky. There are a lot of roads and tower areas. This satellite map shows you the path to the summit marker.
path to summit on saddleback
At the other side of the summit you'll see this little building. Continue around the side of it for the actual summit.
Saddleback Mountain Hike Directions 16
Look for a small dirt trail to the actual summit.
Saddleback Mountain Hike Directions 18
In addition to the views, there's a survey marker.
Saddleback Mountain Hike Directions 17
That's it! From here just go back the way you came.

For an easier descent, skip the Upper Holy Jim Trail and just continue down Main Divide Road until you reach the intersection of Lower Holy Jim Trail.

Need More Info?

  • Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
  • When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.