The Modjeska Peak hike is challenging - long, steep, and sometimes primitive. The hike climbs to the second highest point in Orange County, Modjeska Peak. Modjeska Peak, at 5,499 feet, is the lower peak in Saddleback Mountain. The highest peak (and other peak in Saddleback Mountain) is Santiago Peak. The actual summit is undeveloped and much nicer than nearby Santiago Peak. This is a challenging hike. Don't try this hike without a good level of fitness.
The Modjeska Peak hike is challenging - long, steep, and sometimes primitive. The hike climbs to the second highest point in Orange County, Modjeska Peak. Modjeska Peak, at 5,499 feet, is the lower peak in Saddleback Mountain. The highest peak (and other peak in Saddleback Mountain) is Santiago Peak. The actual summit is undeveloped and much nicer than nearby Santiago Peak. This is a challenging hike. Don't try this hike without a good level of fitness.
Oh, and Modjeska Peak was named after the famous Shakespearian actor, Helena Modjeska. She emigrated from Poland, won acclaim in the USA, and eventually passed in Newport Beach in 1909.
There are some small parking areas along the side of the road here. It's not a popular trailhead, and I've never seen it full. There's a concrete barrier to get to the trail now, just cross over it after you park.
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.
Gear for the Hike
This is a long, tough, backcountry hike. You should bring at least 3L of water, more if it's hot out. This hike has shady sections but can get very hot in the summer. I would also bring insect repellant, bugs can be intense in the summer months.
If you want to camp, there's a fire pit on the summit of Modjeska Peak, a nice clearing, and great views. It's obvious that people have done some backcountry camping here.
Gear That I Love Right Now
Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.
If you miss that last turn, you're heading to Santiago Peak. Not that it's a bad thing. And if you want to bag both peaks of Saddleback Mountain in one day, you go straight here, bag Santiago, and then come back.