santiago peak

[gsrious]

any calgunners interested in driving up to santiago peak this sunday with me?

I've never been up there. I've been serching trails in socal, and this is a must for its rewarding views.

[desertrider]

Wasn't Santiago Peak affected by the recent wildfire?

I'm planning on starting to do some beginner level hiking this Fall. Have fun if you go.

[esp1]

I've done this drive. What kind of vehicle are you going to take. It will matter.

Yes the view is spectacular.

[jarhead714]

I don't think people have been able to drive up there for a really long time. Your Chevro-legs will get you there though.

[esp1]

I was up there about 3 years ago. . so no idea if still open road or not. You can get up there from Ortega, from the north of elsinore area, or from OC off of santiago canyon road. A regular car won't make it. You'll need something like a truck, SUV, that has higher clearance. 2WD ok. 4WD better.

[keep_ur_powder_dry]

North approach from corona is closed (thanks .guv),the south approach off Ortega hwy onto north main divide should be open with pending hunting season, chunky soft ball sized rocks/minor ruts but not real tuff...9"clearance gtg...on clear days you can see catalina

[geeknow]

I was up there about 8 months ago. Entered through Silverado cyn. My buddy and I used to run those roads on enduros a few years back. Typically entered through silverado, up to the peak, and back out through Temecula, where it emptied into a neighborhood near the Temescal Cyn exit off 15. At the peak, there is an intersection of trails. One goes to silverado, one to temecula, one to corona (which was always closed off), one to blue Jay campground, and another leads towards Ortega hwy, I think.

[geeknow]

A heads up, the route from silverado to the peak is easy, only a bit rocky in patches. From the peak to Ortega is really rocky in sections. Like another poster said, 9" clearance, and you should be gtg. My buddy had a lifted f150 2wd, no problem. I have a 4wd tundra, and it was an easy drive.

[esp1]

We did it in our mini van. We had just gotten a new mini van so we used the old one. It trashed the suspension and I wouldn't do i again in that van again. A regular car will be tough to make it. Truck ok as long as its not too low.