Upper San Juan Trail to Chiquito Basin - Chiquito Trail

Rating:

Hiked 4/19/09

Having explored a majority of the Cleveland National Forest Trails originating from the famous Ortega Oaks Candy Store parking lot, I decided to see what the other trailheads had to offer further up the Ortega Highway. Thus, this brought me to the Blue Jay Campground. Getting there is easy, only a few miles past the candy store, but I would soon learn the trails would not pose such an easy of a challenge.

Parking in the lot just south of the campground, the trailhead is easy to find. Just look beyond the park map sign, and you will see the path. You will soon be faced with the first of numerous unmarked forks on the trail. I learned by luck, or maybe intuition, to follow the more heavily traveled path that leads downhill. The first few miles take you steadily down the canyon (this is what makes it tough, think of the trip back).

There are many scenic views to take in early on, including mountain vistas, Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island (on clear days), south Orange County, and the canyon below. You pass through oak woodlands, coastal chapparel, and sage throughout the duration of this hike.

Canyon and mountain vistas


Pacific Ocean View


There is periodic shading throughout the trail. This was helpful, as the day we went the mercury easily passed 90 degrees.

Large Oaks Providing Shade


Eventually you will reach a lush meadow. known as the Chiquito Basin. The first explorer of the region named this area after their horse, Chiquito. There are also Indian morteros around, but I never came across any.

Lush Meadow


After a short distance in the meadow, you will round the bend and reach the intersection of the San Juan trail which takes you to Sugarloaf Peak, Viejo Tie Trail, and the start of Chiquito Trail. I chose to continue down the Chiquito trail for a short distance, then retrace my steps back to my car. Keep in mind, the farther you go down this trail, the more uphill climbing you will have on your way back. This may not be a big deal on a cool day, but when it is 90+ degrees, you will not want to over exert yourself.

All in all, this is a typical Cleveland National Forest trail. The only downside to this part of the forest is that mountain bikers are allowed, whereas the wilderness areas do not permit them. However, I only encountered a handful of bikers, and they were courteous.

Pros: Nice views, light traffic on the day I went, nice meadow

Cons: The way back is all up hill, some mountain bikers

The Essentials:

• Near: Lake Elsinore, CA
• Distance: 5.25 miles
• Time: Approx 3 hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,615 ft
• Trail type: Out and back
• Trail Condition: Well Maintained
• Uses: Hikers, Mountain Bikers
• Dogs Allowed? Yes
• Parking: Park south of Blue Jay Campground at parking lot on left, Adventure Pass required
• Other Notes, the road is paved leading up to the trailhead, but is a little bumpy

Google Maps: Getting to San Juan Trailhead

Trail Map

Santiago Truck Trail - "Vulture Crags Trail"

Hiked 4/25/09 | Rating

If you are looking for scenic mountain vistas or enjoying the springtime wildflowers, this hike is for you.



The Vulture Crags Trail (which follows Santiago Truck Trail) is a historic trek through the Santa Ana Mountains. The trail, which stops just short of a section called "old camp", is believed to be ancient Indian hunting grounds and an old miners camp. Also be on the lookout for the many fossils that can be found along the way.

But for me, I just like to take in the scenery. However, this trail also had several other little surprises in store for me. Approximately 1/2 mile in to the trail, you can branch off to the left and climb a hill. When you reach the top of the hill, you will find a white cross that someone went through the effort of placing there. Take it in, reflect, enjoy the view, and continue past the cross to connect back to the main trail. (You never get out of site of the main trail, it is just a slight diversion).
Continue on for another mile or so and you will encounter a gate that is blocking the trail. Not sure the purpose of this gate, but I know it is a result of the wildfires in 2007. There are signs warning you to stay on the trail, but you can pass the gate. (no toll, haha). There are still signs of the fire, but the area is recovering nicely. The second surprise came at the end of the trail. You will round a bend, and below you, is a flag pole with old glory waving in the wind. A nice photo opportunity, and great place to take in the view, and have a snack.



Also, don't forget to look back up the trail from where you came, there are the vulture crags. (Apparently vultures used to nest there many decades ago, but locals poisoned carcasses and shot them to irradicate them)



Pros: Mountain vistas, abundant wildflowers in the springtime, ocean view (on a clear day), well maintained trail

Cons: LOTS of mountain bikers, would be brutal in the summertime

The Essentials:

• Near: Modjeska, CA
  
• Distance: 7 miles
• Time: Approx 3.5 hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,350 ft
• Trail type: Out and back
• Trail Condition: Well Maintained
• Uses: Hikers, Mountain Bikers
• Dogs Allowed? Yes
• Parking: Park along the side of the road, no Adventure Pass or Fees required
  

Google Maps - Getting to Vulture Crags Trailhead

Trail Map: