Facility · California ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Cleveland National Forest (NF) · Open Access
Saddleback Mountain
Elevation Gain
4000 ft
Distance
15 Mile out and back
Pets Allowed
Yes, but caution is recommended
Fees
$5 for Adventure pass
Hike Time
8 hours
Difficulty
Difficult - Strenuous
Best Seasons
Spring, Fall, Winter
Ranger District
Trabuco Ranger District - (951) 736-1811
Saddleback Mountain, also known as Santiago Peak, is an intense 15 mile out and back trail with steep inclines and phenomenal city views, with enough challenges to push yourself to the limit. At almost 6,000 elevation, the peak is the highest point in Orange County, offering incredible views that span from Catalina Island to Orange and Riverside counties.
Mossy trailsTranquil streams
Although it is one of the more difficult trails in Orange County, this back country road also offer an almost rain-forest like environment with overgrown ferns and moss, large fig trees, and small running streams. Historical to early Orange County, this area still displays many remnants of the late 1800's when bee keeping and woodcutting was the main occupation of mountain dwellers
For a list of more trails to explore in your area, please see our Recreation Trail Guide
33.70783, -117.58215 · 33°42'28.2"N 117°34'55.8"W
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 3.4 | 4.0 | 2.4 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 3.3 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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