Santiago Peak is a 17.2 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Lake Elsinore, California and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and ohv/off road driving and is best used from November until March. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
January 3, 2021The trail is closed.
December 20, 2020This is a review to the peak via Joplin. Unfortunately via Holy Jim is still closed. This is my 2nd time bagging this peak in 4 months. First time I hit up Modjeska Peak first then shot over to Santiago. Unless you want to say you bagged two peaks in one day, I would skip Modjeska (no sign at the top of that one btw). This route is NOT easy. Most of ascent is up hill. Coming down was miserable - horrible trail conditions it's obviously not maintained because it's not accessed much this way. Once you hit the fire road there is a side trail you can take up to Santiago so you don't have to be in the sun on the fire road to the top. We ended up coming down the fire road which was nice change. Bring plenty of water and snacks and be prepared for a very long day. Now that I have bagged Mount Whitney & this peak twice, I have a whole new respect for this hike & this would be GREAT training for Whitney. Parking is along the dirt road. You do not need a 4-wheel drive or high clearance vehicle the road is not that bad just take it slow. Not sure if you're even supposed to park where we did, but I've parked there twice and had no issues - I did put my Adventure Pass in my window just in case.
November 21, 2020August 8, 2020Gate at Santiago peak was closed.
January 20, 2019It was open as of 01/17/18. 4 stars because it was cloudy. Trail was phenomenal I hope to 5 star it when I come back with family.
October 20, 2018Trail Closed.
October 4, 2018Rand Closed. Permit only
May 28, 2018I wanted to take the kids "off- roading." It was a fun, easy trip in my Land Cruiser! Not too technical but you will get brush tattoos in some of the narrow spots!
March 21, 2018Trail is currently closed
January 27, 2018Nice trail some real rocky areas don't try this trail without four wheel drive.
January 19, 2018Good off road Trail. The view from the peak is good on a clear day. Some hikers every now and then but mostly desolate. Needed 4wheel drive on the steep uphills because of traction but that was the only places.
November 28, 2016Killer views in all directions, a bit rocky coming up to the top, with a cliff on the side but other then that awesome trail
November 21, 2016Silverado C1500 285 Kumho Road Ventures It was a nice trail. It was mostly just a poorly maintained road and the affore mentioned Civic could handle most of it... most not all. There were a couple inclines that were rain damaged and deep holes from previous attempts. Not many though. I will need to go back because the advise to go on a very clear morning is very good advise.
August 2, 2016Not the trail for you If you're afraid of your vehicle getting scratches. I have encountered 3-4 spots that were badly washed out along the way but nothing a 4x4 Tacoma can't handle. Happy off roading!
March 4, 2016I did this one a few months ago. The landscape is not all that exciting, and I'm not a big fan of runs/hikes on trails that feature man-made structures such as radio towers at the top.
October 7, 2015Had a good time. Went the morning it rained so found a little mud after checking out the radio towers. Easy course but always fun when you can find some mud to play in
July 20, 2015A drive up for the most part but lots of views from the radio infested location.
May 29, 2015I started at Indian truck trail entry point to my ascent up to the peak. It's a fun trail. Not difficult at all. The towers are cool to visit and the view is spectacular.
September 9, 2012
First to ReviewPretty good driving trail. Great scenic view of the surrounding mountains. Camped over the weekend at Blue Jay Campground near the trail.
November 11, 2020September 1, 2018November 29, 2017August 23, 2017January 4, 2017July 23, 2016September 30, 2014
