A: Sounds like the lower part is open but the upper might be closed.
You can also look at maple springs road and if you are up for a bit further drive Cleghorn taking the easy path.
–Josh Noesser (01/09/2021)
Trabuco Canyon - AKA Holy Jim Canyon
Trabuco Canyon, California (Orange County)
Last Updated:
05/13/2019
Information
Nearby Trails
| Status: | Partially Open |
| Typically Open: | Year Round |
| Difficulty: | 1-4
(EASY
- MODERATE)
|
| Length: | 5.5 miles |
| Highest Elevation: | 1650 feet |
| Duration: | About 1 hour |
| Shape of Trail: | Out & Back |
| Best Direction to Travel: | East |
| Nearest Town: | Trabuco Canyon |
| Nearest Town w/ Services: | Trabuco Canyon |
| Official Road Name: | Trabuco Canyon |
| Management Agency: | Cleveland National Forest |
| District: | Trabuco Ranger District |
Showing 0 trails within 2 miles
Highlights
Please note, a majority of the area has been closed due to the Holy Fire...
Holy Jim Canyon (AKA Trabuco Canyon Road) is among the most popular off-road trails in all of Southern California. With thousands of visitors a day, this is a great place to get out, have some fun, do a little socializing, and partake in people watching all at the same time. Less than 20 minutes from anywhere in Orange County California, there is no doubt why so many 4x4 enthusiasts can say they have driven this path into Orange County's unknown forest. While Holy Jim is a very mellow off-road trail, there are plenty of challenging options in the area from rock crawling, hill climbs, off-camber areas, a creek to play in, and lots of hiking that lead to some of the tallest waterfalls in the Southern California. If you are in the area, and are looking for a place that is suitable for every type and skill level of off-roader, then check out Holy Jim Canyon aka Trabuco Canyon.
Route Information
Advanced Rating System 
Recommended Vehicle:
2WD Vehicle with High Clearance
Concerns:
Summary:
The trail is a dirt road.
Technical Rating:
1-4
(EASY
- MODERATE)
Dirt and/or rocky road. Potential rocks and/or tree stumps less than 5" tall and/or vertical ledges less than 5" tall and/or near vertical ledges or waterfalls less than 6" inches. Good tire placement likely. Can be steep, but with good traction.
Read more about our rating system Description
The mild dirt road that any vehicle can do in good weather. 4WD may be required in wet weather. Plenty of side options are available for those looking to test their skills.
Near half the trail has been closed and will remain closed due to the holy fire. The likely opening of the trail will be no earlier than 2020.
A majority of the area has been blocked off after the Holy Fire
Waypoints
1. Trailhead (0 mi)
The trail begins right off the road in a dirt pull out. There is plenty of space if you want to air down for this area.
2. RC Airport (1 mi)
There is a private RC Airport along the road. This can make for many hours of entertainment as you watch people fly and crash there RC planes.
3. Possible Water Crossing (1.2 mi)
This old water crossing used to flow deep year around, but now it is mostly dry except for the few rare storms that pass through Southern California.
4. Small Trail Network To The South (1.6 mi)
Off to the south of the trail is a small group of short trails that loop out to the creek and back. People often use this area when bbq'ing for the day.
5. Trailhead - Trabuco Creek Road To The North (Closed) (1.9 mi)
This area has been closed...
This old trail was recently rediscovered once again. People are slowly pushing their way up this trail over the last couple of years. But due to the several washouts along the route, no one has completed the trail in a 4x4 in some time now. This trail once went up Saddleback to where Maple Springs aka Silverado Canyon and Main Divide Mid join.
This trail is much more difficult and should only be done by experienced drivers. Also, never attempt this trail if the conditions are wet or could become wet. There are several spots that can easily lead to a rollover.
6. Rocky Play Area (Closed) (2 mi)
This area has been closed...
This small area can easily be one the most popular spots on the trail for the off-road enthusiast. Many people find themselves hanging out here to either watch others play in the rocks, creek, or on the hill climbs or try it themselves.
7. Gate - Closed at this point. (2.9 mi)
This new gate was installed after a landslide blocked the upper part of the trail.
The trail is closed past this point.
8. Trailhead - Holy Jim Falls To The North (4.7 mi)
This trail heads north up Holy Jim Canyon / Falls. The trail you ride in on is actually Trabuco Canyon Road but has gotten its name from this very popular off chute of the trail. The trail used to lead all the way up the backside of Saddle Back but now is a hiking trail only.
9. Locked Gate (5.5 mi)
The end of the trail. This gate was put up in the early 90's and closed permanently after a small landside blocked the trail.
Directions to Trailhead
Trailhead Coordinates:
33.659165,
-117.585576
Starting Point: Trabuco, CA
Take Santiago Canyon to Cooks Corner and head east on Trabuco Canyon Road. Take Trabuco Canyon Road 4.6 miles till you cross over a small bridge. The trail is on your left immediately after the bridge.
Camping
Not allowed
There is a formal campground not far from the trail known as O'Neil Park. This is a great place to take the family and enjoy what is left of the remote Orange County.
The Ranger Districts offer remote camping, also known as “dispersed camping”, where camping outside of developed campgrounds is an option. Please note: wood or charcoal fires are never allowed outside of developed campgrounds or picnic sites on the Cleveland National Forest, but portable stoves or lanterns that use gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted unless elevated fire conditions prohibit their use in identified locations.
Trabuco - allowable only in the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness, permit required. (951-736-1811) or click here Trabuco Ranger District
For individual use only, not to be shared.