California Trails

Trabuco Canyon - AKA Holy Jim Canyon

3.1/5 (31 reviews)

Trabuco Canyon, California (Orange County)

Last Updated: 05/17/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Desert

Mud

Rock

Sand

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.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

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Josh Noesser

Official Crew

Trail Navigation

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

1. Trailhead (0 mi)

Trabuco Canyon - AKA Holy Jim Canyon - Waypoint 1: Trailhead

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)

Trabuco Canyon - AKA Holy Jim Canyon - Waypoint 2: RC Airport

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)

Trabuco Canyon - AKA Holy Jim Canyon - Waypoint 3: Possible Water Crossing

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)

Trabuco Canyon - AKA Holy Jim Canyon - Waypoint 4: Small Trail Network To The South

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)

Trabuco Canyon - AKA Holy Jim Canyon - Waypoint 5: Trailhead - Trabuco Creek Road To The North (Closed)

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)

Trabuco Canyon - AKA Holy Jim Canyon - Waypoint 6: Rocky Play Area (Closed)

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)

Trabuco Canyon - AKA Holy Jim Canyon - Waypoint 7: Gate - Closed at this point.

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)

Trabuco Canyon - AKA Holy Jim Canyon - Waypoint 8: Trailhead - Holy Jim Falls To The North

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)

Trabuco Canyon - AKA Holy Jim Canyon - Waypoint 9: Locked Gate

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.

Trail Reviews

3.1/5 (31)

Josh Noesser

Official Crew

120550

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 05/17/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Rumors are the gate is open. See the post below.

Taylor Kempkes

Official Crew

14300

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 05/17/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

After quite a few years the gate at waypoint 7 is now open. At waypoint 8 the trail forks and both roads have signs posted saying no motorized vehicles. The trail is in very good condition but many of the offshoots are still blocked.

Josh Noesser

Official Crew

120550

Partially Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 04/13/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

The gate is still closed half way up the trail.

Todd

Official Crew

111450

Temporary Closure

Visited: 04/13/2023

This road is temporarily closed due to the moisture. You can read more about the closures here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/cleveland/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5340229&width=full

4Runnerwanted

100

Partially Open

Rated 1/5

Visited: 01/21/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

The trail was closed about 1.5 miles up the road, a local was telling us Santiago truck trail is open but closed due to wash out. Very little technical offshoots open, and the pot holes are endless. If you want to drive through the mud, it’s great, but that is all is has for off-roading. Great for stopping, walking around, and hanging by the water.

Trabuco Canyon - AKA Holy Jim Canyon

Trail Information

Highlights

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Recommended Vehicle:

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Summary:

Community Consensus

7 votes

7 votes

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Trail Navigation

1. Trailhead (0 mi)

2. RC Airport (1 mi)

3. Possible Water Crossing (1.2 mi)

4. Small Trail Network To The South (1.6 mi)

5. Trailhead - Trabuco Creek Road To The North (Closed) (1.9 mi)

6. Rocky Play Area (Closed) (2 mi)

7. Gate - Closed at this point. (2.9 mi)

8. Trailhead - Holy Jim Falls To The North (4.7 mi)

9. Locked Gate (5.5 mi)

Trail Reviews

From the Community

Josh Noesser

Trabuco Canyon - AKA Holy Jim Canyon

Trail Information

Highlights

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Recommended Vehicle:

Concerns:

Summary:

Community Consensus

7 votes

7 votes

0 votes

Mandatory

Optional

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Trail Navigation

1. Trailhead (0 mi)

2. RC Airport (1 mi)

3. Possible Water Crossing (1.2 mi)

4. Small Trail Network To The South (1.6 mi)

5. Trailhead - Trabuco Creek Road To The North (Closed) (1.9 mi)

6. Rocky Play Area (Closed) (2 mi)

7. Gate - Closed at this point. (2.9 mi)

8. Trailhead - Holy Jim Falls To The North (4.7 mi)

9. Locked Gate (5.5 mi)

Trail Reviews

From the Community

Josh Noesser

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