Maple Spring Road - Silverado Canyon - 5S04

Orange, California (Orange County)

Last Updated: 05/27/2019
4.7 /5 ( 21 reviews )
Information
Nearby Trails
Status: Open
Typically Open: Year Round
Difficulty: 1-3
(EASY - MODERATE)
Length: 6.7 miles
Highest Elevation: 4850 feet
Duration: About 1 hour
Shape of Trail: Connector
Best Direction to Travel: East
Nearest Town: Orange
Nearest Town w/ Services: Orange
Official Road Name: 5S04
Management Agency: Cleveland National Forest
District: Trabucco District
Distance:
Showing 0 trails within 2 miles

Highlights

Highlight: Maple Spring Road - Silverado Canyon - 5S04
Maple Springs Road is the backdoor to Saddleback Mountain from Mid Orange County. One of Orange County's few trails, this is a popular overland route for people to take when wanting to get out of the house and stay local. Others say the reason they enjoy this road is that it leads to the best view of Orange County. If you are fortunate to have a few hours around sunset, the view from the top of Saddleback Mountain has been known to create some of the best views / photographs of the sunset as it sets over Catalina Island / Pacific Ocean with Orange County in the foreground.

Video

Weather

7 day forecast for Maple Spring Road - Silverado Canyon - 5S04

Route Information

Advanced Rating System

ALL-ACCESS
Recommended Vehicle:
2WD Vehicle with High Clearance
Concerns:
Summary:
Compressed dirt road.

Technical Rating: 1-3
(EASY - MODERATE)

Typically, more rock or undulated road surface. Potential rocks and/or tree stumps less than 12" tall and/or vertical ledges less than 12" tall and/or near vertical ledges or waterfalls less than 24" inches. Tire placement becomes more difficult. Can be steep.
Read more about our rating system

Description

Maple Springs Road begins where Silverado Canyon Road ends, hence the name Silverado Canyon Trail. While traveling this overland route, you will find it to be mostly a dirt road with a couple of water crossings, an ample amount of shade, and an abundance of views. Even though the trail is mostly a dirt road, there are several very tight hairpin corners that could potentially be an issue if traveling at a high rate of speed. For a number of reasons, including weather, this trail closes often and without warning. Please read below for the number to call to determine if the Forest Service has the gate locked or not. Please check with Cleveland National Forest for trail open or closed status. This trail closes for many reasons throughout the year. Click Here For Current Trail Closures Trabuco Ranger District - (951) 736-1811

Waypoints

1. Silverado Gate (0.00 mi)
The gate at the bottom of the trail is a popular spot to airdown if you plan on doing it.
2. Trail Turns To Dirt (2.70 mi)
The trail transistions to dirt at this point. This area is known for its lady bug migration and tarantula run.
3. Play Spot (Closed) (5.70 mi)
*** This area has been closed by the forest service*** The mountain range has a few play spots for those people that want a little bit more out of the trail. This used to be a challenging alternate route along the trail.
4. Play Area (6.50 mi)
The mountain range has a few play spots for those people that want a little bit more out of the trail. This is the play area along the trail.
5. Maple Springs Connects to Main Divide (6.70 mi)
Maple Springs Road connects with Main Divide Road. If you go right, it takes you up to the top of Saddleback. If you go left, it takes you to Bedford Road and Corona. For more information on Main Divide Trail Click Here

Directions to Trailhead

Trailhead Coordinates: 33.747562, -117.583159

Starting Point: Silverado Canyon, CA

Take Silverado Canyon Road east all the way to the end.

Camping

Dispersed
You can camp along the trail in this area, but there is only a couple of spots near the bottom that are large enough to camp. But due to the large amount of traffic on this trail, most people choose to either camp at Santiago Peak or not camp at all. All three 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. Descanso - permit required for areas outside of the Laguna Recreation Area.(619-445-6235) or click here Descanso Ranger District Palomar - no permit required, contact District Office for desirable locations.(760-788-0250) or click here Palomar Ranger District Trabuco - allowable only in the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness, permit required. (951-736-1811) or click here Trabuco Ranger District
Camping: Maple Spring Road - Silverado Canyon - 5S04

Land Use Issues

Please check with Cleveland National Forest for trail conditions. This trail closes for many reasons throughout the year. Click Here For Current Trail Closures Trabuco Ranger District - (951) 736-1811

Trail Reviews (32)

Author:
Anthony J
Status: Temporary Closure
Offroaded on:
Closed due to last week rain.😔 Ranger(gate keeper) said it was muddy.
Author:
Greg Raith
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
This the closest open trail for OC folks. Nice and easy, so you can take the whole family, with a couple fun spots at the top and several miles past the left gate to play with your rig. Today we took it to Bedford Trail, which drops you into Corona. We stopped at Tom's Farm there for lunch and a train ride with the kids. It can get very busy with rigs, dirt bikes, mountain bikers, and hikers. Stay alert.
Author:
Taylor Mason
Status: Partially Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Awesome beginner trail, it's got great spots to get used to tire placement and inclines while still being easily manageable. Mistakes can happen here but mistakes won't completely wreck your rig. Also has several other trails that meet at the peak.
Author:
VICTOR BELTRAN
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
super fun trail, first time going up there and had a blast. some steep areas but still do able with 2wd i believe. really cool views. pretty narrow trail so just be on the look out for on coming vehicles. highly recommend. [url=https://postimg.cc/NKSFZbnK][img]https://i.postimg.cc/NKSFZbnK/mapletrail.jpg[/img][/url]
Author:
Vlad Mott
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Trail is open. 2 Weeks after getting regraded, it is already starting to deteriorate! Saw a few low-clearance passenger cars on the route but the drivers and passengers looked pretty unhappy. N. Main is open to Bedford. Really enjoyed the magnificent views.
Author:
Richard Velasquez
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Gate was finally open after trying a few times. Drove up with the family just for a day drive and the trail made the drive that much better. The kids enjoy being out on the trails so when we were finally able to hit this one, we were all excited to check it out. Especially with this being in our backyard, I’d say we’ll be up here a lot more if the gates remain open. As mentioned above, the trail is very easy and mellow for a leisure drive. Even saw a minivan coming down on our way up so that should tell you something haha overall I think this is a great “beginners” trail for this wanting to get their boots in the dirt. Highly recommended.
Author:
Jared
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Open today. Freshly graded dirt roads all the way to the top gate. Fun drive great views.
Author:
George Karpouzis
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Maple Springs was recently graded to the point that a camry can easily make it up the mountain. Wont stay like this very long!
Author:
Evan Staeck
Status: Temporary Closure
Offroaded on:
Went out this morning, but it was closed. Seems like the trail actually being open is very hit or miss. Hopefully it was just because it had rained the day before, even though it was a light rain.
Author:
robert
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
As stated below, it is open, but they are doing a lot of work up there. Reason it was closed so long is because they were fixing potholes and grading the road as well as clearing it from the last series of storms. There are a lot of pallets and things up on Main Divide so be aware, and many of the fences have been put back after being ripped out from the fire. Stay on the trail, don't tear down any of the new fences, otherwise the FS may decide it's not worth it and close it again. Don't be that guy that ruins it for everyone!
Author:
Matt Parker
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
TRAIL IS OPEN!! Went up Maple Springs today to North Main with a couple others. Found that North Main is open over to Bedford Rd, so we were able to go up and over. Finally, trails open in Cleveland NF! They are working on putting back many of the guard rails to the closed areas that were ripped out by the dozers and other fire rigs during the fires, so beware of the work areas along North Main Divide. Lots of stacked rails and pallets of concrete.
Author:
Connor Seaman
Status: Temporary Closure
Offroaded on:
Drove out today based upon the review from yesterday saying the Ranger had reported it was open but the gate was still locked.
Author:
Derek Sikes
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Spoke with a Ranger today out at Trabuco Canyon. The trail is “officially” open but the gate has been closed due to the amount of rain. It should be open as of now but I haven’t been up there to see if the gate has been physically opened... he was not aware if another ranger has gotten to it yet.
Author:
Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Status: Temporary Closure
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Maple Springs Road (5S04) Trabuco/Orange County Closed Subject to closure based on wet weather or fire danger. Come on Mr. Ranger, please reopen the trail. It has been over a week since the last rain. I so want to enjoy the green trail.
Author:
Tomas Gomez
Status: Temporary Closure
Offroaded on:
trail was closed yesterday when i went.
Author:
Richard Velasquez
Status: Temporary Closure
Offroaded on:
Still closed. Anyone know why?
Author:
Waldo Alfaro
Status: Temporary Closure
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Still closed. It’s so green!
Author:
remi
Status: Temporary Closure
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Still closed on the 02/25/2019 nice walk though
Author:
Jared
Status: Temporary Closure
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Rangers had the gate closed as of today. Tried to go through because of a previous review from yesterday, but the gate was definitely closed.
Author:
Evan Archer
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
OPEN OPEN OPEN! As of today the trail is indeed open. The govt is up and running so it could become closed but ill be going up again on the 8th and ill give an update. The trail was busy and in decent condition despite the rain.
Author:
robert
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Maple Springs was indeed open today (despite it raining for 5 days straight, but you know, govt shutdown= no money to shut the gate.) Road is extremely torn up, creek was ripping, it was flooded across the crossings on the paved portion, but we made it through. Lots of long, deep, off camber ruts, some large boulders that have fallen recently, and many areas that the hills are 'sketchy' looking at best. I think this next major rainstorm forecasted for tomorrow might do it in until the FS can clear the road. Lots of mud puddles up on Main Divide too. Overall it was fun, nice to see it a little more torn up than just the smoothly graded road it has been lately. Top end of Main Divide is closed at Santiago Peak gate, west MD is open to Bedford and beyond.
Author:
Mike Hernishin
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
So awesome... amazing views and the drive was super fun... still a couple of play areas open just have to keep your eyes out.... took this up then headed across main divide to corona... will be back for sure
Author:
Taylor Kempkes
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
My wife and I drove Maple Springs this evening just before sunset. It's a great drive, as always, with views of the OC and IE as well as Catalina Island off in the distance. The trail must have been graded recently because it was WAY smoother than it was just a month or two ago making for a quicker than usual trip to the summit.
Author:
Robert
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
The south entrance to Main Divide at the top of Maple Springs was still closed. Several dual sport bikes on the trail. Very very dusty.
Author:
Robert
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
The Forest Service reported Maple Springs would be open on the 15th after being closed due to the Holy Fire. It was indeed open today. Our goal was to view the damage from the Holy Fire when reaching Main Divide road. Very dusty and with its share of users including mountain bikes, dual sport motorcycles, bow hunters and an occasional Jeep.
Author:
Robert
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
With the heat and fires I was wondering it they would close Maple Springs but the Forestry notice showed it was open. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/cleveland/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5340229. And indeed it was open. Not a sole on the trail which made it especially nice.
Author:
Robert
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Open obviously and started at the end of Silverado. The lower section follows the creek and was heavily oak tree'd, for a nice cool morning ride starting at 9am on a beautiful day. A thursday so hoping for light traffic. Pulled over for a couple mountain bikes going in both directions. Very dry and rocky so glad I aired down. At Play Spot 3 saw a couple apparitions in my dusty cloud and pulled over for a couple dual sport bikes who blew by in a scary race up the mountain.
Author:
Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Went up for a day run. I was a bit worried the gate could be closed because of the nearby santa ana winds. But the gate was open and the views were off the hook.
Author:
THALLIHAN@gmail.com
Status: Closed
Offroaded on:
Gated closed as of 1/13/18. Found out the hard way. Indian Truck Trail gate closed as well from 1/13/18.
Author:
K
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Trip was fun roads were clear!
Author:
Orange TRD Club
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Trail was open with light traffic going up and coming down.
Author:
Ryan
Status: Closed
Offroaded on:
Trail was closed with gate secured like Fort Knox.

Questions & Answers (1)

Q: How do I use the gpx download on my iPhone ? Any help would be great thank you.
–David (01/05/2019)
A: Just click on the download gpx and open it in the app you want to use such as Backcounrty Navigator or Gaia
–Josh Noesser (01/05/2019)

Writer Information

Josh Noesser

Mapping Crew - California
Read More
Joshua Noesser grew up in Southern California but has lived in different parts of the country during his young adult life. Josh was first turned to four wheeling when he road with one of his friends dad up Surprise Canyon in the Panamint Valley at age14. After nearly 3 different roll overs later and a half dozen intense waterfalls, Josh was hooked. At 16 he purchased his first Jeep a CJ 7 and by 17 was putting his first locker in it. Currently, Josh is the owner and CEO of Nybble, an IT Solutions Company based in Orange County, California. Nybble isn't your normal IT company where everyone stays in and plays video games. Nybble's average company trip is out on the trails since a good amount of his staff enjoy wheeling too. As Josh likes to say, he offers the only IT Company with the ability to provide services in extreme locations. "If you want a server at the top of The Hammers, we will take care of that for you." Today you can find Josh out on the trail behind the wheel in one of his three different off-road vehicles. See the vehicles below for more information. If you ever run into Josh, please say high, he is a very friendly person and is always happy to have a new person join the group.
For individual use only, not to be shared.

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