Maple Springs Road

4.5/5 (78 reviews)
Orange, California (Orange County)
Last Updated: 05/01/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude
Desert
Forest
Iconic
Overland
Sand
Scenic

Maple Springs Road is the backdoor to Saddleback Mountain from Orange County. One of Orange County's few trails, this is a popular overland route for people wanting to get out of the house and stay local. Others say they enjoy this road because 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 for photographs of the sun setting over Catalina Island out in the Pacific Ocean with Orange County in the foreground.

The lower section of the trail has a unique scenery for Orange County. The area is covered in oaks and pines. A nearby creek runs most of the year. It's a great place for a picnic and if you are lucky you can find yourself a swimming hole.


Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Maple Springs Road begins where Silverado Canyon Road ends. This mountain trail is mostly a dirt road with a couple of water crossings and several very tight hairpin corners. The risk of pin stripping is mainly along the lower section of the pavement. The bushes get overgrown during the winter as the gate is often closed for long periods of time. Passing is the other time pin stripping can be an issue as the trail is only one vehicle wide. So making space to pass means both people have to pull off the side of the trail.

The trail is suitable for all types of high-ground clearance vehicles, meaning you will likely see a lot of traffic and a lot of unique things along this route.


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

Trail Reviews

4.5/5 (78)
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 05/23/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

I've done this a few times now. It's close to home, but really doesn't offer anything too exciting. The view is great on Santiago, and the drive through the OC "mountain" villages is pretty cool.
Official Crew
120550
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 04/18/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Great trail, love that it is in my backyard. The trail was easier then normal. Guessing they recently graded the trail. New trail guide coming!!!
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 04/15/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

My favorite mountain trail in SoCal so far. Plenty of space on trails for oncoming traffic, generally smooth, some sections with jagged and a plethora of rocks. The other trails (main divide road and the southern one that goes to the radio towers) are pretty easy and have great views as well. A few areas to test out your rig too. If youre one of those sapsuckers who likes to flip your rig over and constantly be welding your frame back together this trail would be boring for you. For all the adults who have proper dopamine levels in their brain this is a perfect trail for you.
Official Crew
120550
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 04/13/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

The trail is open; time to plan a trip.
Temporary Closure
Rated 1/5
Visited: 03/19/2023

Closed due to weather conditions.

From the Community

Start a free trial and get this level of detail on every trail guide
Start Free Trial