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Main Divide - Middle Section to Saddleback - 3S04
Orange,
California
(Orange County)
Last Updated:
04/19/2023
Trail Information
Highlights
The keyhole to the highest point in Orange County, Main Divide Trail is known for its close proximity to Central Orange County and amazing views. The trail skirts along the side of the mountains, reaching both peaks of the famous Saddleback Mountain that separates Orange County and Riverside County. While heading up to Modjeska Peak, the trail is mostly rocky while the second half going up to Santiago Peak is mostly dirt. Santiago Peak reaches a staggering 5,689 feet above sea level, allowing for cooler weather during the summer and snow in the winter. But the nice weather and the fact that it is only minutes from the metropolitan area of Orange County is not what brings people to this area, it is the great views, the remote location, and the great off-road experience it provides.
Trail Difficulty and Assessment
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Trail Reviews
Open
Rated
4/5
Visited: 07/25/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
Some of the most expansive views of so cal to be found anywhere. You can see why there is so many antennas up there.
Open
Rated
4/5
Visited: 07/16/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
Took a group of 7 trucks and 2 Jeeps up to Modjeska and then onto Santiago. This is just fun run for everyone of all 4x4 types for a great afternoon. Especially if you have experienced drivers escorting a group of newer wheelers wanting to have some family fun and still get into the Modjeska Hill Climb to get the Crawling wiggles out. Trail is VERY dry though, so there is plenty of dust. But it is still quite green for mid-July. This is up and back though. Mid-section back down to Main Divide South / Elsinore Gate is locked.
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Open
Rated
4/5
Visited: 05/14/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Easier
Required rut obstacle is no longer there as the road has been graded :( Definitely takes some of the fun out of getting to the top and will like cause traffic to increase.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 04/19/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
360 degree view from the top.
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Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 04/18/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
Ran up to the top, the weather was less than great. Fog pushed in about half way up. Overall the trail is rough but nothing a 2wd can't do. Some line choice will be needed near the rock slide area but I was able to go up in 2wd no locker without any issues.
New trail write up coming
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