Recent snow and rain have caused many trails to be temporarily closed. Please check with the local agencies for the most up-to-date information.

Main Divide - Middle Section to Saddleback - 3S04

4.8/5 (19 reviews)
Orange, California (Orange County)
Last Updated: 09/26/2022

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

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.8/5 (19 reviews)
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 12/22/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Very fun and a bit more difficult than maple springs. I would rate this a mandatory 3 as there is a large rut section that you need to do to get by. My stock jeep compass trail hawk made it up just fine but the gmc truck with us decided to not risk hurting his floorboards so he turned around. It’s easier to go down it but going up would make it a mandatory 3. You can see the dark spots in the picture are where tires were slipping.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 11/08/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

More technical than a 1 rating. Several spots that required some ground clearance and definitely 4wheel drive. Terrific views from the top!!
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 06/09/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Great place for locals as well as folks from a far. Panoramic views in every direction in many spots. Best views from Santiago Peak. Been through many times from various directions in truck, suv, mtb, etc... Easy enough for most suvs and even honda accords depending on the grading conditions.
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 02/06/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Great views of the IE and OC. Windy as hell at the top.
Temporary Closure
Visited: 12/20/2021
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Been on it before. Awesome trail and I totally recommend it for rookie off-roaders, was a great intro to it. Also a great date spot. It was closed today, and will be "until further notice due to weather conditions" It was perfectly clear and sunny. Guess the guy in the video was right, that they'll close it down for literally anything, even being too sunny

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