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3S04 - Main Divide North End - Beeks Place

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4.6/5 (16 reviews)
Anaheim, California (Riverside County)
Last Updated: 04/13/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

The northern section of 3S04 Main Divide Road can easily be one of the best kept secrets of Orange County, CA. This section of the route is one trail every Overlander and 4x4 enthusiast should travel for themselves when in the area. With some of the most rare items in Southern California, it can be pretty easy to say that this is probably the most unique trail in all of Orange County, CA, maybe California. The highlight of this intriguing expedition is the stop at Beeks Place, which was built in 1942 by Joe Beeks. Besides being at over 3400 feet in elevation, Beeks Place has standing gun turrets that were built back in WW2. The idea was if the worst case scenario happened to America at the time, an invasion from a foreign country, Orange County would be ready to defend the United States. As you continue to the north, you will cross many abandon sites, some of them are for water collection while others are abandon buildings. You will also enjoy heli pads, many active radio towers, and Southern California's Doppler Radar Systems. But if the sites are not what brings you to this trail, then the view will easily cover that. As you travel the ridge heading north, you will experience 360 degree views with over 100 miles of visibility in almost any direction. You can easily see things like the Pacific Ocean, Ventura County, Downtown L.A., Orange County, Newport Beach, Riverside, Temecula, snow capped mountains of Big Bear and San Jacinto, plus many more amazing sites.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

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Trail Reviews

4.6/5 (16)
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Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/14/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Definitely a lot rougher than maple springs (especially since they just graded that road). Very fun if you’re looking for more “off-roady” trails in the area. Nothing too hard but much better than graded fire road. My jeep compass Trailhawk made it through just fine.
Trail Review: 3S04 - Main Divide North End - Beeks Place - Max Carter
Trail Review: 3S04 - Main Divide North End - Beeks Place - Max Carter
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125300
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 04/13/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

The trail is open
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125300
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 01/05/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Rain is making it hard to get up there. FYI - they close the gates for rain storms. Usually not common, but this year they seem to be.
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Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 07/31/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Went out today with the wife and kids. The only way up of course is Maple Springs Rd., then headed toward Bedford on Main Divide. Once you pass Bedford there’s a definite noticeable difference in the quality of the road. It’s nothing too crazy, but Maple Springs is pretty clean and well maintained as opposed to this trail out to Beeks. There were a few sections that had some pretty big ruts and I did use 4wd a couple of times. We were aired down with sway bars disconnected and our XJ handled it all easily but I could imagine lower profile vehicles having a hard time at several points. We ended up running out of daylight and turning back about 10 minutes from the first set of radio towers. I wish there was another way down the mountain but with Bedford closed unfortunately it’s a pretty long way to have to go all the way back to Silverado Canyon. Frustrating that so many gates are closed. I’m looking forward to doing this again and making it all the way out. Earlier start next time for sure!
Trail Review: 3S04 - Main Divide North End - Beeks Place - Jeff Johnston
Trail Review: 3S04 - Main Divide North End - Beeks Place - Jeff Johnston
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Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 07/16/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This is still only accessible via Maple Springs. Spoke with the Trabuco Ranger District beforehand. Bedford is still closed due to road/homeowner situation. And the gate from Santiago Peak to Indian Truck Trail is still closed due to trees still falling down 4 years after the Holy fire. So it was a pretty long out and back to Sierra Peak on a hot and dusty day. I don't recall the trail being much of a challenge. Probably just enough to keep your standard road vehicle out. Due to the heat and lack of shade anywhere along the trail we only made quick stops for the radio towers, Doppler weather station, and Beeks Place. The real gem to this trail are the views. And they can be had throughout your entire drive.
Trail Review: 3S04 - Main Divide North End - Beeks Place - Greg Pedersen
Trail Review: 3S04 - Main Divide North End - Beeks Place - Greg Pedersen
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