I wanted to check out a new trail, close to home, with great views. Bell Peak (Elevation 2542) seemed to fit the bill, just a 20 minute drive from home. Bell View Trail to Bell Peak trail, is about 4 miles long, with about 1167 feet of gain, and is an advanced beginner to moderate rated hike.
I downloaded my map on alltrails in advance, since I did not know if there would be any cell service, and getting lost is never a good thing.
The trailhead is located just off Robinson Ranch Rd. in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. This hike seemed somewhat challenging, in the amount of gain, per mile hiked.
In late summer very little was green, except the cactus, sagebrush, and oak trees.
Being on the cusp of late summer, and early fall, we were nearing the end of rattlesnake season. I tend to avoid lesser peaks, such as this one, in the foothills most of the year, when they can be overgrown.
Spring growth had long faded, and everything was many shades of brown, which is just what you would expect in Orange County, in September.
It was a warm sunny day, and I was excited to explore a new trail in Orange County, since I have a goal to explore all the trails here. I mean why not?
On the way up the trail, about 1/2 mile into this, there was an ultra steep section that had me sliding around a bit. I am guessing it had a 40% grade.
The views off to the south, towards Ladera Ranch, Coto De Caza, and Rancho Mission Viejo.
As I climbed higher, there were awesome views of the neighborhood of Robinson Ranch below, and the rest of Orange County in the distance.
I happened to notice a butterfly resting on the dry brush. Butterfly season is long gone, but I suppose there are always stragglers.
Looking back, I could appreciated the all the work I did to get this far. It was very steep in sections, and I would surely have to down-climb on the way back.
I could see as far as Catalina today.
Finally, the flag summit was in my sights. The last half mile was very steep.
However far I make it on a climb, I never give myself a hard time about it. Sometimes I turn around, if my gut tells me to, but today I continued on.
Off in the distance, were the Santa Ana Mountains, and the many peaks I had yet to climb.
It took me about an hour and a half to make it the 2 miles to the flag summit.
There was nobody up here, nor was there anyone on the trail the enire way. I was completely alone up here at Bell Peak.
This was likely the former flag pole spot.
There was even a trail register here in the usual ammo box. Solar lights are installed to illuminate the flag in a proper fashion.
I rested just a bit like I usually do, before I jogged on back. It would take me under an hour to make it back to my car.
Maybe someday I will take this trail all the way to Los Pinos Peak, which is where you would end up, were you to continue on up the trail. For now, I headed on back. Bell Peak was in the bag!
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
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I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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