The Holy Jim Falls Trail had been closed for sometime, after some winter storms washed out part of the trail, and also due to the Holy Fire, which ravaged part of the area. The hike is 3 miles roundtrip, with about 600 feet of gain.
I hiked to Holy Jim Falls once the trail had re-opened after the Holy Fire ravaged the area. The trail from Holy Jim to Santiago Peak is still closed. There is beautiful scenery all along the way. The trailhead is accessible down an unpaved Trabuco Creek road, subject to closure, due to flooding, from the adjoining Trabuco Creek.
I had wanted to check out Holy Jim Falls for years. I had heard it’s a longer hike. But back when I first heard of this hike, it was during a time when the definition of what a long hike is, was a lot different than what I define as long now.
This is not a long or strenuous hike. The trip to get to the trailhead though, can be an adventure. Trabuco Creek Road is filled with ruts, and best for high clearance, and 4wd vehicles. It follows Trabuco Creek into the canyon, where there are several waterfalls, one of which is Holy Jim.
Along the way there is a creek crossing, your vehicle must make. After a big rain, the area could be flooded. It may be close to impossible to reach the falls if the creek has swelled.
Once at the falls, the hike is not strenuous, and there is very little in the way of scrambling. It is a single track trail, through a forest, of oaks and sycamores. It is filled with poison oak. There will be a few times you cross the creek, and the trail can be narrow. Eventually you will reach the falls about 2 miles in.
The falls was named as such after a mountain man who lived here, named Jim, who lived here in this canyon. He was a real character, and also a beekeeper. As a joke “Cussin Jim,” was nicknamed Holy Jim.
Forest Service Cabins
There are many cabins here along the road, and some are older than others. They are Forest Service Cabins, which are owned by private individuals who lease the land they sit upon, with long leases from the government.
You can check the status of the trail here.Here is more information about Holy Jim Canyon.
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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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