Quick Facts
| Trail Name | Los Pinos Peak |
| Peak Elevation | 4510 feet |
| Trail Length | 6 miles |
| Gain | 1500 feet |
| Parking | About 4 spaces at the trailhead, display a wilderness pass |
| Restrooms | No |
| Dogs | Yes |
| Cell Service | Yes |
| Location | Santa Ana Mountains |
| Directions | Take Main Divide Rd. north from Ortega Highway, past Falcon Group Campground |
| Map | Alltrails |
A Misty Mountain Wilderness
It was a beautiful day to head off to the Santa Ana Mountains. Heading north on Main Divide Road from Ortega Highway, there were two water crossings we had to make, which was not expected.
We parked off Main Divide Rd. in a pull off, and headed up a nature trail, which is a connector to the main trail.
We would begin hiking up Main Divide, since the big metal gate to the road prevented venturing closer to the trailhead.
Today it would be about 6 miles, to the summit of Los Pinos Peak. It was slightly chilly, so I was prepared for the chill, with a puffy jacket. Winter seems to just want to hang around forever this year in Southern California.
Along the way up the fire road, there were lots of burned trees everywhere, evidence of the Holy Fire, which swept through the area not long ago, scarring this pristine wilderness.
I passed lots of Chamisa in bloom. I could hear water flowing down in the canyon, that likely led to Hot Spring Canyon.
Off in the distance was Lake Elsinore, but I still felt worlds away from civilization.
I noticed a few puddles, evidence of yesterdays rain. We have had an absolute onslaught of atmospheric rivers here in California, one after the other, since January. There is water everywhere now.
Finally after about two miles, I came to the trailhead for Los Pinos Peak.
I started heading up the trail at this sign, and found it to be very overgrown.
After several hundred feet or so, it opened up. I came to the first of many pine trees, which are the peaks namesake.
The terrain was rocky at times, and a little steep in spots, but nothing too challenging for an experienced hiker. This is not a beginner hike by any means though.
The once charred manzanita was now experiencing healthy new growth.
There was plenty of White Sage, and bright red Indian Paintbrush in bloom as well.
After 3 miles I finally arrived at Los Pinos Peak, with its breathtaking views of all the surrounding peaks, such as Santiago and Modjeska Peak, along with Horsethief Peak, Trabuco Peak, Bald Peak, Bedford Peak, and Pleasants Peak.
Behind me stood all of Orange County, and some lesser peaks of the Santa Ana Mountains, such as Bell Peak, and Sugarloaf Peak. The trail behind me, leads down to Bell Peak in Robinson Ranch.
Hiking to Los Pinos Peak, is now one of my favorite wilderness hikes in the area, and I would not hesitate to explore this area of the Santa Ana Mountains, just about any day.
I feel like you get a lot of bang for your buck on this one, great views, uncrowded, and of course a beautiful natural environment. It has just about everything I look for, when I want to get out side into nature. As a bonus, the trail is only 6 miles long.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
About me
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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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2023 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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