This hike was a long time coming, a small goal I had in a big universe. Originally I wanted to hike the Holy Jim trail (14 miles), but it’s been closed because of the Airport Fire. This is the highest peak in Orange County where I live. The traditional way to get there is the Holy Jim Trail, which seems like it has been closed for most of the last 10 years, due to weather, and fires. It is opening this year, supposedly. But I have wanted to complete this peak, for so long, I decided now was the time. I was prepared to hike 24 miles if need be. But as events began to unfold it would prove to be a much shorter adventure than I had anticipated.
I had planned on making it a 2 peak day hiking to 🏔️Santiago Peak (Elev 5693 ft) and 🏔️Modjeska Peak (Elev 5496 ft). I was not going solo this time, but with a group of women some of who I know and others I just met. One of the women who organized this, has all-wheel-drive. So we did the shorter option, starting on the ridge. I was glad to go with a group to such a remote area, where mountain lions roam, and the cell service is non-existent. I always bring a Garmin, but going with a group, is an added layer of safety. Since OHV drivers also frequent the area, I had no idea what to expect, and what we would encounter up there.
We began the hike at the top of Maple Springs Road, after a 30 minute drive along a narrow road with steep drop offs into the canyon. That was the first adventure of the day. I was joined by four other women from a hiking group, one of whom I had hiked with before, since it was her group, the rest I did not know. This was an event I requested in the group, and she was truly making it possible, driving her Suburu up this narrow mountain road. The kindness of this lady is just astounding. She has been injured, but actually gone to hikes, just to stand by, to make sure the group was doing good. Not only that, she is an experienced hiker and mountaineer with training. It is a great priviledge to hike with people who have more experience, since you learn so much from them. I was feeling grateful on this particular day. So I knew I was in good company.
Initially I had planned on 24 miles, or 20 miles, depending on how far my car could make it on Maple Springs. A few days prior, I had investigated the road, and was only able to navigate potholes for about 1.5 miles in my regular car. Since the group organizer was nursing an ankle injury, we opted for the shorter route, beginning along the ridge.
We began hiking from a staging area on the ridge, by the marker which reads “5S04” toward the first peak, Modjeska Peak. At first the hike was along the North Main Divide Rd. Soon, we entered a narrow steep trail to the left, and began the climb, through recently charred underbrush and trees, a scar left by the Airport Fire.
The mountains, despite being barren, were peaceful, as the sun rose.
By 8:15 I had my first closeup of Santiago Peak.
By 8:30 am we reached a saddle.
We had one more steep hill to contend with, making our way to Modjeska Peak, the first peak of the day.
It seemed like a typical day on a peak, as we celebrated, holding the sign, and having a good time. This is where things started to go slightly awry.
Things go awry…
There had been a discussion on this peak, between one of the hikers, much younger than anyone else in the group, who had just joined. She was in her 30’s. She felt the peak sign was destroying the environment. She went on to say that she would be disposing of it, and that she “had words” with the artist who creates the signs. I knew peaks signs are of cultural significance, we are meant to leave what we find, and that it was not affixed to the land. The only one complaining was her, as far as I knew. I was pretty ticked off inwardly, that not only was this girl going to take something that did not belong to her, she was in our hiking party. Had it been a glove, a trekking pole, a cell phone, or anything else, it’s not our jobs to mess with it, unless we intend to return it to the owner at our own expense or time and effort. But she was disposing of it. I did not argue, since that is not my job. Was I annoyed. Yes. Mostly because I had to spend the day with someone who had no regard for others, but herself. She made our cheerful group hike…awkward. Oddly, nobody else seemed bothered. It was a strange scenario. This is a reason I mostly hike solo. This was kind of ruining it for me. I wanted no part of this escapade.
We ended up having to cross a huge rock slide, wash out. We continued on to Santiago Peak, crossing a rockslide. The terrain left much to be desired. Not a pretty mountain, but the views made up for it somewhat.
Passed this car wreck, framed by Modjeska Peak in the distance behind it.
View to the west.
View to the east.
An unexpected patch of forest still stood along the eastern flank of Santiago, as we made switchbacks along the road.
Followed the sign to the top.
A cross stood, which was a major comfort to me, reminding me of priorities.
Santiago Peak complete!
I ventured to the overlook and there is a memorial here to a local 17 y/o who tragically died too young. Rest in peace Tyler.
The whole peak is strewn in boulders, and lots of trash. My leave no trace advocate, peak sign thief had no interest in picking up cigarette butts or broken glass that was everywhere, just peak signs. Not actual trash.
I know who I align myself with, and this peak was just a reminder of that. We face many challenges in life, but knowing who the enemy is, helps you know where to direct your energy, along with know who is always fighting on your side, who never leaves. For me, and for all in his fold, that one is Jesus Christ. Anytime there is division, I know who is at work. That karen over there is not the enemy.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
– Ephesians 6:12
It was a 2 peak day! My hike was just 8.5 miles from Maple Springs, shorter than originally anticipated.I have wanted to climb all the peaks in the Santa Ana mountains, that sit along the ridgeline, located between Ortega Hwy and 91 freeway. These are the peaks in my backyard, that I see looking out from my neighborhood in Orange County and to have hiked to all of them is pretty awesome to me. Now when I look out, I can say, yes I’ve been to that peak that I see every day over there.
The Peaks:
✅Sierra Peak
✅Pleasant Peak
✅Bedford Peak
✅Bald Peak
✅Modjeska Peak
✅Santiago Peak
✅Piños Peak
Closing Thoughts
Stealing peak signs is not a way to make friends. I would say that, and promoting radical causes.There are just things that turn you off to wanting to be someone’s friend. It is sad, because it is a missed opportunity to create unity versus discord. That is all this poor girl is doing, creating discord in the world. That is a sad thing and I hope she makes better choices, that boost others up, rather than tear them down. The artist put so much love into these signs. To have the nerve to just walk off with something that is not yours. What makes us the same is most important in friendship, our commonalities. Battling everyone and everything is not how we make peace in the world.
Also, this is more reason to just go solo…lessons learned. No need to battle people on their ideas. Bad ideas at that. I get to pick my battles, and also, the battle is already won.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
The Essentials
Just be sure to come prepared, bring the 10 essentials, and Pack Out Your Trash to keep the wilderness pristine for future hikers.
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 2025 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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