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 Reporter |
Summary: The trail climbs steadily from the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, granting you superb vistas of the neighboring ridgelines, Vulture Crags, Santiago and Harding Canyons, the Orange Coast, and, on clear days, Catalina and the Palos Verdes Pennisula. Once you get past the spaghetti, the trail runs straight along a ridge through a short forest of scrub oak and manzanita. A large cairn decorated with neckties precedes the spring itself by about a quarter of a mile. The spring is seasonal and often dry by the late spring. The wildflowers, the vistas, and the solitude even on weekends will astound you. You can continue past the Spring to the Main Divide Road, another five miles and another 2000 feet. The secret is to pace yourself on the ascent so that you don't get winded. On your return, take it slow and steady. Not a hike for young children, but a wonder for teens and sturdy adults. Begin early in the summer months. There is no shade. Trailhead: From Interstate 5, take the El Toro Road exit in Lake Forest. Head North/Northeast up El Toro Road towards the mountains. At Cook's Corner, take the left fork. Three miles past Cook's,, turn right on Modjeska Canyon Road. At the traffic island (about 1 mile), head down the left fork. Take the right fork (Modjeska Canyon) at the intersection with Harding. Continue to the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary Parking Lot (nearly two miles from turnoff on Santiago Canyon Road). From California 91: Take the 241 South towards Irvine (Toll). Exit at Santiago Canyon Road. Turn left. Just over eight miles from the tollroad, turn left on Modjeska Canyon Road. At the traffic island (about 1 mile), head down the left fork. Take the right fork (Modjeska Canyon) at the intersection with Harding. Continue to the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary Parking Lot (nearly two miles from turnoff on Santiago Canyon Road). Be kind enough to leave a $1.50 per person donation at Tucker. (Lat:33.71037 Lon:-117.61754) Trail Guides for Laurel Spring, Harding Truck Trail, Cleveland NF: Afoot & Afield in Orange County by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Trabuco Ranger District, Cleveland NF, 909-736-1811 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joel Sax, who has posted 51 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by PH on 6/13/2010 Hiked this trail Sunday. Lots of wildflowers out along the road. Don't do this on a hot day! It was 77 degrees and it felt like 100 on the road. The side trail down to the springs is really overgrown with mustard. Our pedometer recorded 10.5 miles RT to the springs and back. We saw 4 other hikers and none of them made it to the springs. All and all, and enjoyable hike, but go early!
Reviewed by DW on 4/27/2010 Maybe "Peak Puto" below missed that the hike "9 miles round-trip" describes going to Laurel Spring and back? The hike to the top of the trail is 9 miles one-way. 5 more miles to Santiago Peak. A good hike however far you want to go. Keep an eye on the time, and turn around before you run out. Bring food and water. 
Reviewed by Peak Puto on 3/22/2010 Just came back from a really long hike yesterday. A week ago I ran into a jogger and he stated that the trail was 9 miles round trip. This is definately false. To the top of the trail is more like 7 or 8 miles one way. I made it roughly 6-1/2 miles before having to turn around due to lack of sunlight. I have to agree with all the rest there isn't must to look at. I would recommend it to those only training for something bigger. So if you plan to make it to the top, make sure you leave early and plan to hike most of the day. I also ran into some government workers going up and down the trail in there oversized trucks, which was kinda unpleassent for a Sunday! 
Reviewed by GK on 3/15/2010 Did this hike today (Sun Mar 14). I got to say, it's not at all what I expected. I can't see myself calling it a 5 star hike. Except for some excellent views of the mountains and the city, there isn't much else. The terrain pretty much stayed the same. There were a few construction trucks working on the road and we had to yell to the operator to make sure he saw us and let us pass. The spring itself was very small, just a small stream going down, but the area that it was in was ok. Shaded and with lots of vegetation. Can't see myself wanting to come back here. 
Reviewed by steve on 1/16/2010 it was our first time hiking up this trail. left around 7:15 in the morning. weather was cool most of day. very few hikers, many bikers. this trail is not hard and not too easy. very good workout. we went up 7.5 miles and doubled back. less than 6 hours. this will become one of my favorites.
Reviewed by Koger on 1/10/2010 Hiked this today. Weather was clear and sunny skies and about low 70s. Started early. This hike is in some spots a pretty tough uphill climb. Views of the canyons and the cities below are pretty spectacular. Around four or so miles you come to a sign that says "Laurel Spring Canyon", but I guess you're supposed to go past it. My buddy and I didn't mind. All around, the hike took about 4 hours. Watch out for bikers! I wouldn't do this during summer either
Reviewed by Joel on 11/29/2009 The trail is open again. Watch for high winds this time of year.
Reviewed by HJ on 11/22/2009 The trail has been open for about a week after it was closed two years ago. This is probably one of the best day hikes in OC. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Orange County Hiking, Orange County Trails, Orange County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||