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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 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Nathalie on 1/30/2006 We did this hike from the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary just to Laurel Springs. It's a good workout and has great views of the surrounding canyons including Whiting Ranch across the way, but other than that, it's somewhat tedious; up and down with no variation. Laurel Springs had a little bit of water but not much and the view from the picnic bench was beautiful. 
Reviewed by Jerry&Judy on 9/3/2005 We did this as an August hike. The creeks were dry, but the chaparral, especially higher up, was fairly green. Views up Harding and Silverado canyons were excellent. We recommend bringing plenty of water and starting early (dawn or before) as it can get pretty warm and the sun is intense. The trail ( fire road) is well maintained.
Reviewed by Chen on 5/25/2005 Trail in excellent condition. View is nice. The stream is already very small. Most of the trail is of no shade.
Reviewed by KS on 3/13/2005 This is an excellent time to hike this trail. The stream is at its peak and the air is cool and moist. I was really impressed by the views. The trail is only a few miles from the city yet feels remote.
Reviewed by Vikas on 12/26/2004 Really nice view and the difficulty is moderate. Well maintained path, might be slippery when it rains. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
