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Summary: Two thousand feet in three miles. Let me say that again. Two thousand feet in three miles. You won't find many more arduous trails than this and though the altitude is only 3900 at trail's end, every step of the way is unshaded. Pick your days carefully and DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS TRAIL IN SUMMER. The Silverado Motorway runs its narrow course up the north wall of Silverado Canyon. Once they drove cars on it -- slot cars is my guess. The path kicks, twists, and shudders past fascinating strata until it arrives at Bedford Peak. You will enjoy panoramic views extending to Catalina Island and Mount Baldy on clear days. Bring plenty of water, energy food, and a hat. Be prepared for narrow sections and rocky slopes. This trail will wear you out. Respect it and enjoy the views. A good turnback is Coffin Rock at about half way in. The views are stupendous, even from here. Trailhead: From Interstate 5: Take the Jamboree Road exit. Go north for 5 1/2 miles to Chapman/Santiago Canyon. Turn right on Santiago Canyon. Go another 5 1/2 miles to the Silverado turnoff. Go left on Silverado, following the road for 5 1/2 miles to the Maple Springs Parking Area. From California 91. Take the 241 tollway south to Santiago Canyon Road. Turn left on Santiago Canyon. Go another 5 1/2 miles to the Silverado turnoff. Go left on Silverado, following the road for 5 1/2 miles to the Maple Springs Parking Area. A Forest Adventure Pass is required in this area and can be obtained in the Visitor Center. The trail head is located about a hundred yards beyond the parking area gate. (Lat:33.74757 Lon:-117.58256) Trail Guides for Silverado Motorway, Cleveland NF: Afoot & Afield in Orange County by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Easy Day Hikes Orange County by Randy Vogel (Falcon Publishing Company) 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 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by David on 10/11/2009 After doing Baldy, Cucamonga, Tahquitz and a few others this summer, I figured Bedford Peak would be a piece of cake. Less than five minutes into the hike I found out otherwise. However, my efforts were rewarded with great views of the higher Santa Ana peaks, Baldy, and on the way back, sunset over the ocean. It was a nice, cool afternoon, the only way to do this hike. For those willing to get a good workout, this trail has a lot to offer.
Reviewed by JohnP on 4/18/2009 We started out around 9AM and there was not a cloud in the sky. It was hot the entire day, except we were fortunate that there was a nice breeze once we were about half way up the trail. The hike was great and we enjoyed the workout and the views. However I would like to know how anyone gets to Bedford Peak and back in 6 miles. Not that it matters much, but isn't the hike much closer to 7 miles?
Reviewed by Steve on 3/21/2009 We did this hike for the first time today. Started out just before 8:00 am. It was extremely foggy and very cool. Cleared up after an hour or so and was a beautiful day for a hike. Went a little past bedford peak. We saw no bikers and very few hikers going up. Cloud layer remained thick, so the views were limited. Will definitely do this one again.
Reviewed by Shoop Diddy on 2/21/2009 I truly enjoyed hiking this trail. Second time doing it, and did a solo hike this time. Got started around 715am. Perfect weather for a hike with amazing views. This hike is a butt kicker right off the bat... The 2000 feet gained in 3 miles is definitely not a joke. Hit bedford peak after 1hr 10min so I was pretty exahusted. Not too much traffic on the way up. A lot of mountain bikers on my way back down, so be careful (a few of them almost ran me over).... I will definitely hit this up again very soon (great workout, great views, and quick enough that it doesn't consume my entire day).
Reviewed by Alaina on 12/29/2008 This is a very beautiful area to hike. We went up the paved path and there were a few river crossings. It was difficult to stay dry, especially when I slipped and fell in the water while using rocks to cross over! There was water due to rain and snow earlier in the week. If you plan to hike after rain and snow, be sure to take water resistant shoes with some tread on the them.
Reviewed by Halohiker on 12/20/2008 Did this hike for the first time since the long closure. Man, it sure looks different with lots of snow! It was beautiful, with a little snow at about 1,200 feet. By about 2,700 feet we were postholing through snow ranging from about 8 inches to 2 feet! That was a lot for our local Santa Ana mountains! Views of snow covered Baldy, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto were awesome!
Reviewed by Viewer on 12/20/2008 Did this hike for the first time since the long closure. Man, it sure looks different with lots of snow! It was beautiful, with a little snow at about 1,200 feet. By about 2,700 feet we were postholing through snow ranging from about 8 inches to 2 feet! That was a lot for our local Santa Ana mountains! Views of snow covered Baldy, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto were awesome!
Reviewed by Halohiker on 12/19/2008 The gate to the Silverado Motorway is closed, but the trail is open. I plan on hiking it tomorrow, 12/20. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
