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 Reporter |
Summary: This trail takes you over an ancient route with a view of the ocean on clear days and multitudinous wildflowers in the Spring. The "vultures" that roosted on the conglomerate cliffs and minarets were California Condors. Like the last wild California Grizzly -- who died five miles away at the mouth of Trabuco Canyon -- the condors who nested here were exterminated by farmers with guns and poisoned carcasses. The ridgeline trail to the crags is unshaded: bring a hat and sunscreen. Look for fossils in the rocks on the north-facing cuts and on the trail itself. Watch out for mountain lions and oblivious trail bikers. 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. Proceed to your second paved right which is Modjeska Grade. Park near the bottom of the hill and walk up to the Santiago Truck Trail gate. (Lat:33.7025 Lon:-117.6355) Trail Guides for Vulture Crags Santiago Trail, Cleveland NF: Best Easy Day Hikes Orange County by Randy Vogel (Falcon Publishing Company) 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 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by DJS on 1/2/2010 The "No stopping" signs have moved around recently. You can now park much closer to the trailhead.
Reviewed by Kyle on 10/15/2009 Hiked Vulture Crags twice in one week, First time was in the 80's felt like 90's which makes this trail harder due to no shade. Bring Water. Second time was with 35 College Rugby players, temp was in 70's which made the hike a lot easier. We put a new flag up and all had a good time. Both days there were lots of mountain bikers, 10 mid-week, 22 on the weekend. I would hike this again, great views of Orange County and if no fog the ocean. Spring and Fall would be when I would recommend this trail. Park on main road at the bottom of the hill for no tickets.
Reviewed by NicAndTed on 7/16/2009 Great views, would love to go around winter time as well. It was VERY hot, even though we started early. Make sure to bring extra water if you are hiking with a four legged friend, our dog needed way more than we did. 
Reviewed by Tom on 4/25/2009 Hiked this trail today. Nice views, but LOTS of mountain bikers. I would say we passed 30+. Old glory is still flying at the end. Park along the road near the entrance. No adventure pass needed 
Reviewed by Stacy on 4/12/2009 We hiked this trail as a second choice after finding out that the Harding Truck Trail was still closed. It was absolutely beautiful. Lush greenery with lots of wildflowers combined with the awesome rock formations made for great photos The bugs were minimal and the mountain bikes plentiful. You can't beat the views from the high points of this hike. The weather was about perfect. The occasional wind made it a little cold, but all in all a great day for a hike on a great trail.
Reviewed by Ken on 3/14/2009 Flowers and green hillsides are really nice this time of year, including some nice California poppies beside the trail a couple miles in. There are quite a few mountain bikers out on Saturdays, but if you're aware of their probable track and speed, and leave them room, it works OK. Flag is still going strong. The views are really quite impressive, although fog prevented being able to see the ocean.
Reviewed by Steve on 3/7/2009 Hiked this trail for the 2nd time today. Evidence of the recent fires are still there, but lots of green showing up everywhere. Flag is flying high. Only saw a few other hikers, some joggers and many mountain bikers. Had a near collision with one biker coming downhill. Be alert approaching turns. Hiked 8 mi. in toward the stream opening. 6 1/2 hr.day. Great weather. Will hike this one again.
Reviewed by DJS on 1/24/2009 This trail is open again, but signs do tell users to stay on-trail. Evidence of the burn is everywhere, but with the recent rain there is a new layer of green growth. They have erected a strange barrier across the trail 3/4 of the way in, but the trail is open to foot traffic. No flags on the flag pole anymore. Today all we saw were mountain bikers struggling in the mud, no other hikers. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||