San Mateo Canyon Wilderness

Description:

• Most of the activity in this area is hiking, biking, and horseback riding. All trails are open to mountain bikes except for nature trails and wilderness trails. A popular and challenging mountain bike trail is the 11-mile San Juan Trail. The upper trailhead is at Blue Jay Campground. Equestrians like the San Mateo Canyon Trail, which starts at the Tenaja Falls Trailhead; or the Tenaja Trail, which starts at the Tenaja Trailhead.

  Two favorite walks for families are in this area. The El Cariso Nature Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that begins at the El Cariso Fire Station. The San Juan Loop begins off the Ortego Highway across from the Country Cottage Candy Store. (The lower trailhead is unsigned and is located in the Upper San Juan Campground.) The trail winds along San Juan Creek, through the chaparral but also through wooded areas as well. If you want to make a little longer walk, you can take the Chiquito Trail, which joins it, but you will have to retrace your steps.

  Horseback riding, hiking, and backpacking are enjoyed on this wilderness area.

  On the other side of the mountains is the Holy Jim Trail, named after an early settler. Access is via Trabuco Canyon Roach, which can be reached via Santiago Canyon Road or El Toro Road out of Laguna Hills. The trail follows Holy Jim Creek and at 1.25 miles reaches the Falls. A 5.0-mile hiking trail to the Main Divide Road branches off just below the Falls. A trail guide describes the history of the area and can be obtained at the Ranger Station. Mountain bikers also use this trail.

  The Trabuco Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest is located just south of Corona and along the west side of Interstate 15.