Recent snow and rain have caused many trails to be temporarily closed. Please check with the local agencies for the most up-to-date information.

Maple Spring Road - Silverado Canyon - 5S04

4.5/5 (74 reviews)
Orange, California (Orange County)
Last Updated: 09/26/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude
Desert
Forest
Iconic
Overland
Sand
Scenic
Maple Springs Road is the backdoor to Saddleback Mountain from Mid Orange County. One of Orange County's few trails, this is a popular overland route for people to take when wanting to get out of the house and stay local. Others say the reason they enjoy this road is that it leads to the best view of Orange County. If you are fortunate to have a few hours around sunset, the view from the top of Saddleback Mountain has been known to create some of the best views / photographs of the sunset as it sets over Catalina Island / Pacific Ocean with Orange County in the foreground.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Maple Springs Road begins where Silverado Canyon Road ends, hence the name Silverado Canyon Trail. While traveling this overland route, you will find it to be mostly a dirt road with a couple of water crossings, an ample amount of shade, and an abundance of views. Even though the trail is mostly a dirt road, there are several very tight hairpin corners that could potentially be an issue if traveling at a high rate of speed. The risk of pin stripping is mostly along the lower section of the pavement. The bushes can get overgrown during the winter as the gate is often closed for long periods of time allowing the bushes to grow into the trail. This is rare but noteworthy. Passing is the other time pin stripping can be an issue as the path is only one vehicle wide. So making space to pass means both people have to pull off the side of the trail. For a number of reasons, including weather, this trail closes often and without warning. Please read below for the number to call to determine if the Forest Service has the gate locked or not. Please check with Cleveland National Forest for trail open or closed status. This trail closes for many reasons throughout the year. Click Here For Current Trail Closures Trabuco Ranger District - (951) 736-1811

Trail Reviews

4.5/5 (74)
Temporary Closure
Rated 1/5
Visited: 03/19/2023

Closed due to weather conditions.
Temporary Closure
Rated 1/5
Visited: 02/25/2023

1-Star only because the trail gate at Maple Springs Trailhead is closed to vehicles. The closure may be storm related, as heavy rains and possible flooding are forecast. Check with the Forest Service before heading here.
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 02/11/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Very easy trail that takes you up to a junction point where you can branch off to other trails. This trail was kind of crowded on a Saturday due to how easy it is. Some spots to pull off and have lunch, but beware of broken glass. This trail hasn’t been treated nicely by the community because there is tons of trash and broken glass. Please clean up after yourself and leave the trail better than you found it.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 02/04/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Great first trail! Dirt and bumps, nothing sketchy. Great views. Mazda CX-50 made it no problem.
100
Temporary Closure
Visited: 01/29/2023

Just rolled up as the ranger was closing the trial. ;(

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