Dana Point - Santiago Peak - Dana Point

Cat. 1: Mile 28

Cat. 3: Mile 43

Cat. 4: Mile 21 and 66

This out-and-back multi-surface ride starts in Dana Point and leads to Santiago Peak, at 5,689 feet the highest point in Orange County (Santiago Peak and Modjeska Peak are also known as Saddleback Mountain).

After leaving Dana Point, the route follows Pacific Coast Highway and then turns onto Crown Valley Parkway followed by Alicia Parkway. Aliso Creek Trail leads all the way to Cook's Corner. Santiago Canyon Road and Silverado Canyon Road continue on to the base of the climb.

At the Silverado Canyon gate, Maple Springs Road starts. The first three miles are paved and cross a few streams. At a switchback, Maple Springs Road turns into a dirt road and continues on until it joins Main Divide Road at Four Corners. Main Divide Road climbs to the southwestern ridge of Modjeska Peak (very rough), then it descends to the saddle and continues on up to Santiago Peak (very rough).

The ride back follows the same route.