Santiago Peak trail run 16 Sept 2017

ok cool, only thing holding me back is that my truck is still in the shop. should hopefully be done today

 

It's definitely a fun local trail with a great overlook at the top up by the radio towers. Bring com's because your phone will have no reception even though your right under the cell towers.

 

The only other exit "I" have been on/through was on the 15fwy side coming off of "Indian Truck Trail". see Map "#4" in the second post. There ARE others, but I'm only making maps through "MY" personal experiences as well as notes.

 

THIS IS VERY TRUE!!! I was able to get cell reception, but man it was spotty!!!

 

Regarding "Indian Truck Trail" it is 2wd friendly both the times I've been on it and is mostly "hard packed dirt/sand" with quite a few ruts, but nothing too gnarly.

 

So whats the best way to enter for the 9am meet??

 

From the 5fwy side as the meet will be at the "Maple Springs Visitor Center". see the first post

 

got it, I see that now. Cool. well as long as I get my truck back today, ill be there.

 

Btw. @Redeyejedi we are talking about your question you asked last night. "Where are we going to end up and how do I exit".
Ending at the peak I suppose then you can either head back the way you came, follow Indian truck trail tobthe 15, or follow the main divide to Ortega hwy I believe.

 

Don't forget money for raffle ticket.

 

The trail is 2wd friendly for the whole thing correct?? or do able?

 

Oh I won't. bringing some cash forsure.

 

Correct. If not. I am getting stuck af probably. I am 2wd no locker. Lol

 

Sooo... you can take the trail all the way to Ortega Highway 74 if you wanted. You just stay on the main divide road and dont make a left on Indian Truck Trail. Main divide will change to Main Divide Truck Trail right there at the left turn for Indian Truck Trail. Just continue for several miles to a "T" to Long Canyon road(turn right to head towards Blue Jay Campground) or Forest Rte 3S04(turn left to head towards El Cariso Campground) both ways will lead you to Ortega Highway 74. Just another option if you wanted to keep on driving up there. I would definitely suggest to go up from Silverado Canyon and not from Indian Truck Trail to the radio towers or peak. Going up from Indian Truck Trail, there's in a very loose, rocky, steep section that will need 4x4 to get up. 2wd would really struggle. Ok have fun.

 

good to know. maybe ill get 10' farther with my locker lol

 

It IS 2wd friendly. There ARE some loose dirt/rock spots that might be a big challenging, but I still have YET to see anyone get stuck??? I've been on the trail a few times with guys that are 2wd and ALL came back out safely!!!

 

How would 2wd do going down Indian truck trAIL??

 

Just fine. All of these trails are typically main fore roads or power line roads. Daily drivers choose easy stuff cause it has to get you home and not be repaired.

 

2wd friendly for sure. But once your committed to going down towards Indian Truck Trail from the towers, there's no turning back. You can make it down that steep, loose, rocky section but not back up.

 

That route I have never been on. Follow the maps that I've posted and you will be fine. Ed definitely knows more than me. Again, I'm only making maps of routes "I've" personally been on and adding to the post as more information/experiences gather. I'll redo 1 or 2 of the maps to make it a bit easier to see and annotate it better.