The Santa Ana Mountains are a small range of peaks located just east of Orange County. The range, dwarfed by neighboring ranges, tops out at 5,680 foot Santiago Peak; reachable by bike.

Trails and dirt roads fill the area. They climb over virtually every named peak in the range. Yet, due to its lesser prominence, it is rare, on most trails, to encounter another biker for serveral miles at a time.

Despite its location only a few miles inland, the range is very dry. On average, only 20 inches of rain fall on the wetter western slopes. This amount drops down to less than 10 inches on the eastern side.

The mountains are primarily located within the Cleveland National Forest and includes the subrange of the Elsinore Mountains.

Getting There

This range is surrounded by communities on every side. One major highway, CA-74 (Ortega Highway) runs through the southern section.

A mountain in the Santa Anas from below.

From Los Angeles

Los Angeles, at over 4 million people, is the 2rd largest city in the United States as well as being only an hour or two away from the range.

From the downtown area, take the I-5 south through Orange County. Exit in San Juan Capistrano at the Ortega Highway and turn left. The highway steadily climbs up and over the mountains.

Take one of the many unpaved roads in the area to a trailhead and begin.

From Riverside

Riverside is another large city, this time, only 250,000 people, is located just north of the mountains.

Begin southbound on I-215 to Perris. Exit at D-Street which comes to an intersection at CA-74. Turn right and drive through the countryside to Lake Elsinore. Coninue on CA-74 as the highway becomes a series of local roads.

Continue up the Ortega Highway upon reaching the west side of the lake. The highway climbs up to a pass where just beyond it, a number of dirt roads are present leading to several trailheads.

Other

Not all routes are located off the Ortega. There are quite a few that begin in Trabuco Canyon, near Santa Rosa Plateau and in the Corona area. Often however, these are in one way or another, connected to the trails near the Ortega Highway.

Passes, Permits, Fees

A fee of $5 to pay for an Adventure Pass is required if parking within the national forest. These may be obtained at vaious ranger stations in the area. No permits are required for biking though.

Santa Ana Winds

Every year during summer and autumn, a wind, known as the Santa Ana, blows. These winds are named for the Santa Anas due to its location which appears to be the source of the winds in Orange County.

These winds are dry, hot and may easily ignite fires. Although most of these fires are small, some, like the recent Santiago Fire, may grow big and become destructive.

Smoke from a fire near the Santa Anas in late-2007.

External Link(s)

Here are some important sites to visit before your bike:

Cleveland National Forest-The national forest service's frequently updated site for the national forest.

Images