Description - The San Mateo Canyon Wilderness makes up the southwest corner of the Trabuco Ranger District. Rugged mountains covered with chaparral and coastal sage dominate the landscape. Many deep drainages hide a lush growth of vegetation, with oak woodlands thick in the lower elevations. Heavy winter and early spring rains, some causing flash flooding in the narrow canyons, given way to brilliant displays of spring wildflowers. Wildlife is abundant as evidenced by 139 bird species, 37 mammal species, and 46 amphibian and reptile species.

Established in 1984, this 39,540-acre wilderness has over 60 miles of hiking trails. There are four trailheads: Bear Canyon, Morgan, Tenaja and Tenaja Falls. Bear Canyon and Tenaja provide horse trailer parking. A permit is not required for day use in the wilderness but a free permit is required for overnight camping.

Attractions - 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.

Recreation - 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.

Climate - A warm, dry Mediterranean climate prevails over the Cleveland National Forest - hot in the summer, mild in the winter. Most of the precipitation comes as rain during the winter months.

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

LAT: 33.4763772859
LONG: -117.369861603

Directions from San Juan Capistrano, CA: Travel Interstate 5 to the exit for Ortega Highway (Hwy. 74). Head east on Hwy. 74 to reach the Wilderness Area.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: Year-round.