Check before you go. Parts of the Trabuco Ranger District are under an Airport Fire burned-area closure order through May 26, 2027, and some trails remain closed. Confirm trail status on the Cleveland National Forest alerts page or call the Trabuco Ranger District at (951) 736-1811.
San Juan Loop Trail (5W08)
- 2.1 miles round trip
- Easy
- Adventure Pass required
A family-friendly loop that starts at the developed trailhead at 34950 Ortega Highway, across the highway from The 74 Candy Store (now John's Rice Bowls & Sandwiches). The trail overlooks San Juan Creek and its seasonal falls, then loops past San Juan Campground back to the parking lot. Spring brings wildflowers. The trailhead has a vault toilet but no drinking water. From the same trailhead, the Chiquito Trail adds about 9 miles and a lot of climbing.
Download San Juan Loop map (KML) · Forest Service trail page · Trailhead info
Morgan Trail
- About 5 miles one way
- Parking & restrooms at the Morgan Trailhead
Morgan Trail runs roughly 5 miles between the Morgan Trailhead, south of the highway near El Cariso, and the Bear Canyon Loop trailhead area by the San Juan Loop trailhead, so you can leave a car at each end for a one-way hike. The Forest Service notes the Tenaja Falls Trail also ends at the Morgan Trail. Our map traces the route from the Morgan Trailhead toward the San Juan Loop area.
Download Morgan Trail map (KML) · Forest Service trailhead page
Using the trail maps
The KML files open in Google Earth (desktop or web), Google My Maps, Gaia GPS, CalTopo and most GPS apps. They were traced by theortegahighway.com and are approximate; follow posted trail signs.
Adventure Pass rules
You need a National Forest Adventure Pass (or an America the Beautiful pass) displayed in your vehicle to park at designated Forest Service sites, including the San Juan Loop trailhead. You don't need one when you're driving through the forest without stopping, or for brief stops such as a stretch break, a photo or a restroom (Forest Service).
Buy passes online at Recreation.gov, from a local vendor or at a Forest Service district office. The El Cariso Visitor Center (32353 Ortega Highway, next to the El Cariso fire station) does not sell passes but can issue wilderness permits; the Forest Service lists it as open Saturdays except the third Saturday of the month, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Trail status
Besides the Airport Fire closure, Caltrans weekend closures of the highway can limit access to forest roads and trailheads (Forest Service road closures). See Construction & closures and the Forest Service Current Conditions page. More trails, including the San Juan Trail, are on the Cleveland National Forest recreation pages.