To the Top!!!

Jourdan and I celebrated our 4th of July independence on a little hiking trip up Saddleback. For some wild reason, we decided to climb to the highest point in Orange County known as Santiago Peak. It is 5687 feet above sea level. Don't ask why we did it, just go with it.

We started on Holy Jims trail which is only a few miles from our home in Rancho Santa Margarita.

The trip launched at 7am after an early breakfast and lasted the majority of the day. The first 2 miles of the hike were pretty easy. Huge trees provided shade and a cool fresh morning air which started the day out perfectly. We crossed over huge rocks and a stream a couple of times; it was nearly dried up compared to how it looks during wintertime. The trail is mostly single track for the first 5 miles (It's 8 miles to the top from the trail head) and then turns into "Main Divide" which is a truck route to the top.

At about mile 3 is where the true climbing began. The total trip was a vertical move of 4000 feet, however, I felt this part was the steepest. This is where our fitness was first tested as we carried our backpacks full of water and lunch snacks. We were no longer around the tall trees... now it was all brush and a ton of biting horseflies. Yes, they bite. We could only stop for a minute to grab a water, rest, or read the map, otherwise we were attacked like piranhas devouring a chicken wing.

At the halfway point it was starting to get blistering hot. Our water supply was scarce, but that wasn't going to stop us. I also picked up a walking stick that accompanied me through our journey.


















By the time we made it to the Main Divide at the 5 mile mark, we could almost smell victory! 3 more to go! By the way, Main Divide is a the armpit of all gravel roads. It's sandy, rocky, and steep (Not to mention it is still really hot).

At this time, I'd like to mention our exit strategy. Paul and Roger (family) are driving up the backside of Main Divide coming from the Ortega Hwy. They are planning to meet us at the peak at around 11am for some lunch and hydrating. We are thanking God by this time they are rescuing us from a long hike back down the mountain.

The only other life we saw on this 4 hour climb was: 2 dirt bikers, 1 mountain biker, 2 hikers, a swarm of bees, and of course millions of the biting horseflies (yes, they bite).





















So we reach the 7 mile mark and guess who we get a phone call from? Yes indeed! Paul and Roger have come to a crossing 4.5 miles down from the peak and were road blocked by a gate. We had one mile left to go!!! We have drops of water left!! Do we turn around now?? Oh heck, no!! ONWARD!! I hummed the Rocky theme song as I began to see the finish line and got one last burst of energy.

We made it to the top and the views were spectacular! Although our time there was short-lived after a quick lunch, it was well worth it! It was awesome to be able to see both Orange County and Riverside County by just turning around. At this point we are completely exhausted after 8miles with a 4000ft climb.




We had no water left between the two of us.

As you can imagine, our hike down 4.5 miles to meet Roger and Paul was quick and forgettable. That water never tasted so delicious!


It was definitely a 4th of July to remember. I'm so proud of my wife for conquering this awesome challenge with me. From now on when we see those soaring towers from across Orange County we can smile and feel a huge sense of accomplishment.

To the top..
It's the direction we strive for in everything we do. On this day we made it to the top together.