San Juan Trail

San Juan Trail is part of the Cleveland National Forest near San Diego and San Juan Capistrano, California. The trail is roughly 12 miles from San Juan Capistrano. The route is 19.1 miles with some advanced and difficult sections. The San Juan Trail is meant more for a bike rider rather than walker, though it is possible to walk along several different sections. To reach the trail visitors should use Ortega Highway (74) towards the east. Camp Road which leads to Lazy R Ranch and the CDF Fire Station are indications of the upcoming parking area. The parking area is dirt, with the trail just beside the road.

The lot is at 800 feet elevation, where it instantly begins with switchbacks. It is an uphill portion most of the way, with a turnaround at 1.6 miles. At this point riders will be above the ridgeline. A view of the valley below offers a lush landscape for photographers to enjoy. There are quite a few switchback sections and a few cliff side areas requiring a bit of momentum to get up the hills. After 6.6 miles visitors will be at the junction of Old San Juan Trail and New San Juan Trail. It is also known as Cocktail Rocks.