The perfect time for Los Pinos Peak

Los Pinos Peak —  at 4,510 feet, the fourth-highest mountain in Orange County -- can be dusted with snow and too cold to hike in winter. It’s far too hot for trekking in summer. But spring? It’s a great time to scale Los Pinos, with lupine, bush poppy and ceanothus splashing color across its slopes.

The peak is about three miles as the hawk flies from the southeast corner of Orange County. From the summit, hikers can look down to Lake Elsinore and up at snowcapped Mt. Baldy.

And there’s no huge outlay of energy involved; a modest effort gets hikers to the peak.

Another selling point: The trail head can be reached on paved roads. (Frequent visitors know the dirt roads in this range can be troublesome.)

To get there, follow Interstate 5 to San Juan Capistrano, exit on Highway 74 (Ortega Highway) and follow it 22 miles northeast. At Long Canyon Road, turn left (northwest) and follow the paved road 2 1/2 miles to Blue Jay Campground, then a mile farther to a pullout on your left and a gated road signed North Main. Park in the pullout. If you’re approaching from Interstate 15, exit onto Highway 74 by Lake Elsinore, drive 11 miles southwest to Long Canyon Road and follow the directions above.

At the pullout gate, follow the wide dirt road (Main Divide Road) that soon gains elevation and yields good views. A mile out, you’ll have a fine vista of Lake Elsinore and mountain peaks to the north and east.

About 1 1/4 miles from the start, the road brings you to Los Pinos Saddle, where you’ll see guardrails and a convergence of trails. Leave Main Divide Road for signed Trabuco Trail. Almost immediately, look to your left and join signed Los Pinos Trail. It climbs steeply to a ridgetop.

The path dips, climbs again and dips again. A steep, final ascent leads to Los Pinos Peak. Savor the great views and retrace your steps back to the trail head.

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John McKinney offers other tips at www.thetrailmaster.com.