Pinhead Peak (Caspers Wilderness Park)
- Location: Caspers Wilderness Park in San Juan Capistrano. From I-5 in south Orange County, take the Ortega Highway (route 74) east for 7 1/2 miles. The park is on your left. Admission is $3 per car on weekdays, $5 on weekends and $7 on holidays. Drive on the park’s main road and park at the lot near the historic red windmill. The trail begins on the back side of the lot, near a smaller metal windmill.
- Agency: Caspers Wilderness Park
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 450 feet
- Suggested time: 1 hour
- Difficulty Rating: PG
- Best season: All year
- USGS topo map: “Canada Gobernadora”
- Recommended gear: hiking poles
; sun hat
- Recommended guidebook: Afoot and Afield: Orange County
- More information: Trip descriptions here and here; Everytrail report here
- Rating: 6
Pinhead Peak (elevation 662 feet) is not the highest point in Caspers Wilderness Park but due to its prominence the views from the top are excellent and while the climb is short, it’s steep enough to get the heart pumping.
From the parking area by the older metal windmill (in back of the more famous red one) follow the sign for Pinhead Peak. Cross Bell Canyon and continue through a pleasant grove of sycamores, heading south through a meadow. At about 0.2 miles, the trail makes a sharp right and heads briefly through some oaks before beginning the ascent.
You climb to a plateau, take a sharp left (look for the sign pointing to the trail) and continue through a field where you get a nice view of Old Saddleback. Another short but steep ascent brings you to the first of two summits (0.7 miles). The trail drops about 100 feet and rises again to another summit, the turnaround point at 0.9 miles. Here you can enjoy a nearly aerial perspective of the southern end of the park. The distant views include Old Saddleback and the Santa Anas, the San Juan Canyon and the San Joaquin Hills. The ocean isn’t quite visible but the panorama is still sufficient reward for your efforts.
Text and photography copyright 2014 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.
