Los Pinos Peak via Bell View Trail(edit)

Overview

This is a difficult out and back trail to Los Pinos Peak in Cleveland National Forest. The trail starts out clear and open in Robinson Ranch, but then becomes unclear and overgrown as you ascend past the first lookout point decorated with an American flag. The Trail continues on long the ridge getting more and more overgrown as you climb one false peak after another before reaching Los Pinos. (As of late 2020, this trail is technically closed, entering the Holy Fire closure after only 2 miles.)

Getting Started

Climb into the Orange County Hills to Robinson Ranch Road. The road turns off Plano Trabuco (Trabuco Ranch Road) and continues for 1 mile up to the trailhead on the left of the road. The trail is a fire road going up and immediately to the left from the parking lot.

Taking Children

The first two miles of the trail are steep, but kid-friendly up to the overlook and flag. Consider this shortened version.