Old Sugarloaf Peak via San Juan Trail(edit)

Overview

This is a moderately difficult out and back trail to Old Sugarloaf Peak in Cleveland National Forest.

This trail starts in Blue Jay Campground, passes by the cut-off to Chiquito Falls which is fed by Chiquito Spring Chiquito Spring, and the easier Sugarloaf Peak. IT can be made into an easy double peak day by bagging Sugerloaf Peak on the way back.

Total stats are 9.5 miles roundtrip with about 1800 ft gain (going to both Sugarloaf and Old Sugarloaf) which makes it a 4/5 for effort - moderately strenuous. The trail is smooth and broad generally except for the last scramble to the peaks. The only special note is that this is a canyon trail. From Blue Jay, the trail drops down 1000 ft to the peaks which you then have to climb back up. The slope is not too serious (300 ft per mile) so it's only moderately strenuous. The trail goes past Sugarloaf peak and drops down to the side trail leading up to Old Sugarloaf on the north side of the trail which is marked by two cairns on either side. The side trail then leads up a very steep climb to the top. There's no particular problem doing it, but it's steep with sometimes loose and sometimes rocky footing. The top is a rock outcrop with a wooden sign. People don't tend to do this peak because Sugarloaf is there, and this one is harder. But the gorgeous peak looming over the trail the times I'd done this trail in other ways lured me. Those two cairns called me to climb the densely chapperal covered slope. And while we were at it, revisit Sugarloaf to make it a double peak day. The climb to Sugarloaf is much easier and shorter, and the peak has a broad granite boulder that begs you to kick back and enjoy the views or even a short nap as you seemly hover over the bicyclists who congregate immediately below you at the euphemistically-named Cocktail Rock.

Views are amazing. As with all OC hikes, it's better in cooler weather and not during the June-August fly season. We share the trail with bicycles on this hike, so be kind to the generally polite bikers who start this trail and ride down to Casper in a thrilling downhill.

Getting Started

This trail starts outside of Blue Jay Campground. If you have a Adventure Pass, you can drive to the back of the campground and park next to the San Juan Trailhead and the bathrooms there. The roads to Blue Jay are easy, flat and well-paved from Ortega Hwy.

Taking Children

Sugarloaf is a longish hike for kids. Add the 1800 ft gain necessary and the booty-kicker of a climb (600 ft alone) from the trail to the peak of Old Sugarloaf, and you've got a tough hike. I might recommend just doing Sugarloaf which takes away 2 miles and the last killer climb for motivated kids.