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Holy Jim Trail
🥾 Trail
3 mi trail
moderate

Holy Jim Trail

Trabuco Canyon (Cleveland National Forest)
Dog Friendly
Hiking
🏞️ Wilderness
📸 Scenic
🦅 Wildlife

A classic Trabuco Canyon route in the Cleveland National Forest leading to Holy Jim Falls.

Holy Jim Trail is one of the most iconic backcountry hikes in OC — a creek-side route in the Cleveland National Forest above Trabuco Canyon, ending (in the popular shorter version) at Holy Jim Falls. The lower section is shaded and family-friendly; the trail continues much higher up into the Santa Ana Mountains for those wanting a serious climb toward Santiago Peak. Access requires driving an unpaved Forest Service road that's rough on standard cars; an Adventure Pass is required to park.

🌟 Why Locals Go Here

It's the OC waterfall hike. After winter rain, the falls are a real payoff.

What to Expect

Creekside trail with multiple crossings, mostly shaded, gentle to moderate grade to the falls (about 3 miles round trip).

💡 Good to Know Before You Go

U.S. Forest Service Adventure Pass required for parking. The access road (Trabuco Creek Road) is rough — high-clearance recommended after rain. Falls only run after winter rain.

📍 Local Tip

Go after a wet stretch in winter or spring. Dry summer hikes mostly skip the payoff.

Best Time to Visit

January through April after winter rain.

Practical Info

Trabuco Creek Rd, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678
3 miles
Daylight
USFS Adventure Pass required

Amenities

Trails
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