The dirt road to the trailhead could probably be navigated with a passenger car if there has been no recent rain, but high clearance recreational vehicles are recommend. The road is littered with deep potholes and there are numerous stream crossings. There are several cabins along the road and it is heavily used, but normally park at Cooks Corner, which is at the intersection of Santiago Canyon and Live Oak Canyon roads, then carpool in high clearance vehicles. Parking at the trailhead is limited.

Santiago Canyon Road (S18) becomes El Torro road south of its intersection with Live Oak Canyon road (S19). From the intersection proceed east on Live Oak Canyon Road. It becomes Trabuco Canyon Road after three miles. At four miles the unmarked turnoff to the Trabuco Creek dirt road is on the left just past a bridge. The turnoff can also be reached from the south.

After 4.7 miles on the dirt road there is a turnout on the left at the mouth of a canyon. That is the Holy Jim trailhead. Continue straight ahead. The road ends after another mile. Park at the end of the road, then continue on in the same direction along the footpath.