Road Maps and Parking

Topographic map

The trail to Sugarloaf Peak alternates between forested regions and open chaparral. Sugarloaf Peak is not a major mountain. It is just a hill (not the mountain in the background of this photo!) that happens to be at a convenient turn-around point. There is a good view from there, extending all the way to the ocean, even though the trail does not go to the top. The return path is the same as the outbound path. The round trip distance is 10 miles, and the sum of the elevation gains is around 1000 feet. Much of the elevation gain occurs near the end of the hike, but it is a gentle climb. The entire hike is on the San Juan Trail. The trail continues on to the Ortega Highway, but the full round trip is too much for one day.

At about 1½ miles the path crosses an older path. Continue straight ahead there. At 2 miles the trail passes through a small and relatively flat grassy area (usually called potreros in this region), and just after that the Chiquito Trail branches to the left. It is marked by a sign, and continue straight ahead. Still further along the Viejo Trail, also marked, joins on the left, but stay on the main trail.

If you have not hiked in this region before then it is probably better to begin with the trails that start from the candy store, and several are documented above. Those trails are more accessible, but after a while when you need some variety you will find that each trail has something unique to offer. For example, while I didn't bring back and good photos of them, there are some very old and impressive oaks near the end of the outbound leg of this hike.