Five Peak Loop

The Five Peak Loop takes the founding principles of the Four Peak Loop, and tacks on a hefty out and back to Cleghorn Mountain to make for a truly ambitious day. In addition to Cleghorn, this route summits Cajon Mountain, Sugarpine Mountain, Bailey Peak, and Monument Peak. The route starts from Silverwood Lake Recreation Area, and the total distance of the loop clocks in at 28.9 miles. It can be completed in either direction, but it is recommended to take the counterclockwise option, which would tackle the steepest section on a downhill, rather than on a climb. The clockwise direction also takes on Cleghorn Mountain first, instead of leaving that out and back decision to the end of the route, when one is exhausted from the Four Peak Loop and so very close to the parking lot. Looking down from Cleghorn Ridge, one would imagine a shorter way to connect to the road near Cleghorn Pass instead of going all the way back down the ridge. However, the determined adventurers drawing up this route attempted numerous ways to connect the ridge to Cleghorn Pass below, and only found walls of impenetrable buckthorn. The majority of this route utilizes dirt roads, except near the summits of the three peaks, which utilizes singletrack and use trails. Note that this track will take one only to Cajon Mountain Lookout, and not to the summit of Cajon Mountain. To summit the mountain, take the use trail along the obvious ridge near the lookout. Even though much of this trip follows a dirt road, the views in all directions make up for it. As one gains elevation, views open up dramatically to the east, with Silverwood Lake in the foreground and the San Bernardino Range further distant. Further along, and even more dramatic, the eastern end of the San Gabriel Range rise high just to the west, with an especially fantastic view of the north face of Mt. Baldy. Relatedly, an ideal time for this hike is in late winter and early spring, when this route up to Cajon is green and free of snow, but Mt. Baldy and the San Gabriels are still covered in white. Parking at Silverwood Lake is free and accessible from a paved road. The dirt road here is open to OHVs, and it is common to encounter motorized vehicles along the way. Be sure to pack enough water and protection from the elements, as the ridge is entirely exposed. For more information about Silverwood Lake Recreation Area, check out https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sbnf/recarea/?recid=26377.