Luge Loop

The Luge Loop Trail takes its name from the short, steep section of the hike which is used by area mountain bikers as a fast downhill run. For the hike we opted to climb this section, mostly because we'd rather get the 1200' of uphill climbing out of the way quickly, but also because heading up offers a little more awareness of oncoming bicyclists on the trail than descending here would.

The hike begins at Cook's Corner, a popular biker bar that can get very busy on weekends. There is parking around here, but if full, it may be necessary to park along the shoulder on Modjeska Grade Road near the gate. The route begins with a walk along the shoulder of Live Oak Canyon Road for about one mile until a gate is visible. About 20 feet to the right of this gate is the dirt single track that enters the forest and meanders around for a short bit before embarking on the climb. 

This first section is the Luge - a steep, 1.5 mile dirt single track path that gains about 1200' in elevation with narrow switchbacks in a fold in the landscape before emerging at a cache and flag on a point offering your first views of South Orange County below and the peaks of the Santa Ana Mountains above. The section is a thigh burner, so switch into slow-and-steady mode and keep an ear out for oncoming bikers racing down the blind curves of the trail.

Upon reaching the flag, the route joins a dirt fire road that climbs a bit more as it wraps around the low peaks of the Santa Anas. The radio towers atop Santiago Peak, the highest peak of the Santa Ana range, become visible in the distance, however after a more mellow climb, the remainder of the Luge Loop now follows a gradual downhill grade, with the payoff being the constantly changing views stretching to the Pacific that compliment the remainder of the fire road section. As the trail veers between the north slope of the hills and the south slope, hikers can also look down at the homes in narrow Modjeska Canyon. 

The trail eventually descends to a gate at the entrance to the fire road. From here, the hike sticks to the shoulder of Modjeska Grade Road and Santiago Canyon Road for the final 1.7 mile stretch back to Cook's Corner. 

Hikers should be aware that there is no shade along the fire road section of this hike. Drinks, bathrooms and food are available at Cook's Corner, however this canyon bar also attracts very large crowds on some weekends.