2015 Map of Santiago Peak

About this map

Santiago Peak and Modjeska Peak dominate the skyline of the Santa Ana Mountains in this modern survey of eastern Orange County. The landscape is defined by the contrast between the protected wilderness of the Cleveland National Forest and the expanding residential development in the foothills. Deep canyons such as Silverado Canyon, Modjeska Canyon, and Holy Jim Canyon preserve the area's older rural character, while newer master-planned communities like Rancho Santa Margarita, Dove Canyon, and Robinson Ranch spread across the southern slopes. The intricate drainage network of Arroyo Trabuco and Santiago Creek highlights the complex topography that historically separated these remote mountain enclaves from the rapidly urbanizing plains. This 2015 edition tracks the modern footprint of Portola Hills and Trabuco Canyon, showing how road networks like Trabuco Canyon Road and Live Oak Canyon Road bridge the gap between wilderness and suburbia.