2026-Jan: Flag Summit-Bell View Trail/Shortest Peak/New Year Resolution/Level 2+

It’s 2026 New Year Resolution to summit a peak. For all the rains during the holidays and we are so not ready for many miles hikes, this is a start for 2026 peaks.
We have this rare post hike in a gem location of OC, in Trabuco Canyon within the Santa Ana Mountains. This trail is challenging steep, but short that will give you awesome pictures with an American flag and see panoramic views as far as the ocean. FOR OCCASIONAL HIKERS OR NEW TO HIKING, THE LOWER TRAIL IS SUITABLE, IT IS HARDER TO THE PEAK!

GENERAL RATING/DIFFICULTY: Level 2/2+: moderate or strenuous for distance, elevation, and pace. Click to see RATING TABLE for more info about hiking levels https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating

Difficulty: Moderate Pace Hike! (Advanced for elevation, steep and no shade)
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation: 1167 ft gain
Duration: 2 - 2.5 hours

Route: The trail is short but it's a steep climb to the goal - the American flag topped peak. From the street parking area on Robinson Ranch. The trail is very rocky so wear shoes with good traction.
There are beautiful views of the Santa Ana Mountains and the ocean on a clear day.

About this hike:
Bell View Trail Loop in the Cleveland National Forest, near Trabuco Canyon, is right on the edge of Rancho Santa Margarita. It is a quick climb right away and it will get your heart pumping as it has some roller coaster aspects to it. It is a bit of a butt kicker, so this probably shouldn’t be your first rodeo, but otherwise it is a great hike with views of Orange County, rolling hills and the mountains in the backdrop.

Directions:
For directions on your Google Maps, click here.
The trailhead is on Robinson Ranch Rd, near Trabuco Canyon and Rancho Santa Margarita. There is no parking lot, but there’s plenty of parking along the street.

REMINDER:
By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings
>>>YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
>>>YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY
***Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks and snake bites. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***