"My first visit to Trabuco Peak after the Holy Fire. Meanwhile, it was a foggy day in The mountains. The area isn't quite as green as it used to be, but it is starting to come back. Made the side visit to Horsethief Peak as well. Skipped on Vicker Benchmark and Mount Cairn this time around. Both are right off the road and it seemed like I would be padding my numbers if I included them (peak climbers integrity dilemma). " — MikeTeeples • May 4, 2024

"On a crisp and peaceful Wednesday with hardly a soul (just one mountain biker all day!!), I had a leisurely hike from Long Canyon Rd./Main Divide Rd. up Main Divide to Vicker Benchmark (4,316'), and through Los Pinos (Munhall) Saddle to Horsethief Peak (4,313'). The air was clear and fragrant with sage and pine glistening under a fresh light coat of snow from the day before. I swear that every time I go to the Santa Ana Mountains, I feel transported to a utopia, where nothing matters but the mountains,the plants, and the wildlife! I totally forgot about the miserable day at work the day before!! I took the south firebreak which is pretty steep, but Class 1. The hike up and back was mellow. The mileage for the whole trip is about 6.7 miles (out and back) with about 1,200' elevation gain (including Vicker BM and with a mild climb back to Los Pinos (Munhall Saddle) after visiting Horsethief Pk). I could have not asked for a better day. Without Vicker BM, the gain would be closer to 1,050' but with a negligible change in mileage since Vicker BM is right over Los Pinos (Munhall Saddle). Next time I visit Horsethief, I want to either take the West Horsethief Trail from Trabuco Ca..." — brianpowell • Feb 28, 2018

"The Beast - I joined up with some friends from the hiking group 3H (Hiking For Health and Happiness) to do there annual "La Bestia" hike. This hike took us to five peaks, 2 campgrounds (one where we bbq'd), 29.2 miles and almost 8,000 feet in elevation gain. Wow! What hike with some great people. The leads for this group knew what they were doing and took care and responsibility for everyone on the trail." — Philip-Yoho • Dec 16, 2017

"This was the sandwich peak between Vicker and Trabuco Peak. The road climbs steadily from Vicker for about another 2 miles. The summit had no marker, but most importantly, there were also no stolen horses! A hot day on the Main Divide, with still another peak to climb." — MikeTeeples • Oct 7, 2017

"Lovely hike from the intersection of Long canyon Rd. and Main Divide near Falcon Group Camp/Blue Jay Campground. Hike was up Main Divide to Los Pinos Saddle (AKA Munhall Saddle), up to very close Vicker Benchmark (4,316') then along main Divide to short, steep use trail branching off to the left towards the summit. Love the Coulter Pine grove at Los Pinos Saddle. Not a very strenuous hike, allowing you to contemplate the natural beauty of the Santa Ana Mountains." — brianpowell • Dec 10, 2016