"Started at the San Juan Trailhead next to Blue Jay Campground. I climbed New Sugarloaf first by utilizing a summit use trail. Old Sugarloaf was definitely more difficult. I managed to fit it in before the threatening clouds began raining." — MikeTeeples • Oct 1, 2023

"We started on this hike at 7 AM at the Hotsprings Trailhead. Then we ascended some long switchbacks with great views of Los Pinos Peak. Then the trail had really great views. There is some shade along the way. Then there were some more risky switchbacks. Then we saw our first views of the summit of Old Sugarloaf. Then we summited Old Sugarloaf and got excellent views from Old Sugarloaf. There is a small register tin and a summit sign on the top of Old Sugarloaf. We then rested at the only trail on the trail, then summited New Sugarloaf. There was a cool Split Rock near the summit. The summit has 2 signs, some okay views, and a register tin. " — lc444 • Aug 8, 2022

"Was expecting cool weather on a November day, but I guess the Santa Ana Mountains didn't get the memo. I took the Old San Juan Trail all the way to both summits. My first stop was Sugarloaf Peak. According to LPC directions, there is a use trail to the right upon reaching the mountain. To my surprise, I found the small use trail marked by a pile of rocks. The narrow trail cut through the high bushes. Had to climb over a few small boulders on the way up, but on top I found the register and peak sign. After hanging around a few minutes, I went back down to the Old San Juan Trail and proceeded toward Old Sugarloaf." — MikeTeeples • Nov 3, 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

"I hiked Old Sugarloaf and Sugarloaf on a very cloudy, misty, drizzly day. I hiked from Blue Jay Campground along the Middle San Juan Trail thinking it was the more direct Old San Juan. I passed and missed Sugarloaf! I misread the junction with the Old San Juan Trail near mile 5, where I should have made a right on Old San Juan for 150 yards to a use trail. I passed the 6 mi. mark now on Old San Juan, then tried hiking up cross-country up a ridge I thought may be Old Sugarloaf, then turned back, then backtracked the San Juan Trail and finally found a small cairn and narrow trail I missed the first time. I knew this was the right way to one of the two summits, but I did know at the time whether it was Old Sugarloaf or Sugarloaf. I determined that the elevation gain up the extremely steep use path was leading up Old Sugarloaf, which is 600'-700' straight up! I was right when I hit the old wooden sign on the peak! I descended and went back to the junction of Old San Juan, turned left for about 150 yards and saw a small cairn and use path. Going up Sugarloaf, the climb was shorter, but class 2 scrambling in spots. I did not climb the class 4-5 boulder on top because I am not train..." — brianpowell • Oct 20, 2017

"Got this peak and Old Sugarloaf in the same hike. Started at the Old San Juan trail head at Blue Jay Camp. Hike was 11.4 miles total. It started off descending into a mostly shaded canyon before rising toward the two hills. There are several smaller unmarked trails that intersect, but it is pretty easy to stay on the main trail. The use trail to the Sugarloaf peak is easy to see from the main trail and has a small cairn marking the start. It is slightly overgrown in places and I was glad I was wearing pants even though it was going to be a hot day. The last bit of the "trail" consists of climbing boulders where I had to use my hands in several places, but not too difficult. Signed the peak log at the top, but did not find any markers. Next was Old Sugarloaf. It's use trail was harder to spot and easy to miss. It is on the right side of the trail and has a small cairn (I added a few more rocks to it). Once you find the trail, it is easy to follow to the top, but the trail is very steep with lots of loose rocks. It is also narrow and was glad again that I wore the pants legs to my convertible pants. Like Sugarloaf, there was a peak log, but no markers. Returned the same way with the ..." — aaronm • Jul 26, 2015

"Took My girlfriend for a long hike up the wonderful San Juan Trail to Sugarloaf. After some good rain the trail was soft on the feet and not dusty which was nice. THe weather today was gorgeous. a little warm but we got relieve from the clouds and a good breeze. Hiking down into the sunset was fantastic! This was peak #17 of my 100 in 2014 goal." — 1-with-Nature • Mar 3, 2014