A few of us from the Southern Riverside County/Northern San Diego County area will be doing a run up the east side of Santa Rosa peak this Saturday.
This trail is a little gem that few people are aware of- It was impassable for a few years due to downed tree's near the top. It gives you the big bear feel with out the drive.
The trail is called Sawmill and it starts in the Pinyon Flats area east of Anza. The first part of the trail is typical fire road, with the final section an old logging road that meets up at stump springs - where the west approach comes in. If any of you are in to Mt. Biking -you may have heard about this killer downhill trail. The trail can be run in vehicles with open diff's, but 31" tires or larger, sliders, and a mild lift are recommended. Most of the 80's I have seen on this site would have no problem. Stock vehicles could meet us on top using the west approach.
FWIW- I have seen guys do this in vehicles larger than 80's, but it requires some skill to negotiate a few tight turns. If I get a chance I will post some pictures of last years run.
The elevation at the top of Santa Rosa/ El Toro is over 8,000 feet and their still may be some snow on top. The views are great. If you have ever been down in Coyote Canyon and looked up at the peak to the northeast- That's El Toro.
We are planning on meeting at the 79/371 intersection at 8:30 a.m.
With a departure at 8:45 a.m. This will be a 3/4 day trip and you can be home easily by early evening.
if any of you guys don't mind can hanging out with a few of us lowly 40 owners, we would love to have you along.
Tim
This trail is a little gem that few people are aware of- It was impassable for a few years due to downed tree's near the top. It gives you the big bear feel with out the drive.
The trail is called Sawmill and it starts in the Pinyon Flats area east of Anza. The first part of the trail is typical fire road, with the final section an old logging road that meets up at stump springs - where the west approach comes in. If any of you are in to Mt. Biking -you may have heard about this killer downhill trail. The trail can be run in vehicles with open diff's, but 31" tires or larger, sliders, and a mild lift are recommended. Most of the 80's I have seen on this site would have no problem. Stock vehicles could meet us on top using the west approach.
FWIW- I have seen guys do this in vehicles larger than 80's, but it requires some skill to negotiate a few tight turns. If I get a chance I will post some pictures of last years run.
The elevation at the top of Santa Rosa/ El Toro is over 8,000 feet and their still may be some snow on top. The views are great. If you have ever been down in Coyote Canyon and looked up at the peak to the northeast- That's El Toro.
We are planning on meeting at the 79/371 intersection at 8:30 a.m.
With a departure at 8:45 a.m. This will be a 3/4 day trip and you can be home easily by early evening.
if any of you guys don't mind can hanging out with a few of us lowly 40 owners, we would love to have you along.
Tim
Last edited:
