Silverado Trail to Bedford Peak

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A nice sustained climb up Silverado Trail to Bedford Peak.

May need an Adventure Pass to park.

From the parking area, head east on Maple Springs Road (which continues off of Silverado Canyon Road). At about 0.1 miles, just after crossing a creek, take a left onto Silverado Trail. The path immediately begins to climb at a moderate grade up the north wall of the canyon. The numerous switchbacks help to ease the steepness of the climb.

The trail, which weaves through sage and bedrock outcrops, ascends the ridge between Silverado and Ladd Canyons; the higher you climb, the nicer the views. Continue up the ridge until you reach North Maine Divide Road at about 3.4 miles. Take a right onto the road and follow it up the road to about 3.6 miles, where there is a path that turns off to the right; this leads up to Bedford Peak.

Bedford Peak is not a true peak in that it stands prominent against the surrounding topography; rather it is more of a bump along the road and if you stop paying attention you may miss it. Regardless, it offers great views of the Santa Ana, San Gabriel, and the San Bernardino ranges, and the Pacific Ocean.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.

Sage and other shrubs. Assortment of trees line Maple Springs Road.

Silverado was named for the hopes of finding silver in the canyon in the 1870s. Silverado Trail was originally a fire road but has eroded down to a simple footpath.