The Holy Jim Trail is a family-friendly trail in the Cleveland National Forest. If you are looking for a laid-back, easy trail with breathtaking views, add the Holy Jim Trail to your bucket list.
Holy Jim Trail Location
This trail is 2.5 miles from Trabuco Canyon Road on Trabuco Creek Road in Cleveland National Forest.
Parking and Where To Begin
The road to the Holy Jim Trail is an unpaved, dirt road. The Forest Service suggests taking an off-roading or four-wheel drive vehicle.
You will find the trailhead at the end of this 2.5-mile dirt road. It is about six miles up the creek from O’Neil Park. Once you see a large, green building, you can park.
Holy Jim Trail Length
This trail is 2.8 miles long.
Elevation
The Holy Jim Trail goes from 2,200 to 4,000 feet.
Holy Jim Trail Hours of Riding or Hiking
Expect to ride or hike for one to three hours.
The drive up the dirt path to the trailhead is long due to the rough conditions of the road, so account for extra time.
Route Type
The Holy Jim Trail is ideal for hiking. It is possible to ride a mountain bike down the trail, but your handling skills will be put to the test. You may also go horseback riding along the Holy Jim Trail.
This is an out-and-back trail.
Difficulty
This trail is easy to moderate, and it is perfect for beginners and families.
What To Bring
As with any trail, be sure to bring water and food. Many visitors recommend packing a picnic lunch because the drive alone is so long. Wear tennis shoes or hiking boots to avoid contact with poison oak.
There is a waterfall at the end of the Holy Jim Trail, so wear bathing suits if you plan to go swimming.
Best Seasons To Visit the Holy Jim Trail
You can visit the Holy Jim Trail any time of year, but the Forest Service recommends hiking or riding the trail during cooler months.
You are more likely to see running water in the creeks during cooler months. Plus, the summer temperatures in this area may reach triple digits.
Additional Information
Pets are allowed on the Holy Jim Trail on a leash.
You will need an Adventure Pass to hike or ride the trail. You can purchase one from this website.
Reviews
Visitors enjoy the view at the Holy Jim Trail. Some have described the views as breathtaking and beautiful. Other visitors stated that the trail was well kept and partially shaded. Many recommend bringing bug spray and watching for poison oak.
They have also reported that you need a parking pass, or you may be ticketed. Many visitors mention that the dirt road is bumpy and long, but the trail is worth the time and effort.
Additionally, the trail has been closed periodically for damage from wildfires and dam removal, so check the website before visiting.
Check out more amazing hiking locations by visiting these articles:
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- Aiea Loop Trail
- Ancient Lakes Trail
- Batteries to Bluffs Trail
- Big Falls Trail
- Bridle Trails State Park
- Calico Basin Trail
- Cochran Shoals Trail
- Craven Gap Trail
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- Donut Falls Trailhead
- East Palisades Trail
- Endless Wall Trail
- Judd Trail
- Hummingbird Trail
- Kuilau Ridge Trail
- Kuliouou Ridge Trail
- Lake Clementine Trail
- Lost Valley Trail
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- Makiki Valley Trail
- Marymere Falls Trail
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- Point Bonita Trail
- Poo Poo Point Trailhead
- Red Reef Trail
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- Tahquitz Canyon Trail
- Trail Canyon Falls
- Waterfall Hikes
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