Local Day Hikes
Purple Canyon Trail Loop Hike
Contributor: Sharon Brossier
This hike takes us behind the gates of Rolling Hills, so some words of caution are indicated. All roads and trails in the area are the private property of the residents. Permission of use is revocable at any time; therefore we ask that you use the utmost courtesy in your dealings with others while in this area. Hike along, not on, road pavement. Do not bring bikes on horse trails. When encountering horses move to the side of the trail (all on the same side), stop walking, and speak in low calm voices to help the horse understand that you are human.
This is a sunny, 1.5 hour hike that has approx. 800 ft of elevation gain. It is best hiked in morning or evening when the sun is lower. Water and an outhouse is available at Hesse's Gap horse ring. There is poison oak along the trail. Times are approximate. We were using a 2 to 2.5 mph pace. To the best of our knowledge, these directions are accurate at the time of printing, but conditions do change. Any person using this guide is responsible for his or her own safety and assumes all risks and full responsibility for any and all damages or injury which may result from the use of this route.
Begin by hiking through the Portuguese Bend Gate just off PV Dr. N. Turn left at first street onto Saddleback Rd. Hike the Bent Spring Trail on the south (right) side of the road. At the bottom of the first hill the trail turns right up the canyon. In about 13 minutes the trail makes a steep uphill and emerges at the intersection of Saddleback Rd, Portuguese Bend Rd, and Poppy Trail Rd. Turn left onto Poppy Trail Rd and continue (past Hesse's Gap) for approx .25 mile. As the road makes a sharp bend to the left continue straight up the dirt trail on the left (do not pass through the gate).
In about five minutes turn right onto the Purple Canyon trail. After about ten minutes hiking you are at a "Y" in the trail. Take the right fork. A few minutes hiking up a steep hill will bring you to Saffo's Rest, a large picnic table in a grove of eucalyptus. Enjoy a few minutes here before continuing up to the right. About 100 yds after Saffo's Rest you will be at a trail intersection marked by white rail fences. (The trail to the left will take you out onto Crest Road in just a 100 yds).
Proceed to the right and in a few minutes cross a paved road and pick up Georgeff Trail. In another few minutes a trail joins from the left. Proceed down the main trail as it descends back to Hesse's Gap above a wild canyon. Make a left onto Poppy Trail Rd 100yds back to Portuguese Bend Rd. Bent Spring Trail starts on the right side of the intersection and descends back to Saddleback Rd. Here the trail bends to the left and follows Saddleback Rd back to Portuguese Bend Rd. Turn right and pass back out the Portuguese Bend gate, where you started the hike.
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