Date: 3/2/26 3:59 pm From: Sherry Meddick via groups.io <wrennietwoburd64.p4...> Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Situation with Long Canyon Road/Blue Jay Campground/Falcon Campground
Was just at a USFS volunteer meeting and the new Ranger discussed the situation post Airport Fire in regard to these areas a little bit. Wanted to give you a couple heads-ups.
1. Both Falcon AND Blue Jay will remain closed for a while. They are still contracting for danger/dead tree removal which as I understand it will extend to late summer early fall at least. He said there are a lot of trees to be removed. Heartbreaking. You are not/will not be allowed to even walk in these areas. Since I have yet to go to these areas post fire, I cannot say what remains of the area except I know the loss was VERY severe. I really don't know what would be open (including the various trails) when they open. They will announce it.
2. In regard to Long Canyon Road (which many take to get to Blue Jay/Falcon), it MAY open in May if the weather holds and it isn't a wet late spring. I think the target date was the 23rd, but as I understand it, it could be a bit earlier. They will publicize it and I will also let you know.
3. The Main Divide Road to Santiago Peak is closed. It WAS open from Indian TT (E side of mountain entrance) but the road is in such bad shape, they will be closing it. Right now there is NO access to the Trabuco District north of Ortega from anywhere on the mountain's east side. The only way to get in/out by car is Maple Springs. One can reach the very trashed Santiago Peak and continue along the Divide to Indian, but you have to turn around and go back so no point. So for most of you, you will want to go no farther than the seep at Big Cone Springs (which is where Dead Man's Curve II is located ... that's where all the speeders who lose control end up down deep in the canyon there so don't be surprised when you see a lot of dead vehicles down there).
4. After a long hiatus, USFS opened the Upper San Juan Campground, though it is closing in April/May for additional work. So, call the Ranger's office ahead should you chose to go. I have not been over there yet but heard it was nice. Not sure what that means, but I guess I will find out one way or other when I go. It's along a riparian corridor if memory serves so might be an interesting spot.
And a quick note about Holy Jim. Nothing is open. After fires in 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022, the place is nuked (the Ranger's words). In total, HJ and surrounding areas represent about 50K burned acres. I've absolutely no idea when this area will reopen. I guess the word "nuked" blocked most of what the Ranger said thereafter.
The road condition on Maple Springs is probably the worst I have seen in 10 years so my advice: don't even consider it if you have a low vehicle.
