South Fork Trail #1E04

Dogs Unknown

A National Forest Adventure Pass is required in order to park at the trailhead. Wilderness permits are suggested but no longer required for day use, and can be obtained at the drop box at the Mill Creek Ranger Station.

Head up the well-marked trail from the parking lot at the South Fork Trailhead on Jenks Lake Road. Four miles in, the trail reaches South Fork Meadows and sidles up next to the South Fork of the Santa Ana River. This is the last reliable year-round water source on the route.

From South Fork Meadows, take the right-hand fork of the trail, heading up a ridge past Dollar Lake. This section has most of the steepest climbing. Continue past the spur trail for Dollar Lake to Dollar Lake Saddle. There is a four-way junction at the saddle with a metal sign.