The canyon is also the location of the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary. Most of the canyon is surrounded by the Cleveland National Forest.

Modjeska Canyon is named after the 19th-century Polish stage actress, Helena Modjeska, who settled in the canyon in the late 19th century. Her home from 1888 to 1906, "Arden", is a National Historic Landmark.

Santiago Canyon is an unincorporated community in Silverado, California. According to the 2000 census, Santiago Canyon has several hundred residents living within its borders. Two canyons that border Santiago Canyon include Trabuco Canyon and Modjeska Canyon. Modjeska and Santiago Canyon are both sections of Silverado. One of a few neighborhood communities in Santiago Canyon includes the Santiago Canyon Estates and the Falcon View Estates. The landmark Cook's Corner motorcycle restaurant is also located within Santiago Canyon.

Hiking and mountain biking are the two common forms of recreation in Santiago Canyon, due to the area's mountainous terrain. Some popular trails include the Modjeska Trail and Live Oak Canyon Trail, both available for hiking and mountain biking. Santiago Canyon's signature recreation trail is the Santiago Truck Trail, ideal for hiking, running, and mountain biking. The Santiago Truck Trail stretches 8 miles (13 km), to the trail end, "Old Camp". Bird watching is also a prominent activity in the canyon; native birds in the area include the Turkey Vulture, Red Tailed Hawk, and Golden Eagle, all of which can be seen in the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary in neighboring Modjeska Canyon as well. Motorcyclists and Bicyclists are common sights in Santiago Canyon. A popular bicycle ride is Como Street, which passes through the canyon main road every Sunday morning. The California historic landmark site Cooks Corner restaurant is a favorite among motorcyclists. It is one of the more famous sites in Orange County.

Trabuco Canyon is a small unincorporated community located in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains in eastern Orange County, California, north of Rancho Santa Margarita. It lies partly within the Cleveland National Forest.

Plano Trabuco Road leads from the top of the Canyon, south, to the city of Rancho Santa Margarita.

Fourth of July features an old-fashioned parade of locals riding horses and pulling home-made floats to the cheers of observers - who are small in number but large in enthusiasm.

A landmark is the Trabuco Oaks Steak House, a favorite restaurant of President Richard Nixon.

A monastery of the Vedanta Society is also in the canyon, as well as the Trabuco Canyon Community Church

Arroyo Trabuco: Excellent for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, wildlife observation, nature photography and picnicking. Ranger-guided tours, nature walks, slide presentations and environmental activities may be scheduled by calling the park office.

Cook’s Corner: Orange County's most famous weekend biker hangout. Every weekend, passersby can see motorcycles parked 10-deep at this popular cafe. In addition to its nightly live music, customers come to shoot pool, drink beer and enjoy this landmark's natural canyon ambience. Cook's Corner has been in operation since 1937.

Hamilton Oaks Vineyard: Tucked in Trabuco Canyon, Hamilton Oaks Winery is producing international award winning wine right here in Orange County. Created with handcrafted winemaking equipment and aged in French Oak Barrels, Hamilton Oaks Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are exquisite as are the Barbera and Mélange Du Sud. Served in Orange County's finest restaurants, these wines must be experienced and shared as one of Orange Counties hidden treasures.

O'Neill Regional Park: Located in majestic Trabuco Canyon, this expansive park offers a unique spot for both day use and camping.

Starr Ranch Sanctuary: Located in Trabuco Canyon, Starr Ranch Sanctuary offers educational and research opportunities for ages 7 and up through their Ecology Programs, Starr Ranch Junior Biologists, Ranch Research, Family Nature Workshops, and Starr Ranch Bird Observatory.

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park: Over 1,500 acres of deeply forested canyons, scenic rock formations and grassy rolling hills are enriched by intermittent streams and trails to create an ideal open-air opportunity for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.