Silverado Canyon is a deep gorge in the Santa Ana Mountains of Orange County, California, carved by seasonal Silverado Creek and forming part of the Santa Ana River watershed. The small community of Silverado lies within the canyon, which is framed by surrounding peaks and linked to side branches such as Ladd Canyon. Its creek usually flows in winter and early spring, then dwindles or dries by summer, helping define the canyon’s character. Named for former silver mines, the canyon still bears visible tailings from the Blue Light Mine, and its mining legacy includes dangerous old workings. Today it serves as both a residential mountain valley and an entry into Cleveland National Forest.

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