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Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
39 reviews for Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
39 reviews in English
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Review from Catherine Q.
Irvine, CA
This is a beautiful hiking trail along the canyons.
The trail to the Top of the world is a bit tiring, especially when the sun is shining right above your head, there is not much trees to give you shade. But once you get to the top, nature rewards you this breathtaking view.
The trail to the cave is beautiful as well, this trail is not as tiring, but it's just a Looonnnnnng road.
This hiking trail is not for hardcore hikers or bikers, but it's a nice relaxing hiking trail for people who want to breath some fresh air in the weekends.
The tar road to the entrance of the park is a bit too long. You have to walk about 20-30 minutes to get to the entrance.
You have to bring enough water and food. Although the trail is relaxing to walk, when the sun is shining right on your head, the dehydration makes you really tired.
Watch where you walk, we met our first 5 feet long wild snake with shiny black skin.
We were scared, excited, but we still kept going. -
Review from Heather H.
Temecula, CA
4/2/2012
I start at the part on Canyon vistas and ride up bottlebrush to the trail which seems to be close to the top of Cholla. I Ride all the way to where the benches are then down the residential street where you have to go through the Ice plant to get to the trail you can see in the distance. Following the paved road to the top where the kiosk is, you reach Meadows trail. This is a fun, fast switch back ST trail. It drops you off at the fire road trail down below. Nothing to much more exciting after that, just some good exercise and a few berms and jumps. This takes you back to Wood Creek Park. During the week there's less people, (I like less people, actually No people). Weekends its crowded.
Some good uphill climbing, good for the butt! -
Review from Mike T.
2/27/2012
This hike is pretty cool. Your main areas of interest should be reaching Dripping cave & Cave rock. Dripping cave is a miniature cave probably about 30 feet wide, 30 feet high. The cave is definitely an interesting experience and a great photo op. It's pretty much a huge cave opening on the side of a mountain. Cave rock is a huge mountain w/ miniature caves inside of it; the caves in the mountain are probably 10 feet deep, 4 feet high, just big enough for 2-3 people to crawl in and sleep inside (just to give you a visual). You can do mini climbing on cave rock too just for fun.
Dripping cave is about 2.5 miles from the parking lot so it's a nice moderate hike. To get to dripping cave you have to cross a few streams, but the streams have small wooden 2x4 bridges just big enough for bikers to cross.
My group also hiked to top of the world from the ranger station, and the distance from the ranger station to top of the world was probably a good 4-5 miles (non-loop). The hike to top of the world wasn't easy. After you pass Dripping cave it's pretty much all up-hill. The scenery is still nice going there tho.
It took us about 4.5 hours to go from the Rangers statation to Dripping dave to Top of the world, then double back. We stopped at some places for lunch & pics & stuff too.
Distance - Varies
Loops - No
Parking Fee: $3
Difficulty -Easy
Pros:
+Not crowded (not that many hikers or families, mostly bikers)
+Mountain bikers welcome
+Scenery is nice, you see streams, rock formations, lots of trees, lots of hills
+Good for families (to reach dripping cave)
+The maps at the ranger station are very accurate
+Trails were very well maintained
+Lots of small critters on the trail like rabbits & squirrels
+Lots of bathrooms on the trail
+Not much elevation until you pass dipping cave
Cons:
-First mile of this hike is just on asphalt (this is good for mountain bikers)
-Not much shade
-Not good for pets
This is probably one of my favorite hiking spots in OC. I'll be back. -
Review from Chrystal Ann M.
Lake Forest, CA
4/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a gorgeous place to adventure! If you go through the entrance, You will see they have bathrooms and a ranger station. Maps, and information on the trails are posted. Great place for anyone to go!
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Review from Miguel R.
11/28/2011
At the entrance of this sanctuary there is a mountain lion warning! Wow! Really made it seem like you were going to enter a pocket of nature in the middle of the OC. There are really great maps of the sanctuary available here. A simple look at the map really makes this place seem beyond fun. Let's see, on the map, there's Cave Rock and Dripping Cave and even Mallard Marsh! Sounds like more adventure than anyone would ever get in the OC!
Then, the most horrible reality sets in.... From the parking lot till Gate # 2 the "hike" or rather walk is BORING.... All you get to see is huge homes atop hills, the asphalt road and the kind of vegetation you see around urban riverbeds. You have to endure at least a mile of this before you get to Gate # 2 which is where all the fun begins. If you are lucky you might see a rabbit or two and maybe even a snake. My 6 yr. old nephew was complaining about how boring the hike was and well, he was right. We almost turned back. I convinced everyone to continue after reminding them of the cool places on the map.
At Gate # 2 there is a bench to sit on. It's a shady area. Here you begin to see another lame element of the hike. Speed demon packs of mountain bikers galore.... Thanks to these guys the dirt path which begins here is soft and dusty which makes it hard on hikers since it's something like walking on sand at the beach. The vegetation isn't very pretty around here either. To be fair there are some nice trees and great views of the hills.
Cave Rock is really cool!!!! Soon you begin to forget how lame the walk to this place is. Cave Rock is a huge sandstone boulder with a cave carved into it. It's big enough to get into it but not big enough to stand in it. The rock formations around here are beautiful. There are at least two caves here. You have to go off the main trail a bit to get to Cave Rock but it's worth it. There is a sign where you need to enter.
Dripping Cave is really cool. It is a really big cave nestled in a beautifully wooded area. There is a cute little bridge leading to it.
The trail is an easy one. It is flat from the beginning all the way to Dripping Cave. There are markers along the road that indicate the distance you have walked. There are signs that indicate where the places on the map are. Without the caves however, this place would not be worth a visit.Listed in: Magical OC, Best and Worst Local Hikes
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Review from Valentino R.
Aliso Viejo, CA
3/19/2012
We hike here daily...right across the street we love were we live
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Review from Christopher B.
Hermosa Beach, CA
2/26/2012
This is another great area I recently discovered in the area. Thanks to my wife's running group, we have been gathering trail maps for all these parks. Although we didn't trail run there were definitely several who passed us up. There were some mountain bikers but since we went later they were finishing up. It's amazing how quickly you forget that you're in a populated area being surrounded by nature and quiet. We saw several small animals along the way... the first mile or so it paved and flat but after that you have the option to do some inclines. The biggest challenge is Mathis, which rewards you with a view of the ocean and a cool breeze!
Listed in: Hiking Trails
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Review from Sara P.
9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had talked to a friend about hitting this trail. He came here that weekend and told me how awesome it actually is! We got a group of 7 together, ranging from beginners - ridiculously experienced hikers. By the end of the hike all of us were sweating and feeling it.
Lots of little caves and saw a wrecked 41 VW! So crazy.
This trail is super busy. I saw more mountain bikers than hikers. Which got annoying after awhile. Not sure that I will ever be back to this trail, but I'll def recommend it!
Get in once the park opens and you will enjoy the hike for sure.Listed in: Hiking Spots
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Review from MiYun C.
5/11/2011 2 photos
The park is a good beginner's trail. There are few inclines but they are not insurmountable. We had to run, to ensure a good cardio burn.
The views of the ocean at the top are breathtaking.
Not a very challenging hike indeed.
Parking is free, if you park in the neighboring area.
Cheers!Listed in: Getting Your Sweat On
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Review from Aimee P.
Irvine, CA
4/18/2011
This park offers many trails that lead to a variety of terrain, waterfalls, bridges, and of course, the lovely park at the top of the world. However, it mostly caters to large group type of casual hikes. If you go in a smaller group, you will undoubtedly be run down by mountain bikers. Some of them will politely call out so that you have plenty of time to step to the side of the path, but others just come tearing from behind you, ready to run you over and leave you behind. As someone who's watched 127 Hours, I am not prepared to go that way.
the good:
- waterfalls and streams
- variety of terrain
- nice views
- casual-friendly
the bad:
- scary mountain bikers -
Review from Rina M.
La Palma, CA
12/17/2010
This hiking site was not bad. I prefer a challenge, involving much sweat and heavy breathing, and much incline. Aliso and Wood Canyons lack much of that compared to other hiking sites I have been to. But not too bad. This trail is keen for bikes and also strolling around with your kids.
If you're in the mood for a nice steady, moderate work-out catching up with a long time friend, i suggest this trail [=
Nice view all over though. -
Review from Xerxes M.
Laguna Niguel, CA
3/29/2011
Really fun place to go with a family or friends. The hike is easy and you get an AMAZING view from the top.
I am always surprised that more people don't know about this place or go. Instead we sit around on computers all day... writing... reviews... on ... yelp
Wait, wtf am I doing here.. see you guys at the top! -
Review from Peter Y.
Laguna Niguel, CA
12/19/2010
This park is horrible and dangerous. There are killer squirrels, polar bears and even chupacabres were recently sighted. Stay away people. I will volunteer to safety check the trails on weekends for others and will let everyone know when it is safe to visit (probably never).
Cheers, -
Review from Angela C.
9/22/2010
This is a great place to hike or bike in the OC! For hikers, you can make it as short or as long as you want. The first 1 miles is all paved road so it's kinda boring, but once you get on the dirt road there's lots to see - we saw a rattlesnake and tarantula!
Our group of hikers made it to the Dripping Cave and back, which is a roundtrip of 5 miles. You can keep going if you want... look for a guide/map at the Ranger's station next to the parking lot to determine which trails you'd like to take and how far you'd like to go. Also a great place to bring your kids and your dogs.
It's a very exciting place to bike too - lots of dirt terrain and plenty of excitement for beginner and advanced bikers alike. I consider myself a beginner mountain biker and had a lot of fun the few times I was here.
The only thing about this trail is that it's not very shaded, so it's best to come in the Fall or Spring or during the early morning or late afternoon hours.
Parking is $3.
Directions:
- 5 Freeway and exit Alicia Parkway
- Turn west, towards the ocean (so left if you're coming from SD, and right if you're coming from LA).
- Make a right on a small street called Awma and park in the dirt lot where the trailhead begins.Listed in: Outdoorsy Fun!
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Review from Chris M.
Aliso Viejo, CA
7/27/2010
I really enjoy riding and walking here.
Someone once said that he did not enjoy Aliso because of it being like a ski moutain. Short up, short down, short up, short down. I enjoy this as it provides riders with many different loop options.
There are trails that will fit every rider's ability level. You can ride the fireroads for the very beginner riders to more novice coyote run trail. Then if you are feeling a bit more confident you can ride the actual single track trails like Lynx, Rock-It, Five Oaks, Meadows, and Stairsteps.
Stairsteps drops you into Laguna Canyon so be prepared to hike a bike out or cross Laguna Canyon Rd. to continue your ride into Laguna Canyon Wilderness park.
If you choose to ride here, be cautious of other riders and walkers. Keep an eye and ear open to "see" around hide to see corners.
I have heard of many people getting into pointless accidents because one person was not aware of the surroundings and other people on the trails.
Hiking:
The hike to the top of the world is a great hike. However, it may become a bit long for a first time hike. If you are parking at the ranger station you will need to walk about a mile and a half on asphalt before you actually get into the park. Then you will need to walk further into the park on a fireroad to access the sights. I would highly suggest going to Dripping Cave. Though the cave is pretty small and not very deep, the idea of going into a place where bandits once hid is pretty cool.
There is a good trail that I can't see to find on any maps. (edit: Wood Creek) However, it is a walking only trail and lies underneath the tree canopies. My fiance and I went on it and it remembered her of the show LOST, haha.
tips: wear comfortable clothing, wear sun screen and bring a lot of water. Also, choose a loop before you start on your journey.
I once saw a mother with three young young children talking about hiking to Top of the World. The temperature was in the 80s and the family still had another 4 miles with most of it UP left to go. I would also suggest putting the ranger station as a phone contact in case of an emergency. 949-923-2200
Oh yeah, there is a lot of wild life there! Rabbits, squirrels, gophers, deer, rattlesnakes, birds, etc... -
Review from Steve A.
Irvine, CA
12/3/2009
Ok, so straying from the standard restaurant reviews, I gotta add my mountain biking experiences. Aliso has a great mix of trails for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. The parking is $3/day, or you can buy an annual pass for the regional OC parks. I know you can find some free parking, but hey, SUPPORT OUR PARKS. Anyways, here's what I have to say:
Beginners: Start out at the ranger station, head through the pavement and make a right onto the main Woods fire road. Gradual increase for about 2.5 miles until you hit a bench/covering at the base of the Cholla trail. If you're a beginner, stop here, and turn around.
Intermediate: Head up the woods trail, and make a left onto Coyote Run about 2 miles into it. It'll loop you back through to the main trail.
Advanced: Head up the woods trail. Make a left through Mathis and get to the Top of the World (climb climb). Or head to cholla and climb the short, but steep trail to the opposing fire road. Either way, head down Lynx or Rock It. Be careful, and have fun.
I have to walk some of Rock It, but it's damn good fun. -
Review from Robert C.
Sacramento, CA
10/29/2008
A very awsome trail head in the middle of Suburbia! Whodathunk?
Anyway, this place is great for most of your land based outdoorsyneeds. I like it since it's just down the hill from me and within moments I can escape the hustle, bustle and all that other stuff that living in Orange County brings, and be at one with nature. With clothes on mind you.
Parking here is pretty easy - there's a dirt lot and a honor system to pay for the parking. If you're morally dubious, or believe in Asphaltius, the patron saint of free parking, there's curbside parking near the trail head, or in the church parking lot (wouldn't try that on Sunday though) or the nearby school on Aliso Creek (Don't think of it as being too far away, think of it as additional trail to ride!)
From the head part of the park in Laguna Niguel, there's a private access road that will take you to some of the trail heads, however there are numerous signs advising one to Keep Out, and that it is Private. But everyone rides or walks on it anyway (unless they like kicking up dirt on the side trail =P ).
The sights from this place are really great as mentioned previously, and it feels pretty well maintained. -
Review from Sean W.
Aliso Viejo, CA
12/1/2009
One of my favorite spots in all of Southern California. A great place to clear your head on a Saturday morning or kick off the weekend on a Friday afternoon with a ride down the scenic trails. A beautiful, expansive nature park with a mix of flat and pitched trails for biking, hiking and running. Depending on the trail you take, you might have views from the valley floor of the hills, creeks winding their way through the tall grass, thick Eucalyptus groves, and even the ocean.
The trails are well laid out and well marked. They never really seem crowded, however, there is always a trickle of other people on most trails, so if you are hiking/biking alone and get in trouble, you would likely be able to flag down help.
The main trail on the valley floor is well worn and consists of compressed dirt/sand in most parts. Some of the more popular parts of the trail are pretty sandy, however, and may require a little extra effort to get through.
Some of the trails are strictly for advanced riders, however, due to the pitch of the trail and the rocky/uneven terrain. So know your limit and if in doubt, don't ride it! -
Review from Eric W.
Lake Forest, CA
3/5/2008
I had no idea this place existed until a couple of years ago on a scavenger hunt. A friend had this course that took you all over Orange County to point out important points of interest. The stop here was to go into the tiny museum that they have to find out the name of the stuffed creature in the case, but the intent was to show you the park.
Since then I have found this place to be great to get in some time with nature. It is a very nice escape that is a lot closer than the mountains. There are trails for running, hiking, and mountain biking. There is some free parking on the street and a dirt lot for the park for a fee. I'm not sure how the church there handles people parking there and then using the park and I wouldn't risk it. If you have to pay your $3 to park in the dirt lot just do it and get some outdoor exercise in ya.
There are trails through wooded areas with a stream. As you get higher you catch amazing views of El Moro and Laguna Beach. There are a lot of signs posted to let you know what is permitted and what is banned on the various trails. As you are walking remember that there is nature around you and keep an eye on the trail. There are scats to step in if you aren't careful.
There are some great mountain biking trails for riders of all skill levels. I've seen little kids on dirt bikes riding them with their parents. Some of the trails are pretty technical, so talk to someone in the know or read about the trails somewhere like on Geoladders. Some of the trails are not meant for the novice rider, so beware. Rock-It is a pretty steep descent on (as the name indicates) rock. If you don't know what you are doing you could really take a tumble and get hurt. There was a dirt single track on the right side of Rock-It to allow for an easier trail down, but the recent rains have put a big ditch down the middle of that from drainage and it is no longer an option. And if you're hiking on them, watch out for crazy riders bombing down the hill.
Be safe and enjoy!Listed in: Out and About
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Review from Amy K.
Aliso Woods is a great place for mountain bikers, runners, and hikers. There are about 30 miles of trails here, with a variety of groomed paths and single-track trails. The park is open from 7 am to sunset. There is a dirt parking lot where you can park all day for $3, or you can park for free on the street in front of the church across the way. Usually all the free parking is taken, and besides, the $3 goes towards maintaining the park, so I park there anyway. Make sure you bring 3-$1 bills since the machine doesn't give out change.
I ran here with some friends on Saturday and stayed on the main, wide trail. We went out-and-back for a 10 mile run. Along the way, we passed two streams which had board across them so we didn't have to get wet. Mountain bikers can ride through them if they want to. The trails are nice and smooth, so you don't have to worry about tripping over rocks, like at Whiting Ranch. As a clumsy person like myself, this is a real bonus. On the way out, the trail is a slight uphill, so coming back is nice and easy since you get to go downhill.
The trails are scenic, and it's a nice break from pounding the pavement. I've heard that some people have spotted snakes and other animals out here, so be on alert, and never run or bike alone on trails. Safety first! -
Review from Sam R.
Anaheim, CA
5/5/2011
Yo amo Aliso and Woods park. This place is great for hiking, mountain biking, running, nature gazing, photography and you name it. Its $3 dollars for parking or free if you park on street that leads into ranger station.
I like mountain biking here once a week after the return longer days. note that the weekends can get very crowded. when biking I've witnessed happy couples, couples fighting, happy kids, crying kids, deer, snakes, squirels, rabits and even snakes swallowing rabits whole. One time i thouhgt i had seen a chupacabra but did not say anything because i figured i would end up in straight jacket. However another Yelper mentioned seeing a chupacabra too so now i know i'm not crazy, wheeeww!
Whether you decide to go hiking or mountain biking, the very end or highest point is called Top of the World and worth every drop of sweat. Here you will get 360 degree views of Orange County. Make sure to bring plenty of water and light snacks too! -
Review from RF G.
Orange County, CA
4/13/2010 4 photos
Not counting pestilence, an epidemic, a tsunami or some related sub-category of Armageddon, it's hard to rate less than 5 stars when reviewing something made by Mother Nature herself, ya know, unless you want to get struck down by a bolt of lightning, or attacked by a colony of pissed off red ants.
Take your mountain bike, run or hike here, there are miles and miles of trails to "safely" reconnect with nature and enjoy the awesome California weather. It doesn't matter whether you're experienced in mountain biking, hiking or running - there is something for every level here, as there are plenty of flat as well as steep trails.
There are also areas where you can ride/run/walk through thick woods on narrow trails (my favorite), which are very green in spring time, and then later on in the year dry up when deep in the summer. You can start at the bottom off the Aliso pkwy entrance or at the top in Laguna Beach (through Alta Laguna Park) - It's probably better to start at the bottom and make way up to the top for the reward of some spectacular views to inspire you for... well, whatever it is you need inspiration for :)
Google up for some basic rules and guidelines that would do you good to know before visiting, and follow the signs over there - just a little bit of that and showing up is enough for a couple good hours of enjoyment. Some Pics attached. -
Review from Huana P.
Laguna Beach, CA
3/6/2010
I just came back from this area today! We started off at the top of Laguna from Top of The World. Free parking near the tennis courts! Then we trailed down and back up again, thru Wildnerness Park and up near the Ridgeline.
Amazing hikes with tons of mountain bikers. Really cute mountain bikers, actually!! (Mtn biker with the red/blue jersey, please give me a holler!) The hikes are all pretty easy hikes with lots of switchbacks and moderate elevation. The only tricky areas are when you're not sure if a biker is coming down a steep path made for only 1 person---a mountain biker or a lone hiker. Then just your luck, if a mountain biker heads down super fast, you'd better watch out because then you will certainly get tread on your back.
I'm amazed at how green these trails are. In some areas I felt like I was in upstate NY. The trails are quiet and untamed in some areas. The views from up top see all the way from the Pacific Ocean from Laguna all the way to Aliso Viejo track houses to the San Bernandino mountains. Absolutely breathtaking....and I've searched many places looking for such a variety of views. I think this hike was much prettier than El Moro.
I love the hikes at Aliso and Wood Canyons, and I will certainly be back for more. -
Review from David v.
8/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
Every Saturday and Sunday I am on these trails for my bike ride. I am actually pretty impressed with these trails because they have everything from beginner to advanced trails. One of my favorite things is to start at the bottom and bike up to the top for the workout and then blast downhill for fun. It seems like I am flying at 30+ easily (I really should clock it sometime). If your looking for some adventure they have some pretty crazy trails what is practically a downhill forest with nothing by a ravine on one side (only for the advanced mountain biker). This is an excellent set of trails for biking and walking all in one place.
PS For you bikers, watch out of the soft sand that appears in various places in the trail. You can easy hit then and then hit the ground if you aren't careful. -
Review from Brendan F.
Washington, DC
10/11/2009
Of all the places to mtb in Orange County, this is probably my favorite because of convenient location, diversity of trails and reward for climbing to the top (ocean view? fuck yea!). My favorite trails are Lynx, Meadows and Rock It; the former two because they're challenging single tracks with lots of switchbacks and great views of the canyon and the latter because, well, I lived to tell about it. Seriously messed up trail. If you like rocks then this is a must-see. I wouldn't recommend Rock It without full suspension unless you want a seriously bumpy ride. Check this shit out:
Lynx
http://www.youtube.com...
Rock It
http://www.youtube.com... -
Review from Jay L.
Plano, TX
10/2/2010
Pretty boring at the beginning, even for beginners (very flat). The Dripping Cave is very small (and surrounded by Do Not Enter areas).
Wouldn't recommend it to people looking for a good workout.
Nice early in the morning though...scenery and all....
Parking is $3, easy to find, no dogs. -
Review from James L.
Aliso Viejo, CA
11/22/2010
Rated one of best mountain biking parks in So Orange County where I have had the pleasure of being Reserve Park Ranger, Naturalist for almost 20yrs this open space combined with Laguna Coast, Whiting Ranch and others comprise the central coastal NCCP due in part to many student's and professors from U.C IRVINE who laid the ground work chained ourselves to fences and enjoyed other civil disobedience's and a lot of true science, negotiations, and of course Mary of the Laguna Canyon Foundation these piece's of what once was have been protected but we must remain vigilant and not take them for granted or they will be lost as our rights have been. I would do it again if need be, as a Professor once quoted " THE ROAD TO HELL IS PAVED IN MITIGATION" The park is a gem there is plenty of high ground to watch the sun set and and romantic little nooks that only a experienced ranger should go or (can hence the badge) shady areas to escape the world for an afternoon so get out there experience nature get back to your roots get some clean air.!!
I am really not that old Friends graduated with my M.S in 98 and we still fight the same battles over and over again.
Aliso-ranger -
Review from Ashley F.
6/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
This hiking area is very easy to access and is suitable for all ages. The first mile or so is a walk along a paved fire road but it is still a nice walk. It gets hot in this little valley so be prepared. The area has a lot of rattle snakes so it's not the best I idea to go running through the brush. We about stepped on a snake while we were here but luckily it was not a rattler. A little turn off the main trial takes you to Dripping Cave which is a worthwhile little trip and you can spend a little time in the shade of the cave. There are a lot of mountain bikers here so pay attention while you are meandering down trails.
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Review from W S.
Irvine, CA
4/14/2011
The Mr and I really liked this place and will be going back for sure! We went on a cloudy late morning, it was actually pretty windy. What would make this a 5-star park: #1. shorter route from the parking lot to the actual trail (the 1.5mi was a tad too long, cutting into the actual trail funness) and #2. more creeks, cleaner creeks for that matter.. We went on the Dripping Cave trail and up another one right next to it. Would love to try Top of the World one day!
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Review from eunnie h.
Laguna Beach, CA
2/6/2011
Mellow fire trails. Beautiful scenery. For a moderately intense 2 hour hike round trip Take it up the back roads from aliso viejo up to Laguna beach top of the world. My 6 year old can make it but it's a hustle. You can incentivize with a great park with an ocean view at the top for the kids to play.
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Review from Ava A.
Los Angeles, CA
9/4/2010
I really liked the fact that this trail is family friendly and people are considerate and just plain nice.
The trails are made for beginners and advanced bikers and are well taken care of. The scenery of the surrounding hills is wonderful and the trails aren't jam-packed like some in LA. You can really stay here the whole day. -
Review from Michael B.
Laguna Beach, CA
8/29/2010
Great day away.
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Review from Joshua H.
Mission Viejo, CA
5/19/2010
My favorite Mountain Biking trek. I start at the dirt parking lot off alicia and aliso creek and proceed to circumvent the entire park. I shoot down the main pavement road for about a mile then bust a right onto the main wood canyon trail. I take this until it almost ends where I find one of my enemies know as the Choilla Trail. After I defeat this windy beast of a hill (easiest trail up to the ridge) I take the ridge for a few miles until I hit Top of the World. Sometimes I chill for a bit but I continue through the houses and come out at Meadow trail. I bust down to the bottom where I find the main pavement road back to my car. Perfection. About 11 miles?
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Review from sean e.
San Juan Capistrano, CA
11/20/2009
This is a great little park for biking. I really love the amount and variety of good biking and hiking trails. The trails are well labeled and tell you how many miles each trail is. There are mile markers to indicate distance and the greatest part of this little park is mathis its a great downhill advanced trail.
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Review from Michelle N.
Irvine, CA
11/13/2007
If you need to get a decent dose of nature and get away from everything but don't want a long drive, then you need to head here. The park is a series of really well maintained trails and interpretive signs, giving a history of the area from the Native American period and also a heads up on what critters to watch out for, like rattle snakes and coyotes.
The location is stunning, with a view of the valleys of Laguna and the ocean on your one side and then a view of Irvine and Big Bear on the other. The elevation is high and even on a hazy day the scenery is spectacular. There are a series of trails you can select that span from easy to more advanced and everything is well marked. The people that go to this park are very friendly and courteous, and they range from the young mountain bikers to small families. I like it because even though it is a well-used park, you never feel like the trails are crowded - it's just you and nature.
I access this park by going into Laguna Beach and turning onto Legion street off PCH. Follow Legion straight on, keeping to the right until you pass the school. Then hang a left towards the hills and wind up that road until you get to the end and then make another left and park on the street or in the parking lot - it is all free up here. They also have a small park with picnic tables so you can also bring a packed lunch and spend a leisurely day enjoying the phenomenal scenery. Enjoy! -
Review from Paul W.
Buena Park, CA
6/18/2011
THis place beats turtle rock any day. O U T S T A N D I N G view. it's a 2 mile-ish hike up. you can mountain bike too. Do not wear Vibram fives on this trail unless you have the KSO treks. You can supposedly see the ocean once you reach the top but the day I went happened to be cloudy but it was still incredibly asstastic! Bring water and watch out for the mountain bikers because some parts of the trail can get narrow.
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Review from philip v.
Aliso Viejo, CA
2/22/2010
Aliso Woods Canyons Wilderness Park is amazing! Its great for hiking or biking with trails of all skill level. I bike through it 3-5 times per week and am hooked. Take the adventure of Huckleberry Finn with the visiuals of the baptism from Oh Brother Where art Thou and a twist of sunshine.
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Review from Nolan R.
Aliso Viejo, CA
11/13/2010
Just had an awesome experience. You pay $3 to park, which is good for the entire day and goes to the parks system. This was my first time in this park, so I walked the first 10 minutes and then ran for the next 30 minutes. You run through dirt trails, sand trails, streams and rocky terrain, a really great workout. I saw a bunch of rabbits running out, but then walking back it got really cool. It took me a little over an hour to return to my car and along the way I saw 5-10 deer walking around and then out of no where, a small bobcat approached the trail. It seemed to be 30-50 lbs and it basically sat on the side of the road watching me pass. I moved out of it's way, about 10 feet away and kept my eye on him. It was such a neat experience and I wish I had my camera. Can't wait to return and explore the side trails and caves. Seems excellent for mountain biking. I cannot wait to buy a bike for this trail!
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Review from Shin S.
Long Beach, CA
6/13/2010
Great place to hike, take photos, ride bikes and get some real good mountain biking. Plenty of trails and things to look at. I personally come here to mountain bike. Full round trip can be about 11 miles and take three hours more or less depending on your conditioning and skill level. The first 4 miles or so is a steady, light up hill and from there you have Cholla trail at the end of wood creek trail which is a vicious, windy up hill for a few hundred yards. So if you have the stones give it a try. Once at the top of Cholla you have several options. Lynx trail which I have not personally gone down, Rock-it trail which is a technical down hill, Mathis trail which is basically a narrow fireroad that you can bomb down. and my favorite which is Meadows trail. This is a tricky trail to find. You first have to make it to the top of west ridge road then you have to go about a 1/4 mile through a neighborhood to the entrance. This trail is a down hill single track full of switch backs. From there its just a nice easy ride back to the parking lot! Have fun and be careful of rattlesnakes!
