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Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Rating Details »
18751 Laguna Canyon Rd
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 923-2235
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 923-2235
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
8 reviews for Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Today I did the Emerald Canyon out-and-back hike within LCWP (http://www.yelp.com/bi.... It was only about one hour from my San Diego home base and was about 8.5 miles roundtrip.
The highlights were: an ocean view, nicely shaded oak woodland (http://www.yelp.com/bi...), the ocean breeze and porta-potties at the parking lot. Unfortunately, you have to pay for parking, most of the hike was exposed, it was out-and-back and there wasn't an ocean access from the end viewpoint gate.
There are sections along the way that are steep but for the most part, the Emerald Canyon trail is rolling to reasonably flat. The hike is great for both hikers and bikers. There's plenty of side spur trails (like Emerald Falls) and links for longer or shorter hikes. I've read that the elevation gain is 1400+ ft but it definitely didn't feel like it.
Emerald Canyon is a fun and easily accessible hike for us Socal'ers. When you make it out, remember that if you come via 73, you'll need $2.25 for the toll and $3 for parking. Also, be sure to start the hike early because a ton of people frequent the trails and parking will probably be scarce after 9am on the weekend.
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Easy hike with great views!! I guess it's about 2 miles roundtrip and the trail we took is called Boat Canyon...I think. Not steep, but just a gradual incline. I'm so glad there was a nice breeze today! Like other Yelpers have said, the trail is nothing to rave about; just gravel and dirt. But you do get a beautiful view of the ocean on your way up and once you do get to the top, you can see all of Laguna. There were some sail boats and a cruise ship out there today. People were definitely enjoying the nice day. We left from Gate 14. It was a residential area, but we didn't have any problems finding parking. Man, there were some nice houses there. Those people must have an awesome view!
The hike was made even better by practicing a little yoga and meditation once at the top. It was soooo nice and relaxing. A great way to cool down. I'm sure I worked off some of that fried food I had at the OC fair!
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This is fairly close to the Crystal Cove Hike, but it's got some significant differences.
The first thing is you're parking off the 133, it's a dusty parking lot on your right hand side (if you're going to LB) with a warning sign for cougars (haha).
The scenery isn't nearly as beautiful as Crystal Cove, it's mostly trail dust and rock. This hike is fun if you're into proving your own prowess to yourself and the couple snakes you might see along the way. It's almost exactly a 5 mile straight hike if you go directly through, and the best part was when we emerged, we were a couple blocks away from the beach! At that time I had no idea, so my friends and I quickly and joyfully stumbled into the water and just SOAKED in there for an hr or so.
On the way back we were so tired that the crazy inclines and declines started murdering us. One of my friends lost all calf-muscle power and so had to crab walk back. This caused the rest of us to burst out laughing and fall down and roll a little in the dust. It was a bit of a weird trip, but afterwards I definitely had a sense of accomplishment.
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California parks are alive this Spring with wildflowers like I have never seen before. Usually when I come to visit- California seems to be in a middle of a drought or fire. But on my recent visit- the hills were ablaze with a different kind of fire- those of the wildflowers.
A friend steered me toward this park for a hike through some of the last remaining coastal canyons in Southern California. And to think I was just going to walk on the treadmill in the hotel!!
After paying a modest $3 to park my car- I was off to wander through a meadow of flowers. Everything was green and lush and as far I as I could see- it was like a painting with huge swatches of yellow and purple and red. The new Nix Nature Center is a great place to start your hike as it helps to explain what you are seeing and you can also join up with other hikers.
On the day I was there- birds were singing, rabbits were running through the wildflowers, the air smelled amazing and the serenity of the place put me in a great frame of mind. Not bad- considering my alternative was to spend the time indoors on a piece of exercise equipment in a hotel gym. Check it out -but hurry. I understand that the wildflower season only lasts until May.
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We did the full moon hike through Laguna Wilderness Park with the Laguna Canyon Foundation. See the Foundation's web site for dates. Reserve your spot early. http://www.lagunacanyo...
Most of the hike is relatively easy. One strong uphill climb will get your heart pumping. You'll need good hiking shoes. There is Poison Oak so either take the guided hike or know what to watch out for.
The docent pointed out aromatic plants, points of interest. We had a great time.
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the best view is from the Boat Road trail, at Gate 14. the view is only on the first part of the hike. the hike I did was pretty strenuous, and took about 3 hours... Boat Road to Bommer Ridge to Big Bend to Laguna Ridge, and back down Boat Road. I went on an overcast day, which was a very good thing. I can imagine that it would get pretty hot out there on a sunny day because there isn't any shade. watch out for tarantulas!
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Spring is alive in...laguna beach! I love SoCal - not only am I less than 10 miles from Laguna Beach but I can go on an awesome hike without driving over 2 hours. I was pleasantly surprised by the laguna coast wilderness park - it's located right off the 133 and El Toro Rd. (there's one that closer to the 405 called Nix that I'll have to try next time). Parking is a bit hectic but if you're lucky and not too late (we actually got there past 9 AM), for $3 you can park your cars until 4PM. Pick up a map at the informational table (or download one from: http://www.ocparks.com... and be on your way! We opted for the chilled hike taking the Laurel Canyon Trail ending on Willow Road. Well, the trek up to Laurel Canyon is a bit steep and strenuous with a beautiful view of the wilderness. I was disappointed to not see a lot of wildflowers being that it was spring but the green scene was lush and reminded me how thankful I was of God's nature. Wooden block are located as markers along the way in alphabetical order. For those taking this trail, the connection to laurel spur is kinda hidden so watch out for it (I was thankful for the avid hikers that tracked us down) or you'll be at the tollroads..haha. On our way down the forresty yet chilled laurel canyon trail, we saw a SNAKE...yes, the first live snake i've seen in my life...it ugly and was hissing a fit so watch out for them live animals too :). Hike was approx. less than 2 hours and a great way to start a saturday morning!
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I hiked a trail one summer morning with my mom and it was so much fun, especially because I never feel like there is anything cool to do around Irvine. The trail combines a nice challenge- a few hills + the lovely scenery of some of the only untouched land left in the OC area. We parked in the lot along Laguna Canyon Road, did a hike all that paralleled the road and it spit us out somewhere in LB, down by Pageant of the Masters. I definitely recommend doing this hike and then getting some brunch in downtown and do some window shopping. Afterwords you can go back to your car either by taking a bus or trolley, or by doing another couple miles walk back if you wanna burn off brunch! A lovely way to spend a couple of hours with a friend or loved one, and we will be returning to try another trail!
