Orange County's Top 5 Hikes

When you think of Orange County, maybe the first thing that comes to mind is Disneyland, the beach, the TV Show the OC, or any number of other things.  However, one thing that may not come to everyone's mind is the amazing hiking trails that exist in Orange County, California.  Orange County has a wide variety of different hiking trails.  One day you can be hiking right along the beach and the next in the mountains.  There are many hiking locations where you can get a great secluded feel and not even see evidence of the more than 3 million people that call Orange County home.  While there are many great trails and hiking locations in Orange County, we are doing our best to pick our top 5 trails/hiking areas in Orange County and the following are those that made the list:

NUMBER 5: RILEY WILDERNESS PARK

Riley Wilderness Park is one of OC Parks gems and offers some of the best hiking in Orange County. Riley Wilderness Park has been on of our favorite local park for hiking.  Even though it is a small nature preserve, with roughly 5 miles of trails, it packs a punch with abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery.  It is the type of hike you can squeeze in after work or do on the weekend when you have more time to explore.  It is truly a gem in Orange County and it is an Orange County hike the whole family can enjoy together because it is not that strenuous.  Ashley and I have always enjoyed visiting this park in the late afternoon/early evening.  To see our detailed trail write-up on Riley Wilderness Park, click HERE.

NUMBER 4: HOLY JIM CANYON TO HOLY JIM FALLS

Hiking to Holy Jim Falls is one of Orange County's more well known hikes.  This hike is essentially at the base of the Santa Ana Mountain Range, below Santiago Peak.  In our times hiking this trail we have always found water at the falls, no matter the season.  The hike is one that is easy to do with the entire family because it is only a short 2.8 miles round-trip from the parking lot.  This hike is secluded the entire way and is pleasant to hike year round.  For our detailed trail write-up on a hike to Holy Jim Falls click HERE.

NUMBER 3: LAGUNA COAST WILDERNESS PARK

The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park offers many hiking options.  It is roughly 6,800 acres in size and has miles of hiking trails.  There are many different hikes that one could do, from easy to strenuous.  Hiking here allows you to get great views of Orange County, as well as the Pacific Ocean.  And what is great is that after your hike, you can go into Laguna Beach and grab a bite to eat when finished!  You are likely to see other hikers and mountain bikers when here and you can always make new friends while hiking in this area.  A great introductory hike is Laurel Canyon, which is a 3.5 mile round-trip hike that will give you a great sampling of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.  To see our detailed trail write-up on the Laurel Canyon Loop in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, click HERE.

NUMBER 2:  CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK

Crystal Cove State Park is a very popular hiking destination in Orange County.  There are a wide range of trails and beach hiking opportunities as well.  While hiking here you will normally have great views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding wilderness areas.  You also have a great chance to see local wildlife while hiking here.  A great moderate to strenuous hike that we would highly recommend is hiking El Moro canyon.  This hike is 7.8 miles round-trip and gives you a great overview of the entire park.  You start at the parking area, which is near the beach and then begin your hiking going upward over rolling hills until you reach the high points of Crystal Cove State Park.  To see our detailed trail write-up on the El Moro Canyon Hike in Crystal Cove State Park, click HERE.

NUMBER 1:  SITTON PEAK

Sitton Peak is one of our all time favorite hikes in Orange County. It is a peak that sits right on the boarder of Riverside Count and Orange County and travels through the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness. This hike is 9.8 miles long and is the perfect hike in our opinion.  It is just challenging enough, but not overly difficult.  Additionally, the hike traverses through a wide range of scenery and the views at the top of the peak are great!  The trail has always been in good shape every time Ashley and I have hiked here and we have always been fortunate enough to always seen some type of wildlife while on the hike to Sitton Peak.  This is our favorite Orange County Hike.  To see our detailed trail write-up on Sitton Peak, click HERE.

OC PARKS MAY 2017 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Here are some highlights from the OC Parks May Calendar of events, if you are looking for hiking ideas or other outdoor events this month, make sure to check out some of these great events!

OC Parks MAY 2017 calendar of events

May 4 – Fitness Hike at Canyon View  

8:30 – 11 a.m.

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, moderately paced, 6-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (400-ft elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Website: www.ocparks.com/aliso

Cost: Free     

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2200

Special Instructions: Ages 15 and up. Registration is required, sign up online: www.eventbrite.com/fitnesshike . Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area: Begin at Wood Canyon Trail off Canyon Vistas in Aliso Viejo. From Pacific Park/Canyon Vistas intersection, go Northwest on Canyon Vistas. Park legally (note street signs) on or near Canyon Vistas, preferably between Coastal Oak and Madia (22100 region of Canyon Vistas). Wood Canyon Trail starts as a paved sidewalk between a neighborhood park and tree-lined easement, then becomes dirt trail into the canyon.

May 6 – First Saturday of the Month Morning Hike To The Redwood Grove  

8:30 – 10 a.m.

Join OC Parks' trained staff on the first Saturday of the month for an easy 1.1-mile early morning interpretive hike to the park's Coastal Redwood grove. You will use your 5 senses to engage with nature as you stroll to the Redwoods. You will also have an opportunity to learn about our native plants along the trail. The hike begins at 8:30 a.m. from the park's Nature Center.

Location: Carbon Canyon Regional Park. 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, CA 92823 

Website: www.ocparks.com/carbon

Cost: Free     

Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (714) 973-3160

Special Instructions: All ages welcome. Small children may have to be carried. To register, please call (714) 973-3160 or email carboncanyon@ocparks.com. Meet at Nature Center located at east end of park. Participants should remember water, sunscreen, hat and hiking shoes. Rain will cancel hike.

May 6, 13, 20, 27 – Walk with a Naturalist

9 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Join O'Neill Regional Park naturalists and learn about the animals and nature of Trabuco Canyon. This will be a light to moderate walk on mostly paved roads.

Location: O’Neill Regional Park. 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678

Website: http://www.ocparks.com/oneill

Cost: Free    

Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2260

Special Instructions: All ages welcome. Event is conditional to weather.

May 6 – Caspers Park Foundation Monthly Meeting

9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Caspers Park Foundation host their monthly meeting in the Caspers Wilderness Park Nature Center. Please join them for an interactive talk with a special guest.

Location: Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Website: www.ocparks.com/caspers

Cost: Free

Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2210

Special Instructions: All ages are welcome. For more information please contact the park office at (949) 923-2210.

May 6 – Bear Awareness Day

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Come learn more about bears and have fun at the OC Zoo! Activities include bear crafts for kids, special zookeeper chats about bears, and a learning station where you can find out more about bear conservations, and research, how to "bear-proof" camping, sites, and what to do if you see a bear.

Location: Orange County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869.

Website: www.ocparks.com/zoo

Cost: Free with Zoo Admission

Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (714) 973-6846

Special Instructions: Reservations are not needed. Activities are free with zoo admission. Zoo Admission is $2 per person ages 3 years and over; Ages 2 years and under are free. For more information please contact Marcy Crede-Booth at (714) 973-6846.

May 6 – Rancho Days Fiesta

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Come explore the rich history of Orange County's Ranchos and Native American tribes! Visitors will experience the past through music, dance, crafts, and first-person presentations.  All of the historic buildings will be open for tours, courtesy of the Amigos de la Colina Docents.

Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630-2534

Website: www.ocparks.com/heritage

Cost: $5 per person ages 3 and over. Under 3 is free.   

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2230

Special Instructions: All ages welcome. For more information visit: www.ocparks.com/ranchodaysfiesta.

May 6 – Volunteer Led Hike

12 – 1 p.m.

Join Caspers Park Foundation Volunteers for a 1-mile guided nature hike in the beautiful Bell Canyon area of Caspers Wilderness Park. Hike lasts approximately one hour and is suitable for all ages.

Location: Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Website: www.ocparks.com/caspers

Cost: Free    

Parking: $5 per vehicle (day use fee)

Contact: (949) 923-2210

Special Instructions: Contact park office for hike updates. Meet at the Old Corral Day Use Area- adjacent to restrooms. Please contact park office for hike updates and cancellations.

May 7, 14, 21, 28 – Ranger Led Hike

8 – 9:15 a.m.

Join the Park Ranger for a 1-mile nature hike in the beautiful Bell Canyon area of Caspers Wilderness Park. Hike lasts approximately one hour and is suitable for all ages.

Location: Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Website: www.ocparks.com/caspers

Cost: Free    

Parking: $5 per vehicle (day use fee)

Contact: (949) 923-2210

Special Instructions: Meet at the Old Corral Day Use Area. Contact park office for hike updates.

May 7 – Discovery Hike

8:30 – 11 a.m.

Join our park volunteer and discover new plants and animals and learn about the geologic features of Santiago Oaks Park. Learn about the interesting history of the park and the adjacent Santa Ana Mountains. There will be a short introduction at the Park's Nature Center followed by an easy paced hike approximately 1.75 miles.

Location: Santiago Oaks Regional Park. 2145 N. Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869

Website: www.ocparks.com/santiago

Cost: Free     

Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (714)-973-6620

Special Instructions: Ages 12 and up. Space is limited, registration is required, sign up online: www.letsgooutside.org/activities

May 9– California Native Plants and Uses

8:30 – 11 a.m.

Learn about the many fascinating uses of California native plants during the pre-mission period, on this 2-mile hike (490-ft. elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain. This hike will focus on plants used historically for tools, food and building materials.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road,

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast

Cost: Free   

Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Ages 12 and up. Registration is required, sign up online: www.eventbrite.com/californianative. Bring hiking poles if you use them. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.)

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Celebrates National Public Lands Day September 24

Below is a press release from the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, that we thought our readers might be interested in. Over the years we have had emails from hikers that are interested in volunteer opportunities, so below are some great opportunities.

(Photograph Courtesy Of The Irvine Ranch Conservancy)

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Celebrates National Public Lands Day September 24

Volunteer for Stewardship Programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks during September in honor of National Public Lands Day 

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (August 29, 2016) – Irvine Ranch Conservancy is celebrating the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and its stewardship programs during the month of September, in honor of National Public Lands Day – traditionally held one day on Saturday, Sept. 24. This national movement is being repurposed into a monthlong campaign to encourage environmental stewardship, education, and recreation on the Landmarks. Outdoor enthusiasts can join the celebration by registering for stewardship programs that offer an opportunity to explore the land while giving back to the environment.

 “National Public Lands Day is an important chance for the community to care for our local wildlands, but there are opportunities every single day to steward the Landmarks,” said Michael O’Connell, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Executive Director. “There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you’ve had a personal impact on protecting rare and endangered plants and animals, and we’re excited to connect more people to the National and State Landmark in their own backyard.” 

Stewardship programs on the Landmarks are offered by landowners such as OC Parks, the City of Irvine, and the City of Newport Beach, and are managed by partner organizations including the Conservancy. Staff and volunteers help protect and restore the natural resources of the Landmarks by removing invasive weeds, planting native seedlings, harvesting seeds from wildflowers, and more. Stewardship programs also combat the adverse effects of off-trail use, and foster a love of the land by giving the public a direct, personal connection to the open space. Stewardship programs on the Landmarks encompass a wide variety of interests, locations, and difficulty levels. Examples include:

 Adopt A Canyon – Agua Chinon is a longer-term program in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve that connects the community to a local canyon across four seasons. Volunteers engage in plant identification, invasive weed removal, and help plant native seedlings throughout the year, allowing stewards to watch their efforts come full circle. 

 Native Seed Farm activities give volunteers hands-on interaction with native plant species. Volunteers plant native seedlings, weed, and harvest seeds from native wildflowers, all of which directly benefit habitat restoration sites throughout the Landmarks.

 Santiago Oaks Stewardship programs in Santiago Oaks Regional Park offer those who enjoy the outdoors an opportunity to leave their local parks better than they found them. Volunteers work closely with Park Rangers to combat the effects hiking, biking and riding off-trail have on native flora and fauna. 

A complete list of all stewardship programs offered on the Landmarks can be found here. 

Irvine Ranch Conservancy will celebrate National Public Lands Day further with a social media photo-sharing contest. Nature lovers are invited to like Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks on Facebook, and then share a photo of themselves caring for or giving back to the open space in the comment section of the specified contest post. One winner will be chosen at random to win a canvas portrait of The Sinks in Limestone Canyon. 

Stewardship programs on the Landmarks offer the community an opportunity to protect and enhance the natural resources of the open space, and ensure the local wildlands are around for future generations to enjoy. All docent-led stewardship programs on the Landmarks are free and open to the public with required pre-registration. No experience is necessary, and all tools and training are provided. Volunteers should bring water, sunscreen, and a light snack. For more information on the Landmarks and stewardship programs, visit LetsGoOutside.org/activities.

OC Parks September 2016 Calendar of Events

Here are some highlights from the OC Parks September Calendar of events, if you are looking for hiking ideas or other outdoor events this month, make sure to check out some of these great events!

OC Parks September 2016 calendar of events

September 1 – Fitness Hike at Canyon View

8 – 10 a.m.

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, moderately paced, 6-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (400-ft elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

Location: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway

Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Website: www.ocparks.com/aliso

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: For ages 15 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/fitnesshike. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas. Meet at the entrance to Canyon View Park).

September 1 – 2016 Summer Concert Series – JR JR with Big Monsta

6 – 8 p.m.

The County of Orange and OC Parks welcome back the annual outdoor summer concert series. Food trucks will be serving on-site at each location. Friends and families are invited to come out, bring a blanket and a beach chair and enjoy JR JR with Big Monsta under the stars at OC Parks this summer season.

Location: Salt Creek Beach. 33333 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. Dana Point, CA 92629

Website: www.ocparks.com/saltcreek

Cost: Free     

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2280

Special Instructions: All ages welcome. Guests may bring their own food, and alcohol consumption by those 21 and over is permitted for the concerts.

September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Wild Tales

10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Join Newport Bay Conservancy Volunteers for a fun filled parent and child experience that may include arts and crafts, storytime, hands-on activities and outdoor nature walks.

   

September 3 – Wilderness Access Day: Black Star Canyon

8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians can enjoy self-guided access to designated trails in Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park.

Location: Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park

Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: Ages 12 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/wildernessaccessday Directions will be provided after registration.

September 3 – First Saturday of the Month Morning Hike To The Redwood Grove

8:30 – 10 a.m.

Join OC Parks' trained staff on the first Saturday of the month for an easy 1.1-mile early morning interpretive hike to the park's Coastal Redwood grove. You will use your 5 senses to engage with nature as you stroll to the Redwoods. You will also have an opportunity to learn about our native plants along the trail. The hike begins at 8:30 a.m. from the park's Nature Center.

Location: Carbon Canyon Regional Park. 4442 Carbon Canyon Road

Brea, CA 92823

Website: www.ocparks.com/carboncanyon

Cost: Free     

Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (714) 973-3160

Special Instructions: Meet at Nature Center located at east end of park. To register, call (714) 973-3160 or email carboncanyon@ocparks.com. Participants should remember water, sunscreen, hat and hiking shoes. Rain will cancel hike.

September 3, 10, 17, 24 – Walk with a Naturalist   

9 – 10:30 a.m.

Join O’Neill Regional Park naturalists and learn about the animals and nature of Trabuco Canyon. This will be a light to moderate walk on mostly paved roads.

Location:  O’Neill Regional Park. 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678 

Website: www.ocparks.com/oneill

Cost: Free    

Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2260

Special Instructions: All ages welcome. Meet at the Nature Center just inside the main entrance of O’Neill Regional Park. Event is conditional on weather.

September 3 – Monthly Habitat Restoration  

9 –11:30 a.m.

Join OC Parks staff, the Institute for Conservation, Research and Education (ICRE) and other volunteers the first Saturday of every month to help enhance Talbert Regional Park’s habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include: non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering and trash removal.

Location: Talbert Nature Preserve. 1298 Victoria Avenue

Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Website: www.ocparks.com/talbert

Cost: Free     

Parking: Parking for the event will be at Fairview Park in the city of Costa Mesa, a short 10-minute walk to Talbert.

Contact: (949) 923-2293

Special Instructions: No experience is necessary. Water and tools are provided. Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times. Rain or heat advisories cancels event. Please wear long pants, close toed shoes and a hat. Please bring sunscreen, work gloves, reusable water bottle and snack.

September 3 -- Explore the Bay Family Hike

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

An easy hike for families of all ages to learn more about Upper Newport Bay and enjoy its trails. Hike will be on paved and dirt trails. Bring sun protection and water. Meet on the patio of the Muth Interpretive Center. Event is free, registration is not required.

Location: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. 2301 University Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660 

Website: www.ocparks.com/newport

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2290

September 3 – Open House  

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The Ramon Peralta Adobe will be open to the public from 11am to 12pm. Join docents as they interpret the history of this early structure and canyon history.

Location: Ramon Peralta Adobe. 6398 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road

Anaheim, CA 92807

Website: www.ocparks.com/ramon

Cost: Free    

Parking: You may park in the shopping center's parking lot.

Contact: (714) 973-3190

Special Instructions: The Peralta Adobe is surrounded on three sides by the Tarbell offices at the corner of Fairmont Blvd. and Santa Ana Canyon Road.

September 3 – Family Hike  

3 – 5 p.m.

Come and enjoy an easy, 2.5-mile family hike over moderate but uneven terrain (45-ft. elevation gain). Starting at the James Dilley Preserve we will hike one of the most diverse areas of the park to Barbara’s Lake and back. Hike is led by Laguna Canyon Foundation naturalist volunteers.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast

Cost: Free     

Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235

Special Instructions: Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/familyhike. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right).

September 4, 11, 18, 25 – Guided Nature Hike

8 – 9:15 a.m.

Join the Park Ranger for a 1-mile nature hike in the beautiful Bell Canyon area of Caspers Wilderness Park. 

Location: Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Website: www.ocparks.com/caspers

Cost: Free    

Parking: $5 per vehicle (day use free)

Contact: (949) 923-2210

Specil Instructions: Hike lasts approximately one hour and is suitable for all ages. Meet at the Old Corral Day Use Area. Contact park office for hike updates.

Summer Nights on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks (Hiking Ideas)

We thought that some of our readers might enjoy these outdoor recreation opportunities. The picture is provided by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy's press release and was taken at Orchard Hills.

Summer Nights on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Explore Orchard Hills and Black Star Canyon during a series of evening and night hikes

 ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (June 27, 2016) – Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks invites the public to explore the City of Irvine’s Orchard Hills and OC Parks’ Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park during evening, twilight, and nighttime guided hikes. The programs are free with registration and welcome nature lovers to enjoy the Landmarks during summer nights.  

Orchard Hills Evening Hikes at Orchard Hills is a reoccurring program that offers nature lovers multiple opportunities per week to avoid the heat and enjoy sweeping views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline. Orchard Hills is home to a three-mile trail that features a double loop. The evening hikes travel along the outer loop and include areas with substantial elevation gain. Evenings are the perfect time to embark on this moderately paced guided hike, which skirts a working avocado orchard and leads to a panoramic vista from Loma Ridge. The program is suitable for hikers ages 12 and over. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Water and sturdy shoes advised. Click here for a list of all programs.  

Twilight Hikes in Orchard Hills welcome trekkers to enjoy the trail before and after sunset. The leisurely paced hike follows the same route as the Evening Hike, offering visitors expansive views of the Irvine Open Space and an opportunity to connect with the land. The hike begins at the Orchard Hills Staging Area on various Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., and circles back at roughly 8:30 p.m. Sturdy shoes and water are advised.  

Black Star Canyon Twilight Trek on The Mesa takes place in scenic Black Star Canyon Friday evenings, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This 2.5-mile loop trail will reveal the sights, sounds, and smells of the canyon as dusk turns to nightfall. This mild hike also offers time to enjoy scenic views of the lands and the endless evening sky. Ideal for hikers age ten and over; comfortable shoes and water advised. On Sunday, July 31, explore Black Star Canyon under the stars during  

Starry, Starry Night. Spaces are filling up quickly for this popular program, which averages 2.5 miles roundtrip and travels at a mild pace. Nature lovers 6 years of age and older are welcome to enjoy this easy outing that includes lots of stops to name constellations visible in the sky. For more information on all public programs available, visit www.letsgooutside.org.