Great Outdoors Orange County/Long Beach present
Aliso and Wood Canyons
Day Hike
September 15, 2019, 8:30 AM
Contact: Doug Cable. E-mail: dccable2@verizon.net. Phone: 949-922-1452
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park in south Orange County covers more than 4200 acres of scenic canyons, rock formations, meadows, old oaks, and is home to lots of wildlife. We will be traversing the northern portion of this beautiful area to the spectacular views of Alta Laguna Park, ‘Top of the World’, above Laguna Beach.
Our hike will start at Canyon View Park in Aliso Viejo. We will go down Wood Canyon along Wood Creek, stopping at Dripping Cave.
For those who want a more moderate hike, we will return to the starting point.
For those wanting a more rigorous hike, they will proceed up Mathis canyon to the West Ridge and then on upwards to Alta Laguna Park. After a snack break and rest stop we will take the West Ridge trail high above Laguna Canyon Road back to the trailhead. The total hike will be about 8 miles, 600 ft. elevation gain/loss, and take about 4 hours.
The trails are closed for 3 days following major rain. To verify closure/access, check Alerts at: http://www.ocparks.com/. No alternative hike is planned.
DIRECTIONS: From the I-5 take El Toro Road west. Turn left at Moulton Pkwy. Make a right on Glenwood Dr. that turns into Pacific Park after crossing the toll road. Turn right on Canyon Vistas and Canyon View Park is on the left after 0.5 miles. There is street parking only. We will meet at the street gate to the park.
WHAT TO BRING: Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners, at least 1 quart water, sunscreen, hat, windbreaker/sweater if it is cool, cameras, and snacks. Click here for the list of your ten essentials. There is a portable toilet at the trail head, restrooms and water at Alta Laguna Park. Following our day hike, we may enjoy lunch.
Click here for the link to the park website. Click here for the trail map.
