Hike the West Ridge Trail

Laguna Beach, California

5.0/5

based on 1 reviews

Save

View all 11 photos

All 11 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

1.5 miles

Elevation Gain

150 ft

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Josiah Roe

Epic views over the Pacific Ocean, and the canyons and ridges of the Laguna Coast Wilderness.

Beginning at Alta Laguna Park at Top of the World, the West Ridge Trail is a popular starting (and ending) point for adventures into the Laguna Coast Wilderness, leading to trails and areas like Car Wreck, Big Bend, and Willow Canyon. You can also do it in reverse from the north. The ridge itself is the southern ridge overlooking Laguna Canyon, and is great for trail running, mountain biking, and hiking.

To get there, go to Alta Laguna Park at Top of the World in Laguna Beach. There is a small fee for parking, and then take the trail north out of the parking lot, over or around Top of the World, and then follow the signs north for the West Ridge Trail.

This adventure was featured in our Spring 2019 Lookbook!

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Fitness

Mountain Biking

Running

Hiking

Bathrooms

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Groups

Picnic Area

Romantic

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Reviews

Noah Crider

Hike the West Ridge Trail

06/18/20

Super fun trail!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

West Ridge to Car Wreck Trail and Mathis Canyon Loop

There are numerous ways to incorporate the Car Wreck trail into a larger loop through the Laguna Coast Wilderness and Aliso Canyon Park, but a common route is to begin at Alta Laguna Park at "Top of the World" in Laguna Beach. Take the West Ridge Trail .5 miles, bearing right onto the marked Car Wreck Trail. Here's the route increases significantly in technical difficulty. Eventually you'll pa...

Water Tank Trail

There a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and most are excellent for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. A classic out-and-back (with many options for loops) begins in Irvine Bowl Park at the end of Lookout Drive, and proceeds up the ridgeline and past the Water Tank (and an excellent spot to ...

Hike Willow Canyon, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

This hike has been a must do since I was young. Do you love scenic views of the ocean and wildlife? You'll see plenty of both, from hawks searching for food to squirrels and deer running through the brush. This is my favorite route in this area but there are plenty of other trails to shorten or add length to your adventure. Be sure to leave feedback if you've hiked the surrounding trails so we ...

Surf Brooks Street Beach

Brooks Street Beach is just a couple of blocks off the Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. Parking can be tricky, so be forewarned that you may need to walked a few blocks. Winter can be good, but during the summer and big south swells are when you want to go surfing, so be sure to check out surfline. This adventure was featured in our Spring 2019 Lookbook!

Relax at Heisler Park

Located in Laguna Beach, California, Heisler Park is just past Main Beach, so it's the perfect place to avoid the typical tourist crowds. There's plenty of parking at Heisler Park, however you will have to pay, so come with a friend to split the cost! Luckily, if you plan on going to catch the sunset, parking is only paid for until 7pm. After parking, make your way down the set of stairs on the...

Top of the World via West Ridge Trail

Directions to get here are pretty straight forward via the map. You park your car in a residential neighborhood along the street, and from there, you can't miss the entrance. The trail is paved for the first 100yds or so and after you make a right turn at the top, you'll be on dirt and sand the rest of the way. During the Spring/ Summer/ Fall Southern California months, the weather can be hot ...

Hike the West Ridge Trail

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

West Ridge to Car Wreck Trail and Mathis Canyon Loop

Water Tank Trail

Hike Willow Canyon, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Surf Brooks Street Beach

Relax at Heisler Park

Top of the World via West Ridge Trail

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps