Hike Borrego Canyon to Red Rock Canyon Trails
Lake Forest, California
Details
Distance
4.2 miles
Elevation Gain
500 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Nick Garcia
Beautiful hike culminating in stunning red rock canyons in the southern part of Orange County. Great scenery close to all of the wonderful activities Orange County has to offer.
Just south east of the city of Irvine, on the southern end of Orange County, is the scenic Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. Don't let the newly developed shopping centers restaurants fool you, because just beyond the parking lot ($3 Daily Use Fee) of the Borrego Canyon Trailhead, you will find yourself surrounded by nature and wildlife galore.
Right after a good rain the trails are a bit muddier than most hiking trails in the area as it is a natural runoff from the top of the canyons. Follow the Borrego Trail about a mile and a half or so before the trail splits to the left and right. Take the trail to the right and follow that along another hundred yards before you see the trail marker for Red Rock Canyon. This portion to the heart of the canyon is a little more than a half a mile. The canyon offers some really cool scrambling and exploring opportunities. The higher you are able to hike, the better the view back down the canyon and beyond to the small town of Foothill Ranch.
Note: Horse back riding and mountain biking is also available on part of this trail
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Reviews
Great easy hike, lots of shade. Only gets a little more tough closer to the Red Rock Canyon (because we decided to climb the rocks to the top😉). Our total distance was about 4 and a half miles round trip. Bring water, we got thirsty!
5.0
Very well maintained trail. Easy & relaxing hike. No gates, so you can leave past dark.
5.0
Relatively easy and very pleasant hike, it takes about 2 hrs. It does get pretty hot so bring plenty of water; well, it did not help starting around 2 pm in July :p Really glad this beauty has been preserved from the house developing around!
5.0
It's amazing how this trail is right next to a shopping center but so gorgeous. It feels like you're entirely somewhere else! Some streams here and there, and the rocks later in the trail make it difficult if you don't have proper hiking shoes. A lot of it is shaded so it's very nice, especially with how hot it's been/going to get. But overall great hike!
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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