Dripping Cave in the Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness

Laguna Niguel, California

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Details

Distance

7.68 miles

Elevation Gain

889 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Josiah Roe

Beautiful hike through a tourist-free coastal canyon, just a mile from Laguna Beach, to a hidden cave that Juan Flores and his outlaw gang used as a hideout during the 1850's.

Dripping Cave sits tucked away in a corner of Wood Canyon, part of the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, and the trail to the cave, while short, requires *at least* a 2.25 mile hike in from the nearest trailhead (West Ridge Trail to Mathis Canyon), though this is less than ideal as that route is 1,000' of decent on trails primarily used by mountain-bikers.

The most straightforward approach is to begin at the vehicle parking area just off Alicia Parkway and to take Aliso Creek Trail 1.5 miles to Wood Canyon Trail. From there go .3 miles to Dripping Cave trail. Follow the clear signs about .4 miles to the cave.

There are numerous side trails and other loops you can do through the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness, even connecting into the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, so grab a map and have fun!

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Features

Fitness

Photography

Mountain Biking

Running

Hiking

Bathrooms

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Groups

Picnic Area

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Dripping Cave in the Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Reviews

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