The Best Hiking in Laguna Beach

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 c...

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 trail running, hiking, and mountain biking. A classic out-and-back (with many options for loops) begins at the end of Dartmoor Street and proceeds up the ridgeline on the Spur/Laguna Ridge fire road. Near the summit is a turnoff to th...

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 are quite popular for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running.A great mountain biking loop begins in Emerald Canyon at the end of Emerald Canyon Road and proceeds 1.8 miles to the intersection with Old Emerald Trail. Go right on Old Emerald Trail and cli...

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, a...

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 pass...

The Big Bend Loop Trail is easily accessible from Laguna Beach. As you get to the top of the first climb, you will be rewarded with views of the Pacific. Once at the top you get sweeping vistas of canyons, hills and the ocean. The trail is open year-round.  There is a parking fee of $3. Bring lots of extra water - even on cooler days. 

The trail begins and ends at the El Moro Visitor Center. Parking requires either a $15 day use parking pass, which is available in the visitor center.This hike we are focusing on is called the Difficult Loop Trail and it is the third most difficult trail the canyon offers. You take Moro Canyon, East Cut Across, Moro Ridge, then BFI. Maps are available at the ranger station.On this trail, you fi...

To get to the trailhead, enter Crystal Cove State Park through the Crystal Cove El Moro Campground entrance immediately next to El Moro Elementary School. Follow the road behind the school which leads to the main gate where you will need to pay a day-use parking fee of $15. Drive past the Campground and down into El Moro canyon to the day-use parking. The trailhead is on the northeast side of t...

The trail features a waterfall and is open year-round, but is best used in the spring. Remember to bring $15 cash for the parking fee. The Laguna Beach trail is shared by trail runners, mountain bikers, hikers, and the occasional horseback rider. Dogs are not allowed in Crystal Cove State Park. 

Located off of Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach is Crystal Cove State Park. There are three primitive sites located in Crystal Cove: Deer Canyon, Upper Moro, and Lower Moro.The site I stayed at was Lower Moro campground. All three of these sites require the backpacker to hike everything in at least three miles each way. The closest site is Lower Moro which took me about an hour and a half ...

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 ...

The Valido Trail trailhead can be found just off West street off the Pacific Coast Highway, just south of Aliso Beach. Park on West Street past the trailhead. The trail proceeds approximate .5 miles till it intersects with the Aliso Peak Trail. Go left .4 miles to the obvious summit and wooden park bench. The canyon immediately to the north is Aliso Canyon, created by Aliso Creek. From here y...

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...

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 a...

The Aliso Creek and Wood Canyon Trail is shared by trail runners, mountain bikers, horseback riders and hikers. The trail is open for use year-round with abundant wildflowers in the spring.  The trail is shaded in parts, but bring sun protection and extra water just in case. Watch for snakes and lizards!

This is an awesome tucked away little adventure that will have you occupied all day! With plenty of picnic tables you can be sure to have your own privacy tucked into a corner free from other people. Grab a lake side picnic table or even the numerous ones around the grass fields, they are all wonderful. The Regional Park is easy to locate, has plenty of activities and is in an easy spot to get ...