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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Aliso
and Wood Canyon Wilderness Park
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Aliso
and Wood Canyon is part of the 19,000 acre Laguna Coast
greenbelt. The park has over 30 miles of trails from moderate
to strenuous. Aliso and Wood Canyon park offers hiking,
equestrian, and mountain biking.
Families can enjoy hiking up the central canyon while
the more adventurous can take to the hills and be rewarded
with a cool ocean breeze and a view to Catalina Island
on clear days.
Fall and spring the hills are green with many wild flowers.
During the summer the hills surrounding the canyon turn
brown and it can be extremely hot. Early morning hikes
are advised for the summer months. The
first mile or so from the parking lot there is a paved
road used by the water district.
There is also a pack dirt trail running along next to
the road. Signs point to use the trail however most do
not. At the end of the road there is a gate turn right
and head up woods canyon for a easy hike with a gentle
grade.
If your more of an adventurer take one of the side canyons
up to Top Of The World trail. If you make the climb you
will be rewarded by views of Laguna Canyon and the Pacific
Ocean. On clear days the view of Catalina Island is spectacular.
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Mathis Trail Aliso Wilderness Park |
Aliso
and Wood Canyon's park has over 4,200 acres of scenic canyons
and 137 species of migratory and resident birds. Aliso creek
supports small populations of fish and other aquatic life.
The park's natural features are rich in human history. Dripping
cave is also known as "Robbers cave". The park
served as a sheep and cattle ranch at one time.
No water is available at the park be sure to bring plenty.
Park hours are 7 am to sunset. Aliso and Wood Canyon
is a great place for a family hike. Keep to the right when
you walk the trails,
Aliso
and Wood Canyon
is popular with mountain bike riders, most use caution a
few do not.
Parking lot is available but is not free. There is limited
free street parking which fills up fast on weekends.
Aliso
and Wood Canyon Wilderness park is defiantly worth checking
out. The park has everything for both causal hikers to serious
mountain bike riders. Family hikers mainly stick to the
center canyon while the more adventurous climb out of the
canyon and enjoy the ocean view. |
Wood Canyon Aliso Wilderness Park |
Aliso Creek Aliso Wilderness Park |
| Directions:
From the San Diego Freeway in Laguna Hills/Mission Viejo,
exit on Alicia Parkway and drive 4 miles south. Trailhead
parking for Aliso & Wood Canyons Park is located a quarter-mile
south of Aliso Creek Road. A paid parking lot is next the
Orange County Natural History Museum.
Some free parking can be had across from the park entrance
and up the road by the soccer fields. Consider an annual
parking pass if you visit local county parks often.
Aliso and Wood Canyon Park 28373 Alicia Parkway
Laguna
Niguel, CA 92677
Dogs are permitted on a 6-ft. leash at all times on select
trails: Aliso Creek Bike Trail, Aliso Peak Trail, Aswut
Trail, Toovet Trail, Valido Trail and West Ridge Trail.
Aliso and Wood Canyon Park has over 30 miles of trails.
Most trails are "Multi- use" meaning hikers, equestrian
and bicycles could be found using them. |
| More
hiking places you might like: |
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