Colinas Bluff - 4.5 miles - DOG FRIENDLY

Colinas Bluff Trail

THE PARTICULARS: This is a great conditioning hike. The Colinas Bluff trail starts on the east side of Golden Lantern and follows the ridge south along the boundaries of San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Niguel. We follow the trail high above the 5 freeway and are treated to gorgeous vistas of south OC, Dana Point Harbor, and on clear days Catalina Island. This is a popular trail with equestrians and the occasional mountain biker so always be aware of your surroundings. The trail is a mixture of dirt and mulch; trail shoes are perfectly fine for this kind of hike, though you may prefer hiking boots.

DEPARTURE TIME: 5:45 PM. Please show up 5-10 minutes early for parking and introductions.

DISTANCE: 90 minutes for the 4.5 mile abbreviated version. We'll decide at the start whether we want to do the 4.5 or 6.7 version of the hike.

GOOD TO KNOW: I suggest you bring one liter of water; however, you know your body better than anyone and how much fluids you need in order to be comfortable on this hike. There are also many rolling hills on this hike — and one rather steep climb! — so be sure you are comfortable with hiking on varied terrain. Rain will cancel this hike.

DIRECTIONS: Meet at the corner of Marina Hills and Golden Lantern in Laguna Niguel (map (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=33.524721,-117.685431&spn=0.006467,0.009645&z=17&msid=107737017548218126486.0004813dc05c446797b08)). We’ll meet at the outside courtyard next to Starbucks. Park between McDonalds and Starbucks.

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Trip information courtesy of SoCal Hiker (http://socalhiker.net/2010/04/colinas-bluff-trail/), your local trail guide.