What we’re about
Welcome to the Orange County Hiking Community! 🌳
Discover the Great Outdoors: Join us for breathtaking hikes across Southern California’s most scenic trails. Whether you're scaling peaks or strolling through valleys, our community is here to share these experiences with you.
Our Mission: To explore the natural beauty around us, stay active, and forge new friendships. We cater to all levels of experience—from beginners to seasoned hikers—and encourage every member to embrace the joy of outdoor adventures.
Who Should Join: Anyone with a love for nature, a zest for outdoor fitness, or a desire to meet people in social, adventure-filled settings. If you appreciate the great outdoors and want to connect with like-minded enthusiasts, you’re in the right place!
Why You Should Join:
- Explore Diverse Trails: From coastal walks to mountain hikes, experience the variety of landscapes that Southern California has to offer.
- Achieve Your Fitness Goals: Join a community that supports your health and wellness goals, all within the great outdoors.
- Build Lasting Friendships: Connect with a community that values adventure, health, and the natural beauty of our environment.
What We Offer: A mix of fun and fitness, our events range from leisurely nature walks to more challenging hikes. Each adventure is an opportunity to learn, laugh, and deepen connections with fellow members.
Join Us for Adventure, Fitness, and Friendship on the Trails!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Lizard, Laurel, Willow & Emerald Canyon Loop (~10mi, Intermediate)Pacific Ridge Trailhead, Newport Beach, CA
Get a sneak peek here: Lizard, Laurel, Willow & Emerald Canyon Loop #hike
***This hike is not recommended for beginners due to the elevation gain and distance. Expect steep sections and technical terrain. We highly recommend this hike for those with prior hiking experience and a solid fitness level.
Join us for a scenic ~10-mile loop hike through Crystal Cove State Park and Laguna Coast Wilderness. This route features diverse landscapes, taking you along Bommer Ridge, Lizard Trail, Laurel Canyon, Willow Canyon Road, and Emerald Canyon, with a stop at Old Emerald Falls for a rewarding finish.
Optional Shorter Route (~8 miles):
If you prefer a less strenuous option, you can bypass Emerald Canyon. After reaching Willow Canyon Road, return to the trailhead via Bommer Ridge. This alternative route still offers great views and an excellent workout, covering approximately 8 miles.
Meeting Details:
- Location: Pacific Ridge Trailhead, Ridge Park Road, Newport Beach, CA 92657
- Meeting Point: Ridge Park Entrance (at the dead end of Ridge Park Road near the trailhead sign).
- Parking: Free street parking available.
Hike Details:
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Distance/Elevation Gain:
- Full Loop: ~10 miles, ~1600 feet cumulative gain.
- Shorter Route: ~8 miles, bypassing Emerald Canyon.
- Facilities: Restrooms available at the Willow Staging Area.
Essentials:
- Sturdy hiking shoes (with good traction)
- Hiking poles (optional but helpful for steep sections)
- Water (minimum 2-3 liters)
- Snacks and electrolytes
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- A positive attitude and a smile 😊
Route Details:
- Start: Ridge Park Entrance
- Trail Sequence:
- Follow Bommer Ridge
- Continue onto Lizard Trail
- Take Laurel Canyon
- Ascend via Willow Canyon Road
- Continue to Emerald Canyon and visit Old Emerald Falls
- Return via Bommer Ridge to the starting point.
- Shorter Route Option:
- After ascending Willow Canyon Road, skip Emerald Canyon and follow Bommer Ridge directly back to the trailhead.
Note: DOGS are not allowed on many trails within Crystal Cove State Park, so please leave pets at home.
Punctuality & RSVP Etiquette:
We kindly request that all participants aim to be punctual. Our group will wait for a grace period of 5 minutes past the scheduled start time for any latecomers. However, if you realize that you're running late, please inform us through the message board. This will help us know to wait a bit longer for you and ensure we don't leave anyone behind.
If your plans change and you're unable to attend after RSVPing, please cancel your RSVP before the event begins. This consideration allows us to manage the group size effectively and opens up space for others who might be on a waiting list.
REMINDER: By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service, releasing the Organizer, Co-Organizer, and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents during gatherings.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: Hiking is a rewarding activity, but certain dangers exist. These may include trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions, or wildlife encounters. By registering for this event, you explicitly recognize that our organizers and participants are not professional guides or certified experts. You assume responsibility for yourself and your safety, agreeing to hold harmless the hike organizer, co-organizer, assistant organizers, and fellow participants for any injuries sustained during the hike. This acknowledgment extends to any unforeseen incidents or accidents that might take place, emphasizing your commitment to personal responsibility for your safety throughout the entire event. Your participation implies your understanding and acceptance of the shared responsibility for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Tags: #Hiking #OutdoorAdventure #OrangeCountyHikes #CrystalCoveStatePark - Borrego Canyon to Mustard, Vista Lookout & Billy Goat (~10mi, Intermediate)Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park Main Entrance, Foothill Ranch. 92610, CA
Billy Goat Trail Sneak Peek!
Mustard Trail PreviewJoin us for a ~10-mile intermediate hike through Borrego Canyon, up to Mustard Trail and Vista Lookout, and along the scenic Billy Goat Trail. Expect a rewarding challenge with ~1,600 feet of elevation gain and stunning views. A shorter 6.5–7-mile option is available, skipping Billy Goat.
Details:
- Meeting Place: By the big 'sundial' statue in the park near the trailhead (west of the gas station).
- Parking: There is a small parking lot at the trailhead that requires either an OC Parking Pass or a $3 fee. Alternatively, you can park across the street in the lot between McDonald's and the nearby shops. ***Avoid parking near Ralph's, as security patrols that parking lot and may issue tickets.
- General Rating/Difficulty: Level 3/Intermediate (Moderate Pace for distance, elevation, and pace.
- Distance/Elevation/Duration: Estimate: approx. 10 miles, 1600+- ft gain, and ~3.5–4 hours (moderate pace).
- Note: This is a group workout; there is no designated leader or sweeper.
Essentials: Ensure you are prepared for the journey with:
- Traction hiking shoes
- Ample water
- Snacks
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hat
Route: We’ll start on Borrego Canyon Trail, connect to Mustard Trail, and climb to Vista Lookout. Next, we’ll do an out-and-back on Mustard, then proceed to Cactus Pond, follow the Billy Goat Trail to 4 Corners, return via Mustard, and finish back on Borrego Canyon.
About Whiting Ranch: Explore the natural beauty of Limestone Canyon & Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, spanning 4,300 acres of diverse landscapes. From riparian and oak woodland canyons to rolling grassland hills, immerse yourself in the stunning scenery, including the captivating Red Rock Canyon. Witness remnants of the park's cattle ranching past as it rejuvenates from the 2007 Santiago Fire.
For more information:Punctuality & RSVP Etiquette:
We kindly request that all participants aim to be punctual. Our group will wait for a grace period of 5 minutes past the scheduled start time for any latecomers. However, if you realize that you're running late, please inform us through the message board. This will help us know to wait a bit longer for you and ensure we don't leave anyone behind.
If your plans change and you're unable to attend after RSVPing, please cancel your RSVP before the event begins. This consideration allows us to manage the group size effectively and opens up space for others who might be on a waiting list.REMINDER: By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service, releasing the Organizer, Co-Organizer, and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents during gatherings.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: Hiking is a rewarding activity, but certain dangers exist. These may include trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions, or wildlife encounters. By registering for this event, you explicitly recognize that our organizers and participants are not professional guides or certified experts. You assume responsibility for yourself and your safety, agreeing to hold harmless the hike organizer, co-organizer, assistant organizers, and fellow participants for any injuries sustained during the hike. This acknowledgment extends to any unforeseen incidents or accidents that might take place, emphasizing your commitment to personal responsibility for your safety throughout the entire event. Your participation implies your understanding and acceptance of the shared responsibility for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
#hiking #outdoors #rucking - Car Wreck, Coyote Run, Top of the World, Rock It (~9mi, Intermediate)Canyon View Park, Aliso Viejo, CA
Get a preview here: Car Wreck, Mathis, Top of the World
***This hike is not recommended for beginners. It requires a good level of physical fitness, experience in hiking, and the ability to navigate challenging terrains. We strongly advise that only those with prior hiking experience and a suitable fitness level participate.
Join us for a scenic 9.3 to 9.6-mile hike near Laguna Beach, CA. The trail typically takes about 3-3.5 hours to complete.
Location: Canyon View Park, Aliso Viejo, California.
· Meeting Place: Canyon View Staging Area
· General Rating/Difficulty: Level 2+/3 (Moderate Pace for distance, elevation, and pace.
· Distance/Elevation/Duration: Level 2+/3 Estimate: 9.3-9.6 miles, 1200+- ft gain, and 3-3.5 hours (moderate pace).
· Parking: StreetEssentials:
· Comfortable hiking shoes
· Water
· Snacks/energy bars
· Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
· A positive attitude and a smile 😊Route Details:
- We'll start at Canyon View Staging Area.
- From there we'll follow Wood Canyon Trail to Wood Canyon Creek and then towards Coyote Run.
- We'll take Coyote Run Trail to Mathis and ascend Car Wreck Trail. From there we'll head towards Top of the World via West Ridge.
- We'll return via West Ridge Trail and descend either Mathis or Rock It Trail back to Wood Canyon Trail.
- Finally, we'll return to Canyon Vistas via Wood Canyon Trail.
Punctuality & RSVP Etiquette:
We kindly request that all participants aim to be punctual. Our group will wait for a grace period of 5 minutes past the scheduled start time for any latecomers. However, if you realize that you're running late, please inform us through the message board. This will help us know to wait a bit longer for you and ensure we don't leave anyone behind.
If your plans change and you're unable to attend after RSVPing, please cancel your RSVP before the event begins. This consideration allows us to manage the group size effectively and opens up space for others who might be on a waiting list.
REMINDER: By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service, releasing the Organizer, Co-Organizer, and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents during gatherings.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: Hiking is a rewarding activity, but certain dangers exist. These may include trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions, or wildlife encounters. By registering for this event, you explicitly recognize that our organizers and participants are not professional guides or certified experts. You assume responsibility for yourself and your safety, agreeing to hold harmless the hike organizer, co-organizer, assistant organizers, and fellow participants for any injuries sustained during the hike. This acknowledgment extends to any unforeseen incidents or accidents that might take place, emphasizing your commitment to personal responsibility for your safety throughout the entire event. Your participation implies your understanding and acceptance of the shared responsibility for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
