Not So Casual Hikes Orange County

Get a sneak peek here: Rattlesnake, W. Cut Across, No Dogs, No Name Ridge Trails!

PLEASE READ: 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 10+ mile loop hike starting from Ridge Park Entrance in Newport Coast, CA. This hike offers a mix of coastal views, ridgeline trails, and shaded canyon paths. Experience some of the most stunning trails in Newport Coast, including Bommer Ridge, Red Tailed Ridge, Rattlesnake Trail, and Moro Canyon with a refreshing break at the Crystal Cove State Park Moro Campground where facilities are available. We'll also tackle sections of No Dogs and No Name Ridge before returning via the Deer Canyon or Pacific Ridge Trail.

Location: Pacific Ridge Trailhead, Ridge Park Road, Newport Beach CA 92657
· Meeting Place: We will meet at the Ridge Park Entrance at the dead end of Ridge Park Road, which is the start of the trailhead. Look for the group gathering near the trailhead sign.
· Meeting Time: 7:00 AM (Expect the hike to last approximately 4-4.5 hours).
· Parking: Street (free)
· Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
· Distance/Elevation: Approximately 10 miles; ~1600 feet (cumulative gain, accounting for both ascents and descents along the route).
·Shaded Sections: Deer Canyon, Moro Canyon trail, partially near the campground.
·Exposed Sections: Pacific Ridge, Red Tailed Ridge, Rattlesnake, W. Cut Across No Name Ridge, No Dogs, and Bommer Ridge.
·Facilities: Bathroom available at Crystal Cove State Park Moro Campground.

Essentials:
· Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction
- Hiking poles (optional but recommended for steep sections)
· Water
· Snacks/energy bars
· Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
· A positive attitude and a smile 😊

Route Details:

• We'll start at Ridge Park Entrance and head to Bommer Ridge (Moderate, ~1 mile).
• Continue on Bommer Ridge to Red Tailed Ridge (Moderate, ~1.5 miles).
• Descend to Rattlesnake Trail (Challenging, ~1.5 miles).
• Take W. Cut Across to Moro Canyon (Moderate, ~1 mile).
• Reach Crystal Cove State Park Moro Campground (Moderate, ~1.5 miles from Moro Canyon). *There is a restroom at this point.
• Take No Dogs to No Name Ridge (Challenging, ~2 miles).
• Return to Ridge Park Entrance via Ticketron and Deer Canyon or No Dogs, No Name/Pacific Ridge Trail (Moderate, ~1.5 miles).

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: #HikingOC #OutdoorAdventure #OrangeCountyHikes #AdvancedHike #CrystalCoveStatePark

Get a sneak peek here: Wood Canyon, Mathis, West Ridge, and TOW trails hike!

***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 8.5-9-mile loop trail 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
· Meeting Time: 7:00 AM
· General Rating/Difficulty: Level 2+/3 (Moderate Pace for distance, elevation, and pace.
· Distance/Elevation/Duration: Level 2+/3 Estimate: 8.5-9 miles, 1079+- ft gain, and 3-3.5 hours (moderate pace).
· Parking: Street

Essentials:
· Comfortable hiking shoes
· Water
· Snacks/energy bars
· Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
· A positive attitude and a smile 😊

Route Details:

1. We'll start at Canyon View Staging Area.
2. From there we'll follow Wood Canyon Trail to Wood Canyon Creek and then towards Coyote Run.
3. We'll take Coyote Run Trail to Rock It. From there we'll head towards Top of the World via West Ridge.
4. We'll head back via West Ridge Trail, then descend via Lynx Trail to rejoin Wood Canyon Trail and return to Canyon Vistas.

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.

🌲Dreaded Hill Trail Sneak Peek!🌲
🥾 Billy Goat Trail Sneak Peek! 🥾

This is an intermediate level hike designed for hikers seeking a solid workout. Come explore with us the 6.8-mile loop trail located near Foothill Ranch, CA.

Details:

• Meeting Place: Parking lot adjacent to Starbucks-Wahoo’s.
• Meeting Time: 7:00 AM (Expect the hike to last approximately 3–3.5 hours).
• General Rating/Difficulty: Level 2/2+ (Moderate Pace for distance, elevation, and pace.
• Distance/Elevation/Duration: Level 2/2+ Estimate: 6.5 - 7 miles, 1250+- ft gain, and ~3–3.5 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 be starting on a flat trail for approximately 1.5 miles. The workout kicks off as we ascend Dreaded Hill, exploring trails like four Corners, Billy Goat, Cactus Hill, Sage, Serrano Cow, and returning to the trailhead and parking lot via Serrano.

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:

• Orange County Parks
• Whiting Ranch Wilderness

Directions: If traveling south on Fwy 405 or 5, exit Bake Pkwy, turn left on Bake Pkwy, and continue for about 4.5 - 5 miles. Turn right at Portola and right at the light of Glenn Ranch (park at the Starbucks coffee parking). For those heading north on 5, consider exiting at Lake Forest and proceed toward Foothill Ranch, following similar directions as mentioned above.

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.

Get a sneak peek here: Wood Canyon, Mathis, West Ridge, and TOW trails hike!

***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 8.5-9-mile loop trail near Laguna Beach, CA. The trail typically takes about 3.5-4 hours to complete.

Location: Canyon View Park, Aliso Viejo, California.

· Meeting Place: Canyon View Staging Area
· Meeting Time: 7:00 AM (Expect the hike to last approximately 3.5-4 hours).
· General Rating/Difficulty: Level 2+/3 (Moderate Pace for distance, elevation, and pace.
· Distance/Elevation/Duration: Level 2+/3 Estimate: 8.5-9 miles, 1079+- ft gain, and 3.5-4 hours (moderate pace).
· Parking: Street

Essentials:
· Comfortable hiking shoes
· Water
· Snacks/energy bars
· Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
· A positive attitude and a smile 😊

Route Details:

1. We'll start at Canyon View Staging Area.
2. From there we'll follow Wood Canyon Trail to Wood Canyon Creek and then towards Coyote Run.
3. We'll take Coyote Run Trail to Rock It. From there we'll head towards Top of the World via West Ridge.
4. We'll head back via West Ridge Trail, then descend via Lynx Trail to rejoin Wood Canyon Trail and return to Canyon Vistas.

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.