Whiting Ranch woodsy hike - optional lunch after

On a mission to shred for Summer? It's more fun with friends along for the hike!

Some hills to make sure you get a good workout (but nothing too awful), some terrific views from the top, and a gorgeous wooded trek back to the car with lots of wildlife along the trail. Seriously, it does not even look like you're in Southern California!

It's about 8 miles roundtrip and will take us just over 3 hours including stops for water and pictures. There is a place to duck off the trail if "nature is calling" so bring a little tissue if you like.

This will NOT include "dreaded hill" so it's more of a medium intensity hike, but you will need to be in somewhat decent hiking condition to keep the pace going at a moderate level. Wear real hiking boots or shoes with traction for this one and bring poles if that makes you feel more comfortable - especially downhill (save the knees!)

And... we start at the bottom of this hike, so we finish going downhill through the shade!

Afterwards we can reward ourselves with a drink and a nibble at a nearby restaurant! Wahoo's is literally right where we park.

Here's a link to the trail map if you are interested. It is the Portola entrance to the trail. We go under the bridge and into the park - take Serrano - Serrano Cow - Whiting - (pause for refreshments at four corners) - down Mustard - back up Mustard - down Cactus - Santiago Ranch - Sleepy Hollow - and keep going back downhill to Serrano Cow - Serrano - under the bridge and back to the cars.

Do wear hiking shoes with good traction, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and possibly a light snack for our short break at the top. You may also want a wet neckwrap or a cooling towel if it's already getting sunny and hot. And like most of our hikes, please leave the pups at home.

Use the address of the Wahoos to get directions to the parking lot.
27412 Portola Pkwy A
Lake Forest, CA 92610

WE WILL MEET AT THE Right side EDGE OF THE PARKING LOT NEAR THE OFFICE BUILDING where you can drop down onto the trail. 8:00 prep, meet and greet....hitting the trail at 8:10.

Do NOT use the official address for the Whiting Ranch park. It will send you somewhere else.

DIRECTIONS: from Fwy 405 or 5 going South, exit Bake Pkwy, turn left on Bake Pkwy and go about 5 miles. Turn right at Portola and turn right at the light of Glenn Ranch where you'll see a strip center with Starbucks and Wahoos, plus a big office building. Park in the office building parking area. If you going North on 5, you can exit El Toro and turn left on Portola.

Make sure to leave enough time to find it in the morning since we will head out promptly at 8:10. If you are running late let us know in the chat and we'll keep an eye out for you on the trail!