Not So Casual Hikes Orange County

🌲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.
• General Rating/Difficulty: Level 2/2+ (Moderate Pace for distance, elevation, and pace.
• Distance/Elevation/Duration: Level 2/2+ Estimate: 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: Sheep Run to Meadows

***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 11+ mile loop hike near Laguna Beach, CA. The trail typically takes about 4 - 4.5 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: 11+ miles, approximately 817+- ft gain.
· 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 continue toward Coyote Run.
3. We'll take Coyote Run Trail and loop back to Wood Canyon. From there, we'll head up Meadows Trail to Sheep Run and connect with Aswut.
4. We'll return via Meadows Trail to Wood Canyon and finish back at 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.

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