Whiting Ranch Dreaded Hill Medium Pace (Adv. Beginner or Intermediate)

Level:
Adv. Beginner to Intermediate

Length:
5 to 6 miles depending on route

Pace:
Medium pace, slow going uphill

Description:
Nestled in the foothills of urban Orange County is a jewel of the OC parks system: Whiting Ranch Wilderness park. You park at a strip mall surrounded by buildings on a busy street. Within a few steps the roar of traffic disappears and you enter a world of rolling hills, oaks and creeks. There is a lot of wildlife here, we usually spot deer.

This is one of the club's favorite hikes: Dreaded Hill loop. The uphill portion is one mile in length and over a 900' climb. We will stop at the top to gather everyone and catch our breath.

Our route will be up Serrano Rd to Dreaded Hill Rd. We will climb Dreaded Hill to Four Corners then continue on Whiting Rd to the parking lot.

Essentials: Bring water, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen

Trail Map: Park Trail Map (http://www.ocparks.com/uploadgraphics/2008_Whiting_Map(1).pdf)
Website: Park Website (http://www.ocparks.com/whitingranch/)

Directions: from Fwy 405 or 5 going South, exit Bake Pkwy, turn left on Bake Pwky and going for about 5 miles. Turn right at Portola and turn right at the light of Glenn Ranch. Park in big parking lot in front of strip mall containing Wahoos, Red Brick Pizza, Starbucks. We meet in the big parking lot 75 feet in front of Wahoos Fish Tacos.

If you going North on 5, I think you should get off on Lake Forest and head toward Foothill Ranch, direction is similar to above.

Disclaimer: As with all our activities you participate at your own risk. Dangers of hiking include slip and fall injuries, snakebite, cactus, getting lost etc...By participating you agree that HikingOC and hike organizers are not responsible for any damages. Know your limits. By participating you agree that you have no medical conditions that would preclude hiking and vigorous outdoor exercise.