204-Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline, 360 Degrees of WOW! 6 Miles, 1PM

RANCHO SAN CLEMENTE RIDGELINE, 6 Mi, approximately 500-700 gain, 1PM
MEET AT TRAILHEAD, 721 Avenida Salvador, San Clemente, CA

MOSTLY ASPHALT, STROLLER & DOG FRIENDLY. Perfect hike after any rain. Beautiful views!

Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail is a six mile out-and-back mostly paved trail with wide angle views of the coastline from Dana Point Headlands to the San Diego County beaches, along with broad vistas of inland hills, valleys and mountains. There are several short steep grades, but the majority is easy, long grades.

Around the two mile mark you'll find the San Clemente painted rock snake. Bring a painted rock to add to the nearly 1,000 existing rocks. From that point, continue down the hill to Calle Del Cerro. Watch for the signs guiding you right and then across the street to continue on to the mid point at Knob Hill. The wide trail is mostly asphalt except for one short hill where the surface is covered with loose rock and another (Knob Hill) where it is safer to walk on the dirt.

Directions from I-5:

Take the Ave. Presidio exit and turn inland for two blocks to Ave. Presidio (yes, the same street name). Turn right and continue up the hill to Salvador. Turn right again and continue to the top of the hill. Park on the right across from the trail entrance at number 721. The gate is easy to miss since it's located between two houses.

HIKERS CHECKLIST
- WATER AND SNACKS
- WEAR SHOES OR BOOTS WITH GOOD TREAD
- HAT, GLOVES

Feature Photo by Christine :)