OC Hike: Laguna Coast Wilderness
Details
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Laguna Coast Wilderness Park lies within some of the last remaining coastal canyons in Southern California. Forty miles of trails lead the visitor through oak and sycamore woodlands and up onto ridges with expansive scenic vistas. Rocky bluffs tower above the canyon trails.
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On this 8-10 mile hike with 1500-2500 ft total ascent we'll see California as it has existed for thousands of years. The Coastal Sage Scrub community covers hilltops and slopes, along with patches of Native Valley Grassland and Maritime Chaparral. In the canyons we can find riparian habitats lined by Willow, Oak, and Sycamore trees. After a plentiful winter rain, the ephemeral streams spring to life. In the summer, we'll easily pass through the seasonally dry creek beds.
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I've hiked most of the trails here but I don't have a definite path in my mind yet. Some of trails will include:
Willow Canyon
Laurel Canyon
Bommer Ridge
Serrano Ridge
Little Sycamore Canyon
Stagecoach Trail
Lizard Trail (New!)
A Secret Trail (of course)
We'll take a break at the Nix Nature Center, headquarters for the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. It will be a welcome respite where you can refill your water bottles, buy snacks and do your business.
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Post Hike Lunch -
Panini Cafe (http://mypaninicafe.com/)
8505 Irvine Center Dr
Irvine, 92618
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Trailhead Directions and Parking
Please refer to Google Maps for directions from your location. But note there are toll road options so you may want to disable that in Google.
The parking lot is on Laguna Canyon Rd (Rte 133) about 1/4 south of El Toro Rd. Cost is $3.00 at iron ranger -- credit cards ok
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The Panini Cafe is an easy drive from the trailhead and close to 405 and 5. Just take the 133 back up to the 405, go south 1/4 mile and take the first exit -- Irvine Center Dr -- make a right and go left (U-turn at next street) into Los Olivos Marketplace. Panini Cafe is next to Whole Foods.