351-Arroyo Trabuco Trail Oso Pkwy, Creeks & Historical Ruins, 6-7 Mi, 8:30 AM

ARROYO TRABUCO TRAIL: OSO PKWY TO HISTORICAL RUINS! 8:30 AM
*** NOTE: New Meeting Spot! ***
SANTA MARGARITA WATER DISTRICT PARKING LOT
26111 Antonio Pkwy
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

I spoke with the Santa Margarita Water District on 3/24/26. They are closed Saturdays and said we are more than welcome to park in their lot. See picture #7 below with red boarder around the parking area.

PARK, THEN WE'LL WALK TO THE TRAILHEAD TOGETHER
I LOVE THIS TRAIL! It's wide, narrow, canopies of trees, open meadows, shallow CREEK CROSSINGS and historical ruins! Since we are parking at the water district this now adds about a mile-mile and an half compared to what we have done before. The total distance will be 6-7 miles out and back, approx 350-500 feet of elevation gain.

Wear waterproof boots or hiking sandals because your feet will be getting wet. You can try to keep dry if you’re good at rock or log hopping!

HIKERS CHECKLIST:
-1 LITER OF WATER REQUIRED
-WATERPROOF HIKING BOOTS OR HIKING SANDALS W/GOOD TREAD
-HAT, GLOVES, LAYERS
-SNACKS Recommended
-HIKING POLES not required, however recommended and helpful to navigate through the creek crossings.

See OC History - this dates back to 1700s!!!
OC Historyland Blog by Phil Brigandi.

——————————————————-
Release Statement: Outdoor sports and activities are rewarding and pleasant, but there are certain dangers you should be reminded of, such as accidental injury, that simply happen in life. Practicing safety is priority.
By signing up for events in this Meetup group, you assume the risks of the outing and agree to release the organization, the event organizer and other participants from claims for any and all injuries or other losses sustained during any event.