Not So Casual Hikes Orange County

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.

Please Note: Not So Casual means our hikes double as a workout — brisk pace, solid climbs, and an endurance challenge paired with a friendly, supportive group vibe. Come prepared with gear, water, and your best effort, and you’ll fit right in. The group moves at a steady, moderate-to-fast pace and may not wait if you fall behind, so please know your limits and be ready to hike at this level — or plan to finish on your own, ideally by pairing up with someone at a similar pace.

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: ~10-11 miles, ~1800 feet cumulative gain.
• Shorter Route: ~8 miles, bypassing Emerald Canyon.
• Facilities: Restrooms available at the Willow Staging Area.

Essentials:

• Traction hiking shoes
• Water (1.5-2L; electrolytes recommended)
• Quick snacks
• Sunglasses & sunscreen
• Hat or sun protection

Route Details:

Start: Ridge Park Entrance
Trail Sequence:
Bommer Ridge → Lizard Trail → Laurel Canyon → Willow Canyon Road → Emerald Canyon (continue to the REI Bridge, then return to Old Emerald Falls) → Bommer Ridge back to trailhead

Shorter Option:
After Willow Canyon Road, skip Emerald Canyon and return via Bommer Ridge to the trailhead.

Join us for a scenic loop through Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. We’ll start at Canyon View Staging Area, follow Wood Canyon Creek to Car Wreck Trail, climb to Top of the World, then return along West Ridge and descend via Rock It back to the trailhead. The full route is approximately 9 miles and typically takes 3–3.5 hours, depending on pace and breaks.

Please Note: Not So Casual means our hikes double as a workout — brisk pace, solid climbs, and an endurance challenge paired with a friendly, supportive group vibe. Come prepared with gear, water, and your best effort, and you’ll fit right in. The group moves at a steady, moderate-to-fast pace and may not wait if you fall behind, so please know your limits and be ready to hike at this level — or plan to finish on your own, ideally by pairing up with someone at a similar pace.

Meeting Details:

Location: Canyon View Park, Aliso Viejo, California
Meeting Point: Canyon View Staging Area
Parking: Free street parking available nearby
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Distance / Elevation: ~9 miles, with approximately 1,600+ ft of cumulative elevation gain.

Essentials:

• Traction hiking shoes
• Water (1.5-2L; electrolytes recommended)
• Quick snacks
• Sunglasses & sunscreen
• Hat or sun protection

Route Details:

• Start at Canyon View Staging Area
• Follow Wood Canyon Trail to Wood Canyon Creek, then toward Coyote Run
• Take Coyote Run Trail to Mathis, then ascend Car Wreck Trail
• Continue to Top of the World via West Ridge
• Return along West Ridge Trail
• Descend via Mathis or Rock It Trail back to Wood Canyon Trail
• Finish at Canyon View Staging Area

Join us for a properly invigorating morning on the trails. This loop begins with a warm-up stretch before Dreaded Hill makes its usual early appearance. From there, we continue through Four Corners and ascend Billy Goat — rocky, uneven, occasionally scramble-worthy, and famously good at silencing conversation. The pace is steady and fitness-focused with minimal lingering, making it more of a workout than a wander.

For those with energy to spare, there’s an optional second round of Billy Goat — either in the traditional steeper direction or in reverse (a touch friendlier, but still very much Billy Goat).

Though the mileage isn’t extreme, the combination of elevation, loose terrain, and continuous pacing makes this route excellent training for stamina, leg strength, and mental resilience. You’ll walk away with tired legs, a clearer mind, and maybe a new story to tell.

Please Note: “Not So Casual” does, in fact, mean not casual. Our hikes double as a workout — brisk pace, proper climbs, minimal lingering, and a cheerful amount of shared discomfort. We’re friendly, but we do keep moving. Think energizing outing with good company, not gentle stroll with snacks. Bring water, good footwear, and the fitness to stay with the group. If the pace isn’t for you, no problem — just be ready to finish in your own time. If you’re still reading, you’re probably coming — see you out there!

Details:

• Meeting Place: Parking lot adjacent to Wahoo’s.
• Difficulty: Moderate — due to elevation and sustained pace.
• Distance / Elevation / Duration: ~7–9 miles, ~2,000 ft cumulative elevation gain, estimated 2.5–3 hours at a moderate-to-fast pace (distance and time on the higher end if opting for Billy Goat twice).
• Note: This is a group workout. There is no designated leader or sweeper - come prepared to navigate and keep pace.

Essentials:

• Traction hiking shoes
• 2+ liters water (electrolytes encouraged)
• Light snacks
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Hiking poles (recommended if you normally use them — especially for descents or extra stability)

Route:

We’ll start with ~1.5 miles of flat warm-up before climbing Dreaded Hill. From the ridge, we reach Four Corners, then ascend Billy Goat. We’ll return to Four Corners and head out via Cactus Hill → Sage → Serrano Cow back to the parking lot.

Optional: a second pass of Billy Goat (regular or reverse) before returning to the start.

Expect exposed climbs, uneven footing, and steady elevation changes.