Seaview to Aliso Beach via Aliso Peak & Valido Trail + Optional 2nd Round

Seaview Park to Aliso Beach Hike Preview

Read This Before Joining: Not So Casual Hikes are fast-paced, challenging outings designed for hikers in excellent shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Our organizers are volunteers—not guides—and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety. We don’t provide sweepers, and the group may not wait if you fall behind. You might finish with new friends or on your own—and either way, it's part of the journey. By signing up, you take full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation. We don’t tailor pace or routes for individuals, and we don’t make space for complaints. What we do offer is a supportive, like-minded community that thrives on grit, respect, and pushing the edge together. If that speaks to you—we’re glad you found us. Let's move.

Join us for a scenic and moderately challenging hike from Seaview Park to Aliso Beach, with a stop at Aliso Peak and a descent via the Valido Trail. This route offers sweeping ocean views and a mix of paved, dirt, and single-track trails.
The first leg includes a short climb to Aliso Peak, followed by a descent toward the beach. If tide conditions allow, we may stop briefly at Lost Pier Cafe for restrooms, and optionally, a quick coffee. After reaching the turnaround point, we’ll begin a steady, sustained climb back to the trailhead. The return leg includes most of the elevation gain and offers a solid workout despite the shorter distance.

Feeling spicy? For those who enjoy voluntary suffering (you know who you are), we can do an optional second lap. Because nothing says "Sunday well spent" like doing the whole thing twice.

Location: 22739 Talavera Drive, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Hike Details:
• Meeting Place: We'll meet by the trailhead.
• General Rating/Difficulty: Moderate – expect a steady pace with some elevation.
• Distance/Elevation/Duration: Approximately 4.5 miles, ~1,200 ft elevation gain, 2–2.5 hours for one lap (double for 2 laps)
• Parking: Street parking near Seaview Park
• Restrooms: Not available at the trailhead; accessible at Lost Pier Cafe
• Essentials: 1–2 liters of water, sun protection, trail shoes with grip, optional trekking poles.

Route Details:

• Start at Seaview Park Trailhead – 22739 Talavera Drive, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
• Descend from Seaview Park to Aliso Peak Trail
  • Climb to Aliso Peak (ocean views)
  • Descend via Valido Trail to West Street
  • Cross PCH and continue to Aliso Beach
  • Optional stop at Lost Pier Cafe (restrooms/coffee, tide-dependent)
  • Return via Valido Trail and Aliso Peak Trail back to Seaview Park
• Note: This hike starts downhill and finishes with a sustained climb back.

Punctuality & RSVP Etiquette:
We kindly request that all participants aim to be punctual. Our group will wait for a grace period of 5 minutes past the scheduled start time for any latecomers. However, if you realize that you're running late, please inform us through the message board. This will help us know to wait a bit longer for you and ensure we don't leave anyone behind.
If your plans change and you're unable to attend after RSVPing, please cancel your RSVP before the event begins. This consideration allows us to manage the group size effectively and opens up space for others who might be on a waiting list.
REMINDER: By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service, releasing the Organizer, Co-Organizer, and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents during gatherings.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: Hiking is a rewarding activity, but certain dangers exist. These may include trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions, or wildlife encounters. By registering for this event, you explicitly recognize that our organizers and participants are not professional guides or certified experts. You assume responsibility for yourself and your safety, agreeing to hold harmless the hike organizer, co-organizer, assistant organizers, and fellow participants for any injuries sustained during the hike. This acknowledgment extends to any unforeseen incidents or accidents that might take place, emphasizing your commitment to personal responsibility for your safety throughout the entire event. Your participation implies your understanding and acceptance of the shared responsibility for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.