Rock It to TOW + Car Wreck Option (~8.5–10 Mi, Moderate Pace)

Get a sneak peek here: Wood Canyon, Mathis, West Ridge, and TOW trails hike!

Read This Before Joining: Not So Casual Hikes are fast-paced, challenging outings designed for hikers in great 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 loop through Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. The standard route is approximately 8.5 miles, starting with Rock It trail up to Top of the World, returning via West Ridge and Lynx. Total time is around 3.5 hours, depending on pace and breaks.

For those interested in adding mileage, there’s an optional extension: after reaching TOW, we’ll continue down Mathis trail to Car Wreck, then reconnect with West Ridge and Lynx. This version is roughly 10 miles total.

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: 8.5–10 miles total, with approximately 1,762+ ft of cumulative elevation gain. Includes multiple climbs and descents, especially if opting for the Car Wreck extension.
Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-august-11-2025-ac4395a?u=i&sh=pxabuh

Essentials:
· Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction
- Hiking poles (optional but recommended for steep sections)
· Water
· Snacks/energy bars
· Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
· A positive attitude and a smile 😊

Route Overview:

• Start at Canyon View Staging Area
• Follow Wood Canyon Trail to Wood Canyon Creek, then continue toward Coyote Run
• Take Coyote Run Trail to Rock It, climbing to Top of the World (TOW) via West Ridge
• Return via West Ridge Trail, descending Lynx Trail to rejoin Wood Canyon Trail and finish at Canyon Vistas

Optional Extension (~10 miles total):

• After reaching TOW, descend Mathis Trail to Car Wreck Trail
• Reconnect with West Ridge and continue the return via Lynx Trail

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.