Name: Post-Thanksgiving Outing: Rock It to Top of the World (~8.5–10 mi)
Start: 2025-11-28T07:30:00-08:00
End: 2025-11-28T10:30:00-08:00
Location: Canyon View Park

Join us for a post-Thanksgiving outing as we return to the trails with an ascent up Rock It, a pleasantly corrective experience after Thursday’s festivities. We’ll continue along West Ridge and Lynx for an 8.5-mile loop of ridges and canyon scenery. Should the group remain spirited, we may add Canyon Acres or Stairstep, extending the outing to roughly 10 miles and ensuring no one departs with surplus energy.

**Please Note:** Not So Casual is not a figure of speech. Our hikes are intentionally brisk, with solid climbs, steady pacing, and remarkably little loitering. We’re warm and welcoming, but the group does continue onward. Think spirited outing, not gentle stroll. Please bring water, sturdy shoes, and the fitness to remain with the group. If the pace feels a touch optimistic, simply continue at your own — ideally alongside a fellow hiker whose enthusiasm matches your own.

**Details:**
**Location**: Canyon View Park, Aliso Viejo, California
**Meeting Point**: Canyon View Staging Area
**Parking**: Free street parking available nearby
**Difficulty**: Moderate due to elevation and sustained pace
**Distance / Elevation**: \~8.5 miles with \~1,800 ft cumulative gain (closer to 10 miles if we extend via Canyon Acres or Stairstep)

**Essentials:**
• Traction hiking shoes
• Water (at least 1.5L; electrolytes recommended)
• Light snacks
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Hiking poles (recommended if you normally use them)

**Route:**
We’ll start at Canyon View Staging Area and follow Wood Canyon Trail past Wood Canyon Creek toward Coyote Run. Continue along Coyote Run to Rock It, then climb to Top of the World via West Ridge. We’ll return along West Ridge, descend Lynx to rejoin Wood Canyon Trail, and finish at Canyon Vistas.

Should the group feel enthusiastic, we may extend the loop via Canyon Acres or Stairstep, bringing the total distance to roughly 10 miles.

**Note on Punctuality & RSVP:** Please be on time — we’ll wait up to 5 minutes past the start. If you’re running late, you can post your ETA in the event discussion, but the group may still begin without you. If your plans change, please update your RSVP — it helps us know who to expect on the trail.

**Disclaimer & Safety Notice:** Not So Casual Hikes are challenging outings designed for hikers in strong shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Organizers are volunteers—not guides—and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety. We hike at a steady pace and the group may spread out. Please be prepared to navigate independently if you fall behind, though we’ll aim to check in at major junctions when possible. By signing up, you accept full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation, and agree to hold harmless the Organizer, Co-Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and fellow participants for any incidents or injuries. Participation also means you agree to Meetup’s Terms of Service. Hiking carries inherent risks, including trip/fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak, ticks, snakes, coyotes, or mountain lions. Be prepared for sun exposure, heat, or marine layer conditions depending on the day.

Vola

Mike 🥾

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Post-Thanksgiving Outing: Rock It to Top of the World (~8.5–10 mi)

Canyon View Park

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Post-Thanksgiving Outing: Rock It to Top of the World (~8.5–10 mi)

Not So Casual Hikes Orange County

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