Caspers Exploration Hike

Join State Of The State Parks Podcast hosts and California naturalists Chris and Moe on this exploration hike at Caspers Wilderness Park.

This will be a slow-paced exploration hike, not a cardio hike. We will have a brief discussion/introduction at the beginning; and start hiking together, pausing to make observations, look at native plants, insects, birds, galls, and anything else interesting along the trails.

We will be using iNaturalist and Merlin apps, great ways to identify and learn about plants, birds, snakes, and anything else you see when you are out hiking.
This is the 5/16/26 revised route: starting the hike with the Nature Loop trail (a short section) to Dick Loskorn, West Ridge, Star Rise to Bell Canyon and back to the parking lot. About 4.5 miles. Elevation gain at least 509 ft.

We saw many Intermediate Mariposa Lillies with unopened buds, other flowering plants, many galls, native bees, birds and more when scouting this route 5/16/26.

VERY IMPORTANT: The meeting place is far into the park. NOT by the park entrance.
Please allow enough driving time from the Caspers entrance gate kiosk to the Historic Windmill/Old Corral day use area.
The park opens at 7:00 - it might take 10 minutes to get to Old Corral area.

NO DOGS ALLOWED.

WHERE TO MEET: Meet in the parking lot at Old Corral Day Use restrooms and picnic areas. There's a bench next to an old cattle loading chute.
This is at least a 10 minute drive from the Caspers park entrance.

CONTACT INFO:
Moe and Chris stateofthestateparks@gmail.com

WHAT TO BRING:
Required: Sturdy trail shoes/boots, plenty of water, hat, wear long pants and layered clothing.
Recommended/Optional: Phone with iNaturalist app, Merlin app, binoculars, snacks, and hiking poles.

NOTE: Dogs or other pets are not allowed in Caspers.

FEE: Caspers entrance fee is $5 per vehicle or OC Parks annual passes.

RAIN/ALTERNATE PLANS: If Caspers trails are closed, we will reschedule to a future day.

HIKE DIFFICULTY AND HAZARDS: This is a wilderness area hike - about 4.5 miles – advanced beginner to intermediate due to some steeper hills and lots of uneven areas. Beware of poison oak, rocky trails, ticks, rattlesnakes, mountain lions and other wilderness trail hazards.

ABOUT THE HIKE LOCATION: Caspers Wilderness Park is an 8,000 acre protected wilderness preserve nestled among the river terraces and sandstone canyons of the western coastal Santa Ana Mountains. The park's many fertile valleys are overtly complemented by specimen groves of native Coastal Live Oak and magnificent stands of California Sycamore. These areas are further accentuated by seasonal wildflower displays and running streams. Wildlife is abundant and can be readily viewed from any of the park's numerous trails.
DISCLAIMER: Group organizer and assistant organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.