Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness

Dear Members,

Compelling caverns, magnificent meadows, palatial panoramas, oh my! If you want a true greatest-hits hike in Orange County, head straight for Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park in Laguna Niguel for an 11-mile, 1,000-foot-gain highlight reel romp. Start at the visitor center and check out the short native-flora loop for an educational warm-up stretch. The paved Aliso Creek Trail then descends into the canyon, with rolling hills of sage, mustard and even artichoke plants (look for purple blooms). Look for a sign for Dripping Cave, one of many accessible sandstone cavities in the hulking 4,500-acre park (also check out Cave Rock), which was allegedly used as a hollowed hideout for 19th century livestock thieves. After exploring the geological grotto, continue on the Mathis Canyon Trail through enchanting oaks among riparian woodland before challenging yourself on the Car Wreck Trail, a technical, part-rock-scramble ascent. Halfway up, spy an old rusted Dodge sticking out of the dense chaparral. You’ll soon reach the 1,000-foot summit aptly named Top of the World, rewarding you with Protected content vistas that do not disappoint. The prominent peaks of Mt. Baldy (north) and Santiago (east) dominate the inland backdrop, but the coastal views are breathtaking — and it’s a good spot for a mid-trek picnic. On the return half of the loop, don’t miss the Wood Canyon Trail segment that crosses a babbling stream by way of a short boardwalk.