Ditch the flip flops and get ready to lace up your hiking boots. From picturesque views of the Dana Point Headlands to stunning red rock canyons of Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, Orange County offers a trail for everyone. We have listed the 10 best hiking trails near OC for the beginners to the expert hikers in your family.
- Carbon Canyon Regional Park: Easy, 2 mile loop
Santiago Oaks Regional Park: Easy, 3.5 mile loop
El Modena Open Space: Easy, 2.4 mile loop
Niguel Botanical Preserve: Easy, 4 miles out and back
Dana Point Headlands: Moderate, 3 mile loop
San Clemente Beach Trail: Moderate, 4.6 mile out and back
>Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park: Moderate, 4.25 miles out and back
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park: Strenuous, 11 mile loop
Saddleback Mountain: Strenuous, 15.6 miles
El Moro Canyon at Crystal Cove State Park : Strenuous, 9.5 mile loop
Resources for Hiking in OC
Orange County is a very hiker-friendly place however there are a few things to know before hitting the hiking trails. Most trails offer little to no shade from the sun, during certain months, we strongly recommend hiking early in the morning or in the late afternoon. Many trails in California are home to plants like poison-oak, learn how to identify certain plants to avoid contact with these plants. When planning a hike in Orange County, it is always a good idea to check for weather conditions and trail closures. As a reminder, do not forget to pack the following:
- Breathable hiking clothes and a jacket
Hat
Sunscreen and bug spray
Hiking sticks
Snacks and water
First aid kit
After a full day of adventure, unwind back at [Resort] where relaxation meets the California coast.
