This is one of my favorite trails to walk through especially with my hound dogs. Parking is right off of the trailhead on the street. You can grab a few poop bags before entering. The views are spectacular both on foggy days and clear days. You can see the Pacific Ocean and the varied topography gives a nice cardio workout. I just wish more people picked up after their dogs so I don't step on feces or worse, my dogs snacks on it. Otherwise, it's a beautiful local spot to hike with dogs. read more

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One of the most picturesque trails in OC. The views are fantastic and it's not a difficult trail. I go there at least 2-3 times a week with my doggy. read more

I'm not sure how long this trail extends because after like 2 turns it turns into a residential neighborhood. But its a very easy walk with slow ascending, wide sandy trails and really nice on a breezy afternoon because of the ocean. There's like 2 trees of shade but most of it is sunny. If you pass the 2nd bend you'll be rewarded with the view of the ocean. Street parking in a residential neighborhood. If you go a weekday morning it's very empty, and a nice neighborhood. It's on a hill so even driving up and down u get viewpoints of the city lol. read more

Aliso Summit Trail - Trail 6.23 - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

This trail runs right behind our neighborhood, we can access it from the end of our culdesac. The views are stunning, there is just enough incline to create a sturdy workout. Get your heart rate up and check out this beautiful trail. The wide dirt and gravel path is well groomed and easy to navigate. read more

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Wanted to take my daughters on a hike to get some steps in. Been hot lately so figured somewhere near the beach would be a little cooler. Grabbed our coffee and headed to Laguna. Arrived early to get a parking spot near trailhead. Morning was a little foggy so the view wasn't as good as afternoons. Hike is great for beginners as different trails go from easy to moderate. This is definitely a awesome spot. People of all ages. Great spot for a hiking date too ! Watch out for those electric bikes though. Share the road / stay to the right and you will be fine. Will be back again for sure. read more

Aliso Summit Trail - Mountain View's - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

Aliso Summit Trail reminds me of Badlands Park in which the trail is adjacent to a rich neighborhood. However, Aliso Summit Trail is definitely inferior in terms of the view. Both are located in Laguna Niguel and I would say Badlands Park is way better. Round trip is about 4 miles; the best view is somewhere in the first 0.5 miles. There's really only one view here which is the small opening of the ocean between the hills. The further you walk to the 2 mile mark, the further you're walking away from that view. The trail itself is a wide dirt road with some inclines / declines. Nothing too exciting here compared to the other hikes I've done but still decent place to take a walk. Free parking on the side of the street right at the trailhead. read more

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Absolutely stunning views. It's a pretty flat walkway so it's perfect for anyone! I walked this trail on a Sunday morning, so there were several people on the pathway. It's very safe. read more

Aliso Summit Trail - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

My daughter, her dog and I went on this hiking trail for the first time. And it did not disappoint. This is a great trail if you want a relatively easy hike with beautiful mountain and ocean views. While it has a moderate incline at the beginning most of the time the trail is pretty easy while you enjoy the beautiful views. There is no shade so it is best to do this hike in the cooler temps or early morning. Definitely recommend this hike if you want to get in some exercise while enjoying the views. read more

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Great weekend trail for a hike with our toddler being worn. Wouldn't recommend a stroller since not a paved trail and at times the trail was narrower than we would have liked for social distancing. Good amount of street parking so practice your parallel parking skills. We enjoyed the incredible ocean views and breezes. Thankfully it wasn't too crowded on a Sunday afternoon even though it was 75 degrees. Tip: no safety guard rails by the edges of the steep slope/incline so make sure you wear shoes with good traction and stay away from the edge. read more

Aliso Summit Trail - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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Amazing view and although the walk up always gets me hugging puffing -- though completely my fault for easing a sedentary lifestyle -- the sights are always worth it. Love going here with my partner. read more

Aliso Summit Trail - view - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

Second time hiking here but today was more exciting because my daughter had the chance to treasure hunt the fairy homes!!! Such a cute idea and it makes the trek a little easier since you have something to look forward to! Not really a huge fan of this trail just because there's not much to see... yes you get a view of the ocean from atop the mountains but there are residential homes on one side and just a canyon on the other along a dirt road... But it feels like a safe trail and most everyone I've encountered says "hi" and smiled. read more

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Busy on a Sunday, but still walkable! It's a beautiful walk, the scenery is amazing. If you go to each outpost this walk will take 2hours, not 40mins. But it's pretty easy. And although inclining at times, we passed an elder lady with a walking stick so really, you have no excuse!! :) read more

Aliso Summit Trail - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

It's an okay trail but be warned it is not 8 miles like some sites say. Or maybe I couldn't find the connecting trail? It was 2 miles up up and 2 miles down. Personally not a fan of trails that follow housing or residential tracks so be prepared for that but the other side is a beautiful view. The trail was clean though and easy to access. My pup enjoyed it but don't expect your dog to be completely wiped out after - ours had plenty of energy leftover. read more

Aliso Summit Trail - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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Aliso Summit Trail is a family friendly and dog friendly trail behind residential area. The trail is along a cliff behind the residential area. As you hike, you'll see lots of nice landscape with fancy gazebos and luxurious backyards on one side; on the other side of the trail, you look over the Aliso Woods Canyon Park, which is quite lovely during spring and fall time. Distance: ~ 6 miles roundtrip Trailhead: Ridgeview and Highlands Parking: free along residential street Condition: flat, wide, and well maintained trail Level: Easy For more workout or adventure, you can continue onto Talavera to proceed to Seaview Park and take the Aliso Peak Trail (adding about 2 miles roundtrip) for closer ocean view, and then Valido down toward the beach (adding another mile or so roundtrip) . read more

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Such a great hike! Not to long or difficult. The view is great of the ocean from top! Can't wait to get back. read more

Aliso Summit Trail - View - Laguna - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

Awesome for a calm stroll! I came here with my sister in law, 6 mo niece, and my hiking partner pup. It was a great choice for us because of the clear path and easy stroll since my sister in law was carrying an infant. It wasn't busy but there were a fair amount of people and dogs on a walk here at 5PM on Sunday. My favorite part is that we got to dream about the amazing million-multi million dollar homes along the path! Dog was on leash as there were a few rodents that my sighthound would easily chase down the summit. read more

Aliso Summit Trail - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

Came here on a whim on Saturday for a 3 mile round trip hike. Very sunny, no shade, smooth incline in beginning but flat most of the time and lots of nice houses on the left side of you, saw ocean views too! Dogs allowed on the trail. read more

We started the hike at Ridgeview & Highland (free street parking = positive). The first 1.5 miles or so stays right next to the houses (definite negative). We then had to walk on Pacific Island Dr. when the trail ended and go south to Talavera Dr. to reconnect to another trail that took us south to the summit vista of the Pacific. The view and the trail for the last mile or so is away from the houses and scenic (positive). The trail is not a loop so the trip back to where we parked included the same boring 1.5 miles (negative). RT was 6.5 miles for us and just under 2.5 hrs. FYI... the trail was rather busy and there were many dog owners with their dogs off leash which doesn't bother me but might bother some people. All the people we encountered were polite. read more

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I liked this trail. Luckily I started at the bottom & walked up 2+ miles to the top them made my way back down. Great views. Try to go on a clear day read more

Aliso Summit Trail - Overlooking Aliso - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

Tremendous! If you own a bike and live in the area you gotta check this place out. I'm now going to switch off between this trail and Salt Creek. The meandering trail is 2.3 miles each way. The back of expensive residences line the trail - ignore the vulgar display of wealth and enjoy the magnificent view of the verdant hills, Aliso Creek and the ocean. Today there was a nice breeze and wasn't busy. I went in the afternoon but I'm sure early in the morning when it's foggy or at sunset when the sky is a kaleidoscope of pastels is even better. read more

Gorgeous view and peaceful trail, must park in the residential to get to destination. read more

Aliso Summit Trail - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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I've been hiking this trail for over 13 years, and I love the beautiful vista views, length of the trail start to finish, and recent grading of the trail itself. I do believe that a porta potty at either end would be ideal. read more

Beautiful trail. If you start at Highlands and Ridgeview go up one mile and it's gorgeous! read more

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Aliso Summit Trail is one of my favorite hiking spots in Laguna Niguel! I love the beautiful views that it has along the trail. It is so cool to see the snow on the mountains and the beach all in one hike! I like that its not too strenuous to bring my kids and puppy on too! read more

Aliso Summit Trail - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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DISTANCE: Approx 7.5 miles w/ 1,676' climbing gain. Casual pace taking in all the fabulous views. Plan on 3-4 hours. --------------------------------------------------- This route is a wide dirt trail which follows Aliso Canyon's eastern edge. The hiker only trail provides spectacular panoramic views of the ocean and Aliso & Woods Canyons. Most of its length borders residential communities to the East and natural open space to the West. We'll jump onto a residential sidewalk to connect us up to Seaview Park which will be well worth the pavement. We'll choose Aliso Peak trail taking in the great views. Expect some very steep climbs here. ------------------------------ Overview: This hike along the southern ridge of the Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park is fairly easy, with only a short moderate hill at the end. As you walk you'll find the park to your right and suburbs and homes to your left, so you don't really get an out in nature feel to the hike. Plenty of room for bikers, hikers, dog walkers and runners At the end, you get a really nice view of the ocean and Aliso Beach County Park. The trailhead is located in Laguna Niguel (near Mission Viejo) at the intersection of Highlands Avenue and Ridgeview Drive. To get there from I-5 take exit 86 and head west on Crown Valley Parkway. After 3.3 miles turn right on Niguel Road. In one mile turn right on Highlands Ave. Ridgeview Dr is your first left in .2 miles. --------------------------------------------------- Bring sunscreen, head cover and water; there isn't any shade along the trail. read more

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Huge high five to Annika Jo L for her thorough details on the wheres and whats of this trail. Followed her review to a tee and never ended up in a bush or suburban backyard...I did, however, find a fantastic peak overlooking Laguna/Newport from which to breathe in life and appreciate this absolutely majestic land we call home (Southern California). The trail is pretty flat and suburban until you get to the end and while it may not seem hard, lack of water or snacks on this trail (specifically on the way back) will make it seem like a never ending desert in the Sahara (but with really expensive homes of OC housewives as a backdrop). We did run into some people at the bench portion (before the descend and then subsequent incline of the peak) and they mentioned something about margaritas at the bottom of the trail. I believe the golden rainbow to Margaritaville is to the left of the fork (when you're about to peak it up), so bring money and reward yo'self before you have to head back to your car (heck, take a taxi back or park a car down there, I mean, you got your exercise in already!). Highly recommend! read more

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This hike is surprisingly one of my favorites in the south county area. After a long drive up the hill keep your eye out for sings saying "Aliso Creek Trail" not "Laguna Niguel Trails." After coming up here twice I finally found this trail. It starts in a residential neighborhood to the left of a gated community. Walk up the hill after parking (2 hour parking) and find a water fountain and a picnic table with a sign saying "Aliso Creek Trail" Laguna Niguel. Make a right and follow the trail towards the ocean views. Stay straight, then you'll see a small opening at the first viewpoint. Take that narrow trail to the left as you look down at the gated community. It looks sorta sketchy but it's very safe. Take it down till you see the next hill and viewpoint which is actually inside the gated community. The views are great and it's safe for families! It's a short yet moderate hike if you make it to the last viewpoint. If you're nervous about taking the narrow path you can continue straight till you hit the last picnic table and viewpoint. read more

Aliso Summit Trail - Narrow trail to the left of the viewpoint - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

This is a really pretty trail. Short and fairly easy. It's not easy to find though. You need to park in the residential area on Ridgeview, right where it meets with Highlands. We drove around several times trying to find the entrance. The entrance is facing Highlands street. There's a white metal gate. There are two places where Ridgeview meets Highland. One turns into Kensington, that's not where the entrance is located. Follow Ridgeview til it ends at Highlands and park. It's on the right side up the hill. It's uphill for most of the walk but it's a really pretty view. You can see Aliso Canyon and can see a little bit of the ocean. We didn't see any fairy gardens though . read more

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This is a beautiful hike that really amplifies the views of orange county that you never knew existed. The deep canyons and peekaboo oceans are really spectacular and separate you from the city life! Went early on a saturday morning and started at highlands.. To the end of aliso summit trail is about 3 hours.. Pretty easy throughout except when you get to the picnic table with the blue fence which is a little steep and rocky.. Wear good shoes! Lots of cool native plants like black sage on the way!! Nice spot to have a lunch and hike to the beach.. Dogs welcome on leash!!! read more

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Great trail that is definitely for most levels if you start at the park off Talavera street. Some of the best views in Orange County!

Discovered this trial on New Year Day. This has to be one of my favorite trail in the OC. Very easy hike. Approximately 5 MI loop. It was very foggy this morning which I love. The fog gave the trail and serene and relaxing affect. I will definitely be back. read more

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Nice trail and was surprise with the Trolls and Fairies houses! Very easy trail and great to bring children! Don't forget sunscreen since it's Hot and no trees for shade! read more

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Easy trail to walk. A little uneven to run. Watch out for bicyclists and bring your water. The trail leads you through dirt areas behind homes and some condos that look out over the canyon areas and passed a water reservoir. Breathtaking and revitalizing views of the Pacific Ocean at the half-way point. And on a clear day you can see Catalina. The trail is dog friendly, but please use receptacles for dog waste and do not leave it on the trail or in the bushes or brush. It's about a little over a 2.5 mile hike, or 6 mi RT. Start at the bottom of the hill at the intersection of Highland and Ridgeview. read more

The trail is nice and wide. Easy to practice social distancing. Beautiful scenery but after 1.5 miles of walking it gets boring. Walking further from the ocean is no fun. I thought the trail would loop around and get closer to the ocean but it just gets further away. Not my type of hiking. Great if you just want to get some running/walking exercise. Bikes ok too. Dog friendly. Poop bags and trash bins along the trail is provided. People still leave their poop trash on the ground! Please throw it away in the trash bin that is provided! There's also poop that dog owners did not bother to pick up! Don't be lazy! Pick up the shit! It stinks! read more

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The entrance can be a little hidden. Go to the location and park on the street. The trail begins right behind the white fence! But beautiful views!! read more

Amazing views (canyon on one side, beautiful homes on the other), easy trail, dog friendly! I wish there were more shaded area and perhaps parking close by but this trail was really enjoyable, not crowded and beautiful. So far the best dog friendly trail in OC that I've found! read more

A nice place for a medium-to-easy, dog-friendly hike, Aliso Summit Trail is next to a cliff in a residential area. With a homes on one side of it, there's are still good views of the valley and the ocean. Last time I went here, I hiked it right at sunset, and it was lovely :-) Purists might say this isn't a "real" hike because you're never completely out of sight of the homes all around, but for my money, it's a hike because you're exercising while communing with nature and enjoying a nice ocean breeze. Tip: The trail isn't shaded, so I strongly suggest: 1) Bring water and sunscreen 2) Make a concerted effort to not fall off of the cliff ;-) Enjoy! read more

Unfortunately, the last time we went there, all of the fairy installations were gone :(. It's still a nice, easy hike, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go on this trail. read more

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Awesome dog friendly trail great for all levels of hikers and family friendly as well. Great views on a clear sunny day, so bring some water and a camera! Remember clean up after your pets!! Bring your own doggy bags! read more

I followed Annika Jo L. instructions and they were perfect! This trail is part of the Aliso and Woods Canyon Wilderness Park. For more guidance, view the park map and it all makes so much more sense. This specific trail is only 2 miles, and as other reviewers have mentioned, it is flanked by houses on one side and nature on the other. Because of this and the low difficulty level of this trail, I'd say it's more of a nice walk than a hike. However, if you want some hiking, continue through the residential area until you hit the ALISO PEAK TRAIL. This is a challenge! Very steep going down after the picnic table, then you start to go up again. The view is gorgeous and totally worth it! Make sure you've got some water for the hike back up the original hill. It was rough!! The 2 trails combined are a little over 6 miles. read more