Love it! It's a lot of climbing over rocks but it's great exercise. The best part of everything is…read morereaching the falls and eating a good sandwich. I do notice that many people leave their trash behind in this particular trail. PLEASE TAKE YOUR TRASH! You'll definitely get a good nap after getting home.

First time visiting Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park to check out the "falls" and it was just as…read moreexpected. By doing a little bit of research, we learned it was best to go early - my husband and I got there at 7:45am in October on a Saturday and the lot was already starting to fill up. When we left at 11:30, the lot was very full. There is technically plenty of parking but the busier it is, the farther you would have to go just to get to the trailhead. We had a very good weather for hiking. It was overcast for the first hour or so, and there is shade when hiking along the creek, and it was partly cloudy on our way out. If hiking during the afternoon, I would recommend bringing twice as much water as you think you would need. Overall, the trail was long but not too difficult. The first 3 miles are fairly easy/moderate and only the very end being somewhat difficult because it is steep. We think the total hike was about 7-8 miles round-trip and took 3.5-4 hours at a moderate pace. In October 2025, the falls and creek were dried out after a hot summer and only one storm in months. It made crossing the creek a non-event (only a little mud and puddles in a few areas), but it also meant the waterfalls were non-existent. The trail was still very scenic and a fun hike. The end of the trail is still very beautiful when dry. Note, there are lots of mountain bikers so be alert and stay to the right side of the trail. No bathrooms, trash cans, or water fountains but still very clean; thanks to the regular hikers who help to clean up the trails. Please be kind to others and respectful to nature. Pack it on, pack it out.

Red Rock Canyon is located in the City of Lake Forest. Who knew one could view glimpses of red rock…read moreformations and plateaus in Orange County? When we arrived around 8:30 on a Saturday morning, the paid parking lot was already full. There are very few parking spaces overall in the paid $3 lot. We ended up as Ralph's customers that morning and found a couple of last-minute items that we needed before starting our hike. It was a nice and cool morning with a slight breeze, which was perfect to kick off our hike. We opted to take the easy trail, Borrego Canyon Trail. There is a lot of soft sand through out parts of the trail, similar to a beach like sensation for your walking pleasure. It also felt like a magical forest during some areas with trickling streams. We also experienced some parts full of various sized rocks. This is NOT a child- friendly trail for little ones. As we approached parts that were more desert like, we got closer to the red rocks. There was much anticipation to the end and the trail concludes with what feels like a small dead end as you gaze into the view of the towering red rocks. Going downhill was much quicker and fun. It was an easy trail with some sections that forced me to go slower as I didn't want to slip on some small rocks. There was so much positivity coming from other hikers and bicyclists. So many good mornings shared, it was contagious. Bicyclists are one-way so they are only coming from behind you and so many were thankful for us moving out of their way. I've never experienced such polite and friendly trail enthusiasts. I'd love to return to experience this beautiful trail again.

What a great hike! The shade was wonderful, and everyone on the trail was so respectful of space…read more(thank you, bikers). It gets a little narrow as you get closer to the rock formations, but still highly recommend either way.

Sunday hike in Orange County for the first time…read more My driving experience up to the trail was death defying...I literally thought I was gonna die! Lots of curves and turns. And the parking lot is a joke, super small with no more than 10 spots. So we ended up parking on the road. A surprising trail that was found by mistake, ended up being a pretty good hike. It was easy...although super duper long...so my legs were aching at the end. Going up was a steady trail that wasn't too steep. Also not very crowded here, mostly mountain bikers, but the trail is very wide, so no worries about getting smashed by a biker. It's windy...so bring a jacket. There were lots of dried berry poop and lizard remains: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/SuVGPTy57tycHAGdrcq2ZA?select=uWkk6tJ8T5P4PsxBM3J6nQ But once you get to the top, there are some wonderful views: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/SuVGPTy57tycHAGdrcq2ZA?select=jRqsSIQeEzwS5goxe_2EEQ On the way down we took some shortcuts which were more fun to go down...overall, I liked this hike. I think I'd come back with my dog, she'd like it.

I had planned a hike to the nearby Bedford Peak that started at the same spot, but we missed the…read moreturn off for that trail after the first few hundred meters. My hiking companions and I just continued heading along the paved access road that was at the park entrance. After about a mile and a half or so, the trail starts making switchbacks uphill, which then turns to dirt, though the road itself is still wide enough for motor vehicles to navigate. I knew we weren't on the right trail about 3 miles into the hike. Everyone agreed to just keep going to see what was further up the mountain and trail. Luckily for us, soon afterward a mountain biker passing by informed us that the Four Corners Peak was only about 2 more miles. With knowledge in hand, we continued the descent up the dirt road which consisted of a number switchbacks that snaked up to the top. By the time that you are nearly at the peak, you will pass a sign that marks the 7th mile. Just over 7 miles from parking lot to peak! The peak was windy! Easily 30-40 mph wind gusts, but the views are awesomely panoramic. We chose a great day with very clear skies. You could see the entire spread of the San Gabriel Mountains, Diamond Bar, Chino, Orange County, Catalina Island, Palos Verdes, the coast line stretching up to Long Beach, around the peninsula, south bay, Santa Monica, the Malibu beaches and Point Dume, not to mention the downtown LA skyscrapers majestically reaching towards to the heavens. As we were taking in the sights, another mountain biker informed us that there was a short cut, that ran a tangent across the switchbacks. We decided to take this on the return, which saved us about 2 miles going downhill. A little bit steep heading down, this trail has been in use much less, littered with broken bottles, kicked beer cans, and empty shotgun shells. If you are looking to take the short cut, there a 3 parts, marked by a black, three rung metal railing that looks completely out of place by itself. Look off of the mountain road and you should see the trail. Overall, I would say that this hike is very easy, though very long, just over 14 miles round trip. The elevation grade is not too steep and the mountain road is in excellent shape, This looks to be more of a mountain biking destination, as we saw plenty more bikers than hikers transversing it. Note, that the trail head is in Cleveland National Forest, which requires an Adventure Pass to park. The parking lot here was extremely small, less than ten parking spaces available and we ended up parking back on the road since all of spots were occupied. I suggest doing the same if you want to save some cash on the pass.

Airport Fire (flames) climbing up Santiago Peak on September 9, 2024. Will take photos after smoke…read moreclears up of what it looks like afterward. Video taken from Mission Viejo, CA.

ADVICE: make sure to lower down your tire pressure - you can get stuck and ruin your car…read more This was awesome for Off-roading! We had a caravan of 4 cars: 2 Rivian's and 2 4Runners. Was an easy drive and wasn't too challenging, only at the very end it can be tricky. But if you want to see the view, park your car and walk if you don't feel your car can take the trail.

Amazing waterfall is here! It's really difficult to find the trail. Recommend ware hiking boots,…read morelong pants and gloves. Trabuco Creek Road is a dirt road. It's fun to drive. Hikers are so nice and friendly. I definitely come back here again!

Summary: if you want to see a running stream without hiking then this is the place which is closer…read morethan Holy Jim Trail. The drive is one way and you will drive past a hobby aircraft airport. The problem is at the end of the road is a stream and it's a dead end where it is prohibited to walk, drive beyond. Just a few trees, rocks and stream so bring tables and chairs because nothing else

One of the most peaceful spots in OC. The creek is special. Support the gift shop. Enjoy the…read morehummingbirds.

Came here today on a whim after visiting the Modjeska House just down the street from this place…read more The gift shop was open and we ended up buying some soap, 2 finger puppets for the kids, and a ENC tucker magnet. The gift shop was a museum too and had lots of interactive exhibits for the kids. We saw live snakes and frogs on display as well. Across the street from the gift shop was the actual sanctuary which is a 0.25 mile loop - you can finish it within 10-15 minutes if you want fast. An amphitheater and bird viewing area is in there as well. The creek was dry when we went but did see a small pond with lots of tadpoles. Also be aware of rattlesnakes as we heard they come out in the summer time. Trail was 80% shaded so was not so hot. Found out that TUCKER was acquired by ENC of Newport Beach in 2022 so you'll see lots of ENC gear in the gift shop. There are essentially 2 ENC locations now - one here and one in Newport Beach. Pretty interesting!

Great leg workout, basically uphill, no shade whatsoever. Gorgeous view as you go up and up, view…read moreof the city and canyons. Must have a hiking shoes, bring water, apply sunscreen and wide brim hat. Park by the Harding Truck trail/ bird sanctuary, limited parking, come early!

"Let's do this!" said freakishly-fit friend. So excited to…read morebe active in the 90-degree SoCal weather (yes, I'd like some butter with my eye roll) Modjeska Peak is the second highest peak in Orange County at 5,496 feet; highest is Santiago Peak... The hike is a constant uphill battle on a dirt and rocky path. No shade. No cell service. No Yelp check-in. Real conversation, with a splash of dark humor, is suggested... :-) #camaraderie Mountain hiking embodies what hiking is all about. Every experience is unique, but the constant factors are breathtaking views, fresh air, and a good workout. Do your own research before you attempt this arduous hike. Check out bloggers of Californiathroughmylens.com, Nobodyhikesinla.com, Hikingguy.com These guys know what's what...

Beautiful trail with a stunning view of the lake…read more It is a narrow sandy trail all the way which is stroller friendly. There are bikers, joggers and dog walkers on this trail. Friendly hikers and residents. The trail is dotted with little fairy houses and tiny toys - probably set up by the residents. Fun little treasure hunt for kids. The only negative is dog poop on the trail - there's a lot of dodging involved (harder to do with stroller). Needless to say I stepped in poop. Park on Windsweet way residential street and join the trail.

What a peaceful and pleasant place to begin a hiking habit!…read more The recent rain created an environment of new blooms and green moss to the scenery. This is a pleasant hike especially because of the tree canopy-lined trails on days when it would otherwise be too hot.

Dreaded hill is a great trail to watch sunset and get some exercises done. Remember to bring plenty…read moreof waters if you go on a hot day.