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    Dripping Cave

    4.3 (21 reviews)

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    Dripping cave entrance
    Ellie S.

    I was so excited to come here but I was kind of disappointed there was no "dripping effect," but then again it's summer time right now so maybe I'll come back after the rainy season. HOW TO GET HERE: 1. Park at the Aliso & Wood Canyon Wilderness Park (Tip: park on the roadside not the lot for free parking) 2. Start on Aliso Creek Trail for about 1 mile 3. Turn right when you see the portable restrooms to go on Wood Canyon Trail (we made the mistake to keep walking on Aliso creek trail don't do that) 4. You can stop to see cave rock by PASSING the first trail sign that says "cave rock trail." When you see the SECOND "cave rock trail" sign it'll be right there (saves you time) 5. Continue on wood canyon trail & when you see Dripping Cave follow the signs and easy to find To Car Wreck Trail: 6. Go back on wood canyon trail & keep moving forward 7. When you see Mathis and coyote run trail take Mathis trail for a bit til you get to the fork in the trail 8. You'll see the big hill on the left-don't worry make a left and take the car wreck trail & follow to reach your destination:)

    Inside cave looking at entrance.
    Calvin L.

    This is a good hike. About 5 miles. Very easy hike with little incline. About 400ft of elevation gain. The highest elevation is only 250ft MSL. No dogs are allowed on trails so don't bring them. This trail is in the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. What is nice about this trail is that if you go in spring and summer there is generally water in the creek. Just enough to hear it babbling. Sounds wonderful! Also many birds on this trail so if you are quiet you will see a lot! The cave itself is very neat. You can see old remnants of something they used to hang on the ceiling of the cave. Check it out!

    We spotted a deer family!
    Imam Z.

    We started walking on Saturday early morning.The trails are mostly beginners friendly.Most of the trails are flat with slight ups and downs.There is a main trail and some brances to small trails. We liked the natural views.We spotted deers on our way.It was a nice place for a morning walk and very close from Irvine. It is better to start and finish hiking in the morning as there is little to no shade on main trail.The main trail is also dominated by bikers.So be careful.

    All of the trails.
    Paolo H.

    Dripping Cave, also known as "Robbers Cave," gets it name from the water that drips from the sandstone cave's upper lip. It must happen after it rains, there was no dripping the day I visited. It is also the site that was used by Juan Flores and his gang of outlaws from 1856-1857. They used it as a hideout after they robbed stagecoaches and stole livestock. You can still see the holes in the ceiling where they anchored pegs that held gear and saddle bags filled with coins. What's fun about this hike is the various creek crossings and the informational displays; it keeps the kids engaged. There are 28 other named trails so there is a lot more to explore when you're done. The trailhead is located at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park (28373 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Niguel). It's a 4.5-mile round trip hike from the park entrance. There is a also a 2-mile round trip shortcut that starts from inside a gated community located at Oak View Dr and Crimson Canyon. Take Hunwut Trail to Wood Canyon Trail to Dripping Cave Trail. I also noticed an unofficial trail located in the back of the running track of Soka University. This route takes you down a fairly steep hill to Wood Canyon Trail.

    Hung T.

    Can't complain. Nice walk to the cave. Cave was nice. We got lucky and beat the hiking crowd. 50 people showed up once we finished.

    love flowing water

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    3 years ago

    Easy hike, more if a walk. Wheelchair friendly. Such a fun rock to see. Actively dripping all over!

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    7 years ago

    12/9/18 - Just as an FYI - we went today and the Dripping Cave trail was closed due to fire restoration.

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    Review Highlights - Dripping Cave

    Park at the Aliso & Wood Canyon Wilderness Park (Tip: park on the roadside not the lot for free parking) 2.

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    Niguel Botanical Preserve

    Niguel Botanical Preserve

    4.6(94 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    Sitting on the edge of Crown Valley Park, this 18-acre botanical garden is nestled into the…read morehillside and serves as a good place for a walk and to explore nature. The garden displays plants from the Mediterranean climate regions of the world. Some of the ones included are an Australian garden, California, Chilean, Formal, Rose, and South African garden. I liked how many of the bushes or plants had plaques with the plant names, so you knew what you were looking at. The preserve was a maze of little paths with a fair amount of stair climbing and some steep parts. This might not be the best for high heels if on a date or for bringing an elderly parent who can't walk too far. I loved all the wildflowers abound. Some highlights were the rose garden, (more rustic than manicured) the lily pond, and bridge.

    Niguel Botanical Preserve located in Laguna Niguel, off of Crown Valley Parkway, was such a good…read morefind on a sunny, beautiful Saturday afternoon. My mom, sis & I wanted to spend some family time outdoors and Yelp didn't disappoint! This preserve was a breath of fresh air (literally) and the vitamin D we needed. It's an 18-acre public garden, featuring themed gardens, winding trails (cemented & rocky), and even a labyrinth. It's uber peaceful, with its well-curated botanical, natural landscapes ~ totally ideal for walking and exploring. We just wished we were dressed more appropriately for hiking lol (we were dressed more casual, from having brunch together in Newport). Lol Oh wells..next time for sure! The variety of different colored plants originating from all around the world ~ California, Chile, Australia, South Africa, and the Mediterranean were sooo pretty. The winding paths offered scenic walks with varying difficulty, including some uphill climbs and stairs. We saw wildlife of all sorts ~ birds, butterflies, squirrels, rabbits, cute lil lizards and bees. Beware of rattlesnakes in certain marked areas..which we stayed away from. Overall, a cool place to relax, get some exercise & fresh air. There are MANY cute photo op sceneries. We will definitely be back again to explore more of the trails. RxFoodie recommend and YAY, for an added trail for my weekend hikes!!!

    Photos
    Niguel Botanical Preserve - My little Grace wouldn't turn around because she saw a squirrel. :)

    My little Grace wouldn't turn around because she saw a squirrel. :)

    Niguel Botanical Preserve - Photography at this beautiful garden

    Photography at this beautiful garden

    Niguel Botanical Preserve - "Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail." - Kinky Friedman

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    "Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail." - Kinky Friedman

    Aliso Peak Trail - Midnight from Aliso Peak

    Aliso Peak Trail

    4.5(12 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    This is a really cool trail that starts out from Pacific Island Street goes past some residential…read moreneighborhoods and ends up with a beautiful view of Pacific Ocean it can continue down to PCH as well

    Aliso Peak Trail is a little gem with various combo of extension trails. The trail starts out flat…read morewith a few picnic tables on the side of the trail. Then you proceed down on a steep, narrow dirt/rocky path. There are just a few rolling hills before you reach the peak. Before the final peak, there are wooden planks to step on/assist in hiking up. On a clear day you can see the canyon with a clear coastal view of Laguna Beach; on a foggy day, you'd still enjoy the ethereal view where mountain meets water/coast. Distance: ~ 2 miles roundtrip Trailhead: Seaview Park at Talavera and Casalero Parking: free along residential street Condition: dirt path, steep climb with little rocks Level: Advanced beginner NOTE: there are no restroom nearby or on the trail. If you're on time constraint and want a short cardio workout (~ 2miles roundtrip), start from Seaview park and descend down for a view of the ocean coast, coastal fog, and breezy wind. For more mileage, start from Aliso Summit Trail (Ridgeview and Highland, add about 6 miles roundtrip) then connect to Aliso Peak (total ~8 miles roundtrip); for additional adventure, descend via Valido trail to the beach.

    Photos
    Aliso Peak Trail - Overlooking the Aliso Peak from above the trail

    Overlooking the Aliso Peak from above the trail

    Aliso Peak Trail - Aliso Peak 4th of July 2017

    Aliso Peak 4th of July 2017

    Aliso Peak Trail - Marker at the top of Aliso Peak

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    Marker at the top of Aliso Peak

    Thousand Steps Beach - 8/13/22 - Can you spot baby fishies? There were some in here.

    Thousand Steps Beach

    4.5(807 reviews)
    3.6 mi

    Thousand Steps Beach is gorgeous and the cave makes it totally worth all of the steps down to it…read more There are only about 219 steps (not a thousand). The steps are no joke though. They are pretty steep and concrete. I wouldn't recommend them for little kids. Make sure you go at low tide. They close the cave area when the tide comes in. The cave is on the far left side of the beach. You have to go over rocks to get there. It can be slippery. There were lifeguards on duty. It's so fun to explore inside the cave. We parked on PCH. There is no parking lot. I definitely recommend going in the morning. It's hard to find parking if you try to go in the afternoon/evening on a weekend/holiday. There is a crosswalk and stoplight at 9th Ave. to cross PCH and then the entrance is right there. There is a bathroom, but it is the typical beach bathroom--not very clean. There's a volleyball net on the left side of the beach. There are no restaurants/cafes. Bring whatever you want with you.

    1000 Steps Beach in Laguna Beach (off PCH and 9th) is absolutely worth the visit! First off, don't…read morelet the name intimidate you, the stairs are not literally 1000 steps one way or even round trip... unless you decide to go up and down a few times, then yeah, you'll definitely hit that number!! We went on a Monday and it was pretty busy lots of college-aged people, maybe even some high schoolers, but the beach itself still felt pretty secluded, and there were hardly any kids around maybe like a handful of them. It was overcast when we went, which actually made it perfect, not too hot and super comfortable. Parking is street parking only, just make sure to read the signs carefully. Once you head down, you'll find restrooms and showers right at the bottom of the stairs, which is super convenient. The restroom is clean earlier in the day (before noon), but like most beach spots, it gets a bit wet as the day goes on. There's plenty of space to set up and relax. One thing to watch out for--seagulls! They will go after your food, so definitely cover it with towels if you're hopping in the water. The stairs themselves are pretty narrow, and people usually stick to one side going down and the other going up, so just be mindful and take your time, they tend to also get wet as the day goes on so it's a little slippery.

    Photos
    Thousand Steps Beach - Steps Down

    Steps Down

    Thousand Steps Beach
    Thousand Steps Beach - 1000 steps lifeguard at top of the steps on PCH

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    1000 steps lifeguard at top of the steps on PCH

    Laguna Niguel Regional Park - LAGUNA NIGUEL Regional Park, Laguna Niguel, California! #UnBEElievable #PickleballShenanigansInThePark

    Laguna Niguel Regional Park

    4.2(115 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    IYKYK~ PICKLEBALL IS LIFE…read more.. LAGUNA NIGUEL REGIONAL PARK, California! IYKYK, then you know about the LNRP, because you can find Pickleball Courts Here! There are 8 courts currently and 4 more coming! And who knew, that the LNRP would someday be a Destination Hot Spot for Pickleball! Lol, I knew, from day one, from the moment my Husband and I started playing here. The first 4 original pickleball courts were opened back on January 10, 2018! And we've been playing here, ever since! And if you don't know what Pickleball is, you soon will, because Pickleball is So Much Freaking Fun, and I promise you, 100%, it will Change your life because... #PickleballisLife #PickleballFriendsROCK #FindUsAtThePickleballCourts

    This is a nice local park to visit and walk around in if you don't go with dogs. I say this because…read moreof the copious amounts of goose poops everywhere and the amount of shrieking children it contains. Parking is plentiful but you will be paying $3-5 per vehicle. It's best to use the OC Park pass if you have one or just park at the nearby shopping center. Another gripe I have is the foul stench of the lake / reservoir. Not long ago, hundreds of dead fishes floated about and it was left like that for days. It's near the water reclamation facilities and even on sunnier clearer days, it just seems not worth walking nearby with dogs. So as much as I like the convenient location and the recreational facilities perfect for those with kids, it's just not for dog owners like me.

    Photos
    Laguna Niguel Regional Park
    Laguna Niguel Regional Park
    Laguna Niguel Regional Park

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    Dripping Cave - hiking - Updated May 2026

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