One of the coolest hikes I've done, Red Rock Canyon starts as a pretty typical forest trail. It's…read morereally easy and chill, but watch out for snakes midway through! Once you get past the woods and make it to the end, you're met with all the red rock plateaus and it's so cool to see and be around! Really beginner friendly, just make sure to pack water and snacks :)

Red Rock Canyon is located at the Whiting Ranch Wilderness Trail. To get here there are different…read morehiking trails but the most popular one is probably the Borrego Canyon Trail. It's only a 1.8 mile hike one way to get to the intersection where you can continue straight to get on the Red Rock Canyon trail. You'll know when you're at the end when you see signs and the large red rock structures all around you. The red rocks really reminded me of the sights that I saw in Arizona and Utah. It was really cool to see some of that in California.

Oops my secret is out! This is probably one of my most favorite spot to go for a walk or a mini…read morehike! Even better, if you're there when it's sunny because the ocean views are breathtaking!! This is also dog friendly since there are poop bags provided at intermittent part of the trail. Please keep in mind that this is in a neighborhood so there will be houses really close to the trail (almost like we're in their backyard) and private property that you can't enter. There are signs to guide you so just stick to the signs and you'll be ok.

Hidden gem in LN. Quick hike around the area to the park area to see the interesting…read moregeology/history. Hike also wraps around the mountain side, giving you a view of the ocean.

This hike is moderate because it is short. It's about a mile round trip but the stairs can be…read morebrutal, especially if you are short. The views are worth it. There is only bench at the top.

this was steeper than I expected but so rewarding at the top! it's a short hike with lots of…read moreelevation, definitely got my heart rate up. there's a bench at the top where you can catch your breath while admiring views of the coastline + nearby golf course!

My favorite "hike"! I prefer to do more of the "rock climbing" and going along the water but there…read moreis a trail that goes around. Lots of people on the weekend but never too busy. Best time is the spring, late winter.

5/6/2023 Went on a Saturday at 11:30am. Parking on both sides on Ortega Hwy. It was our first time…read moreso we asked some passerby's which way to go. There are 3 trails, we took the one on the far right. Nice easy walk. We listened for the sounds of the water fall and walked towards it. We ended up at the bottom of the waterfall and worked our way up. Luckily the water was flowing nicely after the rain on Thursday. Sad to see so much graffiti was it was still worth going.

The Oso Creek Trail is a classic "Yuppie Nature" trail: mostly paved or manicured paths, and…read morenothing too challenging or dangerous. Exactly the kind of "outdoor" experience my wife loves! But seriously, it's a wonderful place to stretch your legs right in the heart of Mission Viejo. The trail runs along both sides of Oso Creek, hence the name, and each side of the trail is a bit different. One side is paved and the other is dirt or bark covered, for a more "natural" feel. There are also some fun points of interest along the way, including a hedgerow maze, various bear statues, and a park adjacent to the Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center. It's great for families with small kids or strollers to push, as well as solo joggers, dog walkers, or even bikers. It's long enough and stretches at least a couple miles to get some good exercise in. If you're in the area, it's well worth a visit to enjoy. Five stars!

I met a couple friends here and we had a great time talking and walking. We had a great time and…read moreconversation. Loved all the artist's installations. We are looking forward to returning in the future.

Great place for a nature field trip. Wear light clothing, long pants, sturdy shoes, a hat or bring…read morean umbrella, and bug spray. We went here on a field trip and there was a lot of walking and a hike up a hill. We saw a 500 year old mother oak tree, carcasses, poison oak, rainbow mountain, and learned about rocks and minerals and a lot of other nature related things.

There are two small parking lots, so parking is convenient. The hiking route is relatively short,…read moremaking it perfect for a relaxing walk. From here you can overlook the Pacific Ocean and Highway 1. If you come around sunset, the view should be especially beautiful.

There are gorgeous views of the ocean from the trail. We were there in the early afternoon on a…read moreNovember day in the mid-70's. The ocean breeze felt great and kept us cool enough for light sweatshirts. But my sister who lives in a nearby community says it can get very hot in the late Spring through early Fall. Id like to try it out for trail running, though I can see how it might be slick, with its coarse sand trail on wood ties for stairs; it's metal stairs in other places.

No tickets needed, it's free. It is an amazing view. It's one of my fav places to visit, read a…read morebook, chill, party, or hangout with some friends. Also very romantic for a date spot. Watch out for mountain lions at night!

Came here with my daughter and her friend, went on hiking trails, this place is absolute to go…read moreplace for a walk, hiking and there also has a small park where you can take kids to play. This place has an amazing view and lots of trails for you to go walking and hiking as well. Theres plenty of parking, rite next to the park and it has restroom as well. It's a free parking. Some places you can park on the street and hike up.

Quite a nice short trail if you dont take the extra mile path. A good climb and scenic view…read more Other websites will say this is easy difficulty trail. But it can be semi moderate with the uphill, climbing, &balancing. You might not want to bring your unfit elderly that aren't used to non flat surfaces just an fyi. Going early in the morning, we had cloudy weather. The highway on the side that leads into this can be a bit unimmersive. But still worth the hike.

*Hidden gem *part of the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological…read moreReserve *several trails with mild to strenuous levels (slot canyon is strenuous... but there were parts of the switchback trail that was labeled as moderate that were a bit strenuous *Know your limits, hydrate, wear good hiking /walking shoes and listen to your body *incredible plant and wildlife biodiversity *birding hotspot * trail is unpaved *trail starts at the end of a cul de sac... street parking is free but depending on the day and time can be hard