Hidden gem in the heart of a business district. This is a little trail with some shaded areas. It's a narrow walk with signage for some species of plants. You can spend half an hour to an hour walking through at a leisurely pace and eating at the benches. read more

"Hidden Park" is what they should call this place. First, it isn't really visible from the road, and second, the entrance is is the middle of an industrial/business park type of neighborhood. Not the type of place you would expect to find a little park with live oaks, cool green grass, and a few small running trails. But that's what's here - a pretty oasis of nature in the middle of suburbia that can offer you respite from a busy or stressful day. Since it is somewhat sandwiched into an unlikely area there usually aren't too many people around. This actually makes it the perfect spot for a somewhat private picnic lunch, especially when the weather is nice outside. Make sure to take the trail that goes "down" into the ravine, as that is where the park area is located. The other side is more of a running/jogging trail. You will find some beautiful trees and a nice sloping hill with some grass, a gazebo and even an outdoor barbeque. Also, as others have mentioned, this is really just a wide spot on the Serrano Creek trail, which is much longer and runs through the park. Make sure to plan your trip if you are looking on going for a longer hike. You can actually start here and go pretty far. read more

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I was excited to see on Yelp that there was a nature park so close to my home. I went the next morning to take a walk but I drove right past it. I u-turned and spotted the park but saw no entry on Dimension. I turned right on Enterprise and took another right on the first drive, at the end there was an entrance but you had to park in the business park area which is a bit odd. I didn't feel too comfortable parking there but I couldn't find a legit Nature park parking area. So I take the couple flights of stairs to get down to the park area and at first glance the greenery was very inviting. I saw a trail that I thought would take me a good distance, but no it was like a few minutes back and forth. It just was a dead end where if you looked to your right you saw the back of a building. I thought that was it to this park but I was there so let me walk to the other end of the park. At the opposite end is a small flight of stairs that leads you to a concrete trail under the road. At first it looked a bit shady but it was day time so I went for it. The trail did finally end up as a dirt road near either a sewer area or creek, wasn't sure which it was. I got to the fork of the trail ( I suppose that's what it was) just over a bridge where you can go in either direction. The trail sits between the "creek" and businesses so it was a stretch for me to see it as a nature trail. If you just need a place to go walking than it's fine, but if your like me and prefer to have something nicer to look at than perhaps this isn't the place for you. read more

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This is called, Lake Forest Nature Park but it is hard to describe this place. First of all, you can't really see it off of Dimension Drive where is it located in Lake Forest nestled between large industrial buildings. I think a ton of people whiz by it every day and are not even aware as I had for years. It is a small park with picnic benches, grassy areas, gazebo and trail areas to walk or run. This is not a park with playgrounds, hence, maybe the "nature" name, just so you are aware. There are lots of large trees at this park, and if you listen and look closely, you can see woodpeckers high up in the oaks. The park leads to Serrano Creek Trail if you want a longer hike out of the park. This is a nice trail to be on, especially if we have had some rain recently, as the creek will have water running through it throughout the trail. Horseback riders, bikers and hikers are allowed on this trail. With the many horses that are on this trail, be cautious of the many horse dumps that are on this trail as you hike along the dirt path. There is signage throughout the Serrano Trail that also warns of coyotes, rattlesnakes and poison oak that can be encountered. During the spring there are many beautiful wildflowers and the cacti are also in bloom. I park on Dimension Drive right in front of the entrance to the park at the Nature Park sign. I think you can probably park on the weekends at the adjoining business parks but I have always just parked on the street right in front of the park. It is a nice little get away in the middle of the industrial park area of Lake Forest. read more

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Just some notes for the newcomers. First this is a nature park not a regional park so set your expectations accordingly. If you want a long multi-hour hike try O'Neil or Aliso Canyon or stay on the Serrano Creek trail. The park is actually on the Serrano Creek Trail that stretches for miles. For you to get to the trail, you have to cross underneath that Dimension overpass to the Cross Fit Forest side of the creek but stay on your side of dimension (ie make a left at the little stairs and catch the trail on the other side of the creek). When you are in the nature park you can actually see people running on that trail. Our workout group during the week occasionally runs 3 miles in that direction. Alternatively, you can cross underneath dimension and catch the other side of the trail and run clear to laguna beach. The farthest I have gone is to lake forest. Have a look on google maps or send me a message if you still have questions. As for the parking lot, its in the business park. There are like 10 spaces but people from the business park park in them since no one enforces the 2 hour parking. When I park there, I just park in the spaces nearest the top of the big staircase near Abacus Technologies. Lastly, a previous girlfriend felt uncomfortable running the trail by herself so be sure to buddy up and be safe! Hope that helps. read more

Nice little retreat. There is a few tables and areas for a nice picnic. Definitely a great idea to be placed where it is. I would return if I was only looking for a quick place to relax, but not for an adventurous hike or to get intense exercise. read more

Lake Forest Nature Park - Nice scenery - Parks Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Beautiful park and the Serrano trail running through the park was an amazing experience. Peaceful, you could hear the birds chirping, people relaxing, and there's shade in most of the park. Would definitely revisit this park. read more

This park is beautiful and extremely well maintained. It extends to a couple dirt trails that is probably about 4 miles long with plenty of shade. It leads to some basketball, volleyball courts and benches for rest stops. You'll also find lots of rabbits and lizards along the way. It's good for a nice stroll during a lunch break. I found this place by participating in a work group's exercising weekly event. There's a nice grass area with plenty of exercising space and a picnic area for rest. read more

I like the park. I think it's a great place to take my 8 month old on stroller walks.. The problem is there are the same group of bums that live in the main covered tables . They are there everyday drinking and doing whatever bums do.. They are loud and obnoxious and occupy the entire half of the park..ive been bringing the kid here for about 8 months and they are here every time.. I'm surprised no one else has complained about them.. Anyway its a park for kids and families not for bums to hang out all day and drink.. read more

This is a really cute smaller park. Has some interesting facts around posted on signs about the plants that are planted. This is a smaller park don't expect crazy jungle gyms when you are at this park think of being one with nature. read more

I was highly disappointed with this park today. Suitable for a stroller yes, but on only one side of the trails. The only thing there to look at is a small bird house with in a tree and cactus. Some poison ivy. I found Serrano creek park to be a thousand times more *nature suitable. I come from Huntington Beach, if you say nature park, it had better be nature. This park is a man made joke. Good for joggers. read more

This park seems as though it would be great if you worked in the business park surrounding it. It is pleasant little nature park, for short little walk. If you are looking for more than that you might want to look further. read more

Love this nature preserve, it's a beautiful hidden gem that's well hidden. I like how there are maps you can take at the trail head so you can gauche the length and difficulty of your hike or bike ride. So much beautiful nature, I believe a couple years ago I was here and counted 13 deer sightings. I wish there were more places like this in southern California. read more