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 Reporter |
Summary: A stunning obelisk dedicated to the native wildlife -- both living and extinct -- marks the beginning of this easy family hike that begins next to a shopping center. Though pressed in by recent subdivisions on two sides for the first three quarters of a mile, the feel is wilderness. Steep sandstone cliffs on either side widely separate condos from canyon. The hammering of acorn woodpeckers drown out city sounds. Gigantic live oaks hold up the sky and taller sycamores pierce it. A footbridge shooting off the main trail on the left leads to the Red Rock trail, a scrubby bottomland. Sometimes the trail and the creek bed share space. You wind through narrowing arroyos to the modestly majestic Red Rock cliffs -- afavorite among local family hikers. Dangers include direct sunlight along the Red Rock Trail, rattlesnakes,hives of wild bees in ancient oaks, poison oak, and mountain lions. WIth proper caution, this is a fine hike for children 12 and older. Trailhead: From Interstate 5: Take Bake Parkway northeast towards the mountains. Continue 5 1/2 miles to Portola. At Portola, turn left. Proceed to the first stop sign and turn right and then left into the Whiting Ranch Wilderness parking lot. $2 parking fee. Note: Bikes are only allowed to travel from the parking area to Mustard Road. All cyclists must return to the parking area by other routes. (Lat:33.681 Lon:-117.6632) Trail Guides for Borrego Trail, Whiting Wilderness: Afoot & Afield in Orange County by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Easy Day Hikes Orange County by Randy Vogel (Falcon Publishing Company) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, (949) 589-4729 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joel Sax, who has posted 51 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Dallas on 4/26/2009 Arrived at the trail head around 2pm to find a beautifully clear day and cool temperatures. Borrego Trail portion was very nice, cool and plenty of spots to sit and enjoy a picnic if one were so inclined. This portion included many very small but active streams - so birds, lizards and bees were drinking. Upon reaching Mustard Trail/Road, we headed over to Red Rock Trail. The landscape on the trail almost immediately changes from the shady oak lined Borrego Trail to direct sun of a desert! The views of the Red Rock cliffs were nice, but the trail seems to abruptly end due to overgrowth, so we headed back and headed over to the Vista Trail which was much more strenuous but worth the effort.
Reviewed by Stacy on 3/21/2009 I solo hiked this trail this morning in an effort to break in a new backpack for summer in the Sierras. I chose this hike for the EASY access and trail rating. (First time on the trail with a 30lb pack!) Although it was overcast for most of the hike, it was beautiful. The recent rains have helped bring the color back to the area nicely after the fires. Red Rock Canyon was a bit surreal. It kind of makes you forget that you are in the OC! All in all, it was a great hike & I will do it again soon. Thanks for the info Joel!
Reviewed by Sharlene on 3/8/2009 We did this hike yesterday and it was beautiful. The wild flowers were in full bloom and everything is green. The area seems to be recovering nicely from the fires. We brought our jogging stroller for the little ones when they pooped out and it even though it was bumpy at times it worked out nicely. We only did the Borrego Trail and a portion of the Mustard Trail because we somehow missed the Red Rock Trail but on the way we did see the well marked Red Rock Trail and it is much narrower so I wouldn't bring a stroller on that one. For pictures and more feel free to check out my blog http://www.doubletheadventure.com/2009/03/whiting-ranch-wilderness-park-hike.html
Reviewed by Matt on 3/1/2009 Just a note, PARKING is $3 bucks not $2 as stated here. 
Reviewed by DW on 1/11/2009 Hiked this trail yesterday. Other thn a bit windy at times, it was terrific! Since the fire, the area has greened up and is recovering well. Rangers have rerouted some of the trails and trailheads, i.e., Red Rock is now a few yards north of it's old location and is next to the Cattle Pond Loop trail off of Mustard. 
Reviewed by Lee on 8/8/2008 Alot of the greenery is still recovering from the fire. This was a nice hike, but since I go hiking alone and I'm a short slow woman, I probably won't go again after seeing all the mountain lion warning signs. The chances are rare, but there was on death and one mauling back in 2004. On the plus side, this trail is extremely accessible, the trailhead being right at a shopping center! I'm sure its convenience will have many people going back.
Reviewed by halohiker on 8/2/2008 The park is open again! Grab a map when you get there, as some of the trails have changed a bit. 
Reviewed by Lauren on 6/25/2008 Wilderness Park is still closed and year after last review, don't go out there until you call. No answer at the station at this time either Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Orange County Hiking, Orange County Trails, Orange County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||