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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 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
Reviewed by Jennifer on 10/30/2007 Trails Closed to All Users Wilderness areas of Orange County are not accessible to mountain bikes, hikers, equestrians or any use until further notice. The Public is asked to cooperate with the County of Orange in staying out of open space areas and off the trails during the extreme fire hazard conditions and even after the immediate danger is controlled. http://www.ocparks.com/newsroom/default.asp?Show=1001549&subshow=N for updates
Reviewed by ds on 8/1/2007 Very Good one. 
Reviewed by Jen&Lars on 7/16/2007 There isn't enough room to share our excitement! This was our first attempt at hiking and we're hooked! We're out of shape but managed the trail with only a few stops (mostly because of the heat). After the Borrego Trail we hit the Red Rock trail and it looked like we hiked to Mars! It was such a gorgeous and unusual place. We felt so proud! We will definitely come back since there are so many trails to explore here! We started at 11am and were back at the car at 1:15. 32oz on the trail(per person)and extra water in the car was fine. Only saw 1 lizard and some birds. Bring $3 in exact cash and bring a camera. It's gorgeous!
Reviewed by DB92602 on 5/28/2007 We just returned from this nice little hike. The only downside is the high volume of mountain bike riders sharing the trail. Along the way, we saw a family of mule deer. The Red Rock canyon was a lot of fun for our 9 year old to explore. Memorial Day (May) is a perfect time of year for this 4 mile trail.
Reviewed by MP on 9/10/2006 Whiting Ranch Wilderness trails are great for family hikes, mountain bikers, and hikers wanting a challenge. There's something for everyone here. The Borrego Trail is covered by trees for the most part, so you're able to stay pretty cool even on hot summer days. There are a lot of other trails you can take as well. I went up to Red Rock and then headed to Vista Lookout via Mustard Road. Red Rock was pretty easy, but Mustard Road to Vista Lookout is definitely a bit of a challenge. The trail isn't too long, but has a quick elevation gain and no shading. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||