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 Reporter |
Summary: Expensive housing tracts overlooking this open space and bikers humming up and down the main trails dilute the wilderness feel of this popular south Orange County regional park. If you're looking for a family hike that leads to an interesting destination, however, this may be your best pick. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for this stroll, though if you leave early in the day or in the late afternoon, summer visits may also prove pleasant. Aliso and Wood Creeks are not for splashing: heavy algae growth indicates polluting runoff from adjacent developments. Erosion by wind and water formed the shallow caves you'll see in Wood Canyon. Stagecoach bandits used massive Dripping Cave as a hideout: you can still see the holes that they bored into the rock and the heavy soot residue from their fires on the topographically ridged ceiling. Shade and drinking water are scarce. Come prepared. Trailhead: From Interstate 5: Take the Alicia Parkway exit. Head south. Five miles (about 100 yards past the intersection of Aliso Creek) south brings you to the entrance to the parking area, next to a church. Parking is $2. Be sure to visit the museum which features the skeleton of a ground sloth, named Waldo, discovered during the construction of the Foothill Transportation Corridor. Admission to the Museum is $2 per person or $4 per family. The trail begins just beyond the picnic area. (Lat:33.551343 Lon:-117.72053) Trail Guides for Dripping Cave, Aliso & Wood Cyns RW: Afoot & Afield in Orange County by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Easy Day Hikes Orange County by Randy Vogel (Falcon Publishing Company) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, User Groups: Hikers, Bikes, Ranger Contact: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, 949-923-831-3409 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 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Lisa on 2/25/2007 Does anyone know of any trails leading from the park down to the PCH? Thanks. 
Reviewed by Viewer on 1/8/2007 Yes, TC, it's on Awma road, which is off of Alicia just south of Aliso Creek as the directions say. Like another reviewer mentioned, I, too, like to park at Canyon View park on Canyon Vistas off of Pacific Park Dr., and come in through the north end of Wood Canyon. Distance is about the same, but is slightly shadier, due to more trees, and there is no paved road. 
Reviewed by TC on 12/29/2006 Um.. You need to fix the directions given out by mapquest. It says the location is on the corner of Alicia Pkwy and Aliso Creek Road. You're not there. None of the local patrons knew of a nearby trails either. It looks like you are possibly of of Awma Rd.? Please arrange better directions.
Reviewed by EM on 10/22/2006 I'm a runner and I extend this hike into a nice 11 mile loop: stay on the Woods Canyon trail instead of going up to Dripping Cave. Just before the trail ends at the paved road (portapotties here, too) take a right and generally follow Aliso Creek toward the Pacific. Go up Meadow Trail, then, almost at the top, turn left and follow a trail below the ridge to Moulton Meadows Park. Turn back and follow the ridge in a northly direction to Top of the World, walk/run along Alta Laguna Boulevard to Alta Laguna Park. From here, you can almost see the trailhead. Calculate about 4 hours for walking and a bit less than 2 hours for running.
Reviewed by Bryan on 9/23/2005 I love Aliso & Woods Canyons! It is amazing how beautiful the wilderness can maintain itself with so much surrounding urban development. Dripping cave is a great destination in the area, but don't stop there; Coyote Run trail runs nearly the length of Aliso Canyon. Definitely a great hike considering its location. Much more room to roam up in the Santa Ana Mountains though. The scenery is beautiful along the hike if you love chapparal and all of its smells. Wildlife is also present in abundance especially if you go early in the morning or after sundown. On the downside, this is turning out to be a mountain bikers mecca, so forget about Saturday mornings! 
Reviewed by Diana on 4/1/2005 By entering Aliso Woods Canyon from Canyon Vista at a neighborhood park, you will avoid the tedious paved road and find several delightful trails through wooded areas and along Wood Creek. If you take the uphill trail (Mathis) toward Top of the World you will get a world-class view and workout, then follow the West Ridge trail back to your trailhead via Cholla Trail. Our vistas included the snow-capped San Bernardino Mts. Catalina Island and the entire south county area. Some washed out areas closed to cyclists, but found all the mountain bikers pleasant and courteous. A terrific loop, difficult climb so only for the above average fitness level, but well worth the sweat, especially this Spring!
Reviewed by Brian on 1/23/2005 The location is very busy, though arriving real early in the day will prove to be less dense. Great for training either for hiking, trail running, or biking. I use this trail very often.
Reviewed by kt on 3/30/2004 This is a pretty decent hike, though next time I'll probably be back with my mountain bike because it is better for biking than hiking. The paved road in the beginning does seem quite long, but the bikers there and on the trail don't get in your way. The cave itself is not quite like Tom Sawyer's island (at Disneyland), though it wasn't as interesting as I hoped. On the way back, we tried the Cave Rock trail, which I would recommend instead. It takes you to a slightly higher point with some flat rocks to sit and enjoy the view. Also, I like that there aren't many housing developments in view to ruin the nature scene. The incline is gradual, so it's pretty nice. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||