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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 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
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.
Reviewed by DW on 12/29/2003 Dripping Cave is an interesting spot among many in the park. I don't understand the "Tom Sawyer Island" reference made in another posting, but this is the real thing and it has a bit of history, natural and human, to go with it. Enjoy it! The park is visited by many mountain bikers, but few are there Monday through Friday! The further you travel up Wood Canyon, the more wooded areas you will find. You will also find single track trails, i.e., Coyote Run which is also in Wood Canyon. The pavement in Aliso Cayon is a service road to a water treatment plant in lower Aliso Canyon and the dirt trail is next to it, it does after the first mile split away from it, but only by a few yards. Vist the Nature Center at the entrance. 
Reviewed by Amy on 11/9/2003 If I give a hike a 2 stars, well . . . This is the first time I've "hiked" in Orange County, not counting beach exploration at Crystal Cove (that's recommended). I work there. First off, the first mile of this trail is a paved road. Second, the dirt track by the road isn't for YOU, it's for the "mountain bikers" on their brand-new $1,000 models COASTING past you. Third, this is the type of trail with solar-powered call boxes at convenient locations. Fourth, there are trashcans conveniently placed also, which was good because I picked up lots of trash. Fifth, trail is flat, and cave is a lot like Tom Sawyer's island. Sixth, it probably is great for LITTLE kids. NOT a hike.
Reviewed by SJH & MSH on 7/28/2003 A Great Neighborhood hike! Dripping Cave affords alot of shade for the zenith of the hike...perfect for a picnic or a quick snack. Definitely a keeper! 
Reviewed by Ingrid on 7/23/2003 I've hiked this trail a few times. I is nice, but seems like you are walking a lot to get to small spots of scenery. The Dripping Cave is fun and a great place to plop down for some shade and have a snack. Great hike for beginners, and it's right smack in the middle of OC in the urban area which makes it very accessible. Try it! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||