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 Reporter |
Summary: Despite the name, live oaks only shade a short portion of this trail which passes through the Vedanta Wilderness section of O'Neill Regional Park. The route takes you through foothill meadows and cactus forest up to the highest point in this portion of the park, an overlook which on clear days allows you to see as far as Catalina Island. Even when the weather isn't so accomodating, the views of nearby communities and the Oso Reservoir make this worth the ascent. A set of polished tubes erected as an Eagle Scout project point to prominent local landmarks. A bronze map and a bench marker set in 1910 help you locate yourself in the scenery. If you're a jogger or a hiker looking for a foothills challenge which is not infested by trail bikes, this is your trail. The grade rises steadily once you pass the footbridge. Don't let the beginning of the trail discourage you. It leads to some nice, seldom-visited country on the fringes of the Orange. Trailhead: From Interstate 5, take El Toro north to Valley Vista. Turn right. Follow the road as it turns into Meadow Ridge. At the end of Meadow Ridge, park in the area at the intersection with Chisolm Trail. The trail begins at the end of the dirt parking lot, heading to your left between Norman's Nursery and a row of houses. Parking is free. Alternatively, you can start at Cook's Corner. Continue past Valley Vista to the forks. Park at Cook's Corner. The trail begins about a block down on your left. This adds about two and a half miles and 150 feet to the walk, but drops one star from the walk due to traffic noise. (Lat:33.66841 Lon:-117.62009) Trail Guides for Live Oak Trail (West), O´Neill RP: Best Easy Day Hikes Orange County by Randy Vogel (Falcon Publishing Company) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: O'Neill Regional Park, 949-858-9365 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 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Carolynn on 6/5/2011 Fun trail! To find Vedanta Ramakrishna monastery take Live Oak trail, pass cell phone tower and pond. You will see a white church with condos in the back. To the direct left is the monastery, but you won't see it until you get over ridge. Very pretty =) Live Oak Trail is the main trail I think, good up and down hill workout. Stay well inside trail because snakes and rattlesnakes could be hanging out right at the edge of the trail. Awesome little pond next to cell phone tower with lots of cute baby frogs. Well marked. Hot, no real shade/trees! Watch for bikes. $5 park fee. (We used the directions submitted by reviewer "DW". Thanks!)
Reviewed by gbc on 4/19/2009 great entry level hike. Took a few beginners to test the waters and they enjoyed it. Will have to spend more time exploring the area as there are quite a few trails to expand this hike. Total time in/out 1hr 30min.
Reviewed by RJD on 8/11/2008 A nice hike with convenient parking. It seemed like there were a variety of other trails to take, and that this hike could easily be expanded on. The Eagle Scout looking tubes are a cool touch.
Reviewed by DW on 11/21/2007 This a good hike, but I prefer a different route that makes a great loop. Parking inside O'Neill Park, you can take the Live Oak Trail, then take the Vista Trail to the Trail's peak. After enjoying the view from up top, take the Vista Trail down a fun single track trail that goes down the Trabuco Canyon side of the ridge. at the bottom, make a right turn on the Hoffman Homestead Trail which eventually connects back with the Live Oak Trail. This route is more interesting, has some shade,and is a bit longer in length.
Reviewed by Adam on 3/18/2007 I have hiked this one several times. One good thing is you can limit it to 3.2 miles (out and back) or you can continue in several directions and make it a 8-10 mile round trip. Some shade, if doing in summer go early. Should take less than 2 hours at 2-3 mph.
Reviewed by Adam on 8/13/2006 I liked this trail. Made very good time to trail peak, cont. down Vista Trail (small trail w/ switch backs. Next time will cont. down Live Oak trail. Early morning would be best, no shade.
Reviewed by Jeremy on 9/11/2004 Good trail conditions, and the view from the top is a nice 360 view. A little confusion near the monastery where there are multiple paths, but just head up the hill towards the Cell phone tower and you'll be going the right way. Be careful on extra hot days, though, as there is no relief from the sun. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
