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 Reporter |
Summary: Whiting Ranch affords the casual hiker ample opportunities for experiencing the many moods of the chaparral. Alas, that this beautiful trail is plagued by two hazards: mountain lions and suicidal mountain bikers. The Cactus Trail segment of this loop marks the location where a biker was killed by a lion in January 2004. During the winter months, you will find sign along these trails, particularly near the Upper Pond. A more common hazard are heedless bikers who zip down this trail at speeds well exceeding the posted 5 mph. They have cut a deep groove down the center of the path and in many places it is extremely slippery even in dry weather. You will be glad to reach Sleepy Hollow, a hiker's-only-area which leads off to the right. Live oak trees shade and clutter the path with their leaves. I have not seen puma sign here, but don't drop your guard. Trailhead: Concourse Park Trailhead: From Interstate 5, take the El Toro Road exit in Lake Forest. Head North/Northeast up El Toro Road towards the mountains. At the last stoplight before El Toro Road splits at Cook's Corner, turn left on Ridgeline. Turn left at the top of the hill, which is Saddleback Ranch Road. Proceed one block to Concourse Park. Whiting is mountain lion country. Do not stoop. Be aware of your surroundings at all time. If you see a lion, do not scream or run. Report sightings to the rangers. (Lat:33.688 Lon:-117.629) Trail Guides for Cactus-Sleepy Hollow Loop, Whiting Wilderness: Afoot & Afield in Orange County by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, 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 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jennifer on 10/30/2007 Wilderness areas of Orange County are not accessible to mountain bikes, hikers, equestrians or any use until further notice. http://www.ocparks.com/newsroom/default.asp?Show=1001549&subshow=N for updates 
Reviewed by Mountain Biker on 9/9/2007 My wife and I ride our Mountain Bikes at Whiting Ranch 3 times a week for 13 years and other than deaf hikers who dont know when to step aside it's a fantastic place to visit. (there are regular sightings of mountain lions here though, "one biker was attacked and another eaten". hikers should be alert! if they can't hear a moutain bike banging down the trail with a rider screaming coming through, they probably wont hear a Mountain Lion behind them on the trail). Be polite to the other users of the park, you may have the right of way, but you're still blocking traffic. Respectfully, Tired of the bad press. Mountain Biker's Ken & Teri
Reviewed by Allen on 2/5/2005 The park borders Santiago Canyon Road which is the main road of bikers, yet there is not a decent park entrance on Santiago Canyon Road.
Reviewed by DS on 11/4/2004 Well I went there with the intention of doing the Billy Goat Trail, but without a map I ended up combining this Cactus hike, the Edison Road (dead ends I now know!) and the Dreaded Hill Road. Great area, never saw any hikers, but heard and had near death encounters with mountain bikers. Saw two sets of deer, 6 total, and almost stood on a rattle snake. There are no maps at the suggested trail head, and most people seem to use the southern "official" trail head. If it's your first time in the area I suggest checking the other trail head for a map. The Concourse Park entrance is a great back way in, once you know the area. I plan to return to the area, map in hand, to explore further. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
