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Oso Creek Trail


Highlights:

Murals, peace monument, hedge maze, shaded canyon
Near:Mission Viejo, CA
Scenery:
Distance:2.93 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:137 ft
Hike Time:1.5 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:Fire road/pavement
HikeType:Loop


Summary: The City of Mission Viejo calls this "the backbone" of its trail system. Lovers of wilderness will probably be annoyed by the proximity of the houses and shopping malls. Families and seekers of exercise may enjoy the paved trails and shaded pathways of this route which run through Oso Viejo Park.

The California grizzly bears for whom the trail is named have long disappeared from the landscape. The trail takes you along a concrete and stone paved stream course shaded by ashes, oaks, and sycamores. The natural effect of the corridor is undermined by landscaping dominated by eucalytus trees, pines, washingtonia palms, lawns, roses, and pampas grass. Along the way you will discover a peace memorial and a dumbed down hedge maze.

If you seek a pleasant place for your daily run, a place to push your baby's stroller, or just a little quiet time, this path may satisfy you.

Trailhead: From Interstate 5: Take the La Paz exit. Head NE towards Mission Viejo. At Marguerite, turn left. Turn right on Jeromino. Park at the intersection of Jeronima and Via San Fernando.

Alternate trailhead: Take the La Paz exit. Head NE towards Mission Viejo. At Marguerite, turn right. Just past the shopping mall (Estanciero) and over the bridge, turn left into the trailhead parking lot. (Lat:33.60756 Lon:-117.65029)

Trail Guides for Oso Creek Trail:
Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes,
Ranger Contact: City of Mission Viejo, (949) 470-3000
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 Victor on 3/25/2009
This is a very pleasant, safe, easy walk for the entire family. My family and I frequently stroll on this path. Once the path crosses over to the east side of La Paz Road, the north side of this trail is a bit "off-road" with uneven dirt path, the south side is paved walkways.

Reviewed by Sabrina on 9/15/2008
What a nice discovery! I like to walk fast pace and this trail is just perfect. It's got everything, nice and lush and it is so easy to reach from my house: two minutes walk from my threshold, and I am in a relaxing, quiet environment.

Reviewed by Jessie on 6/1/2008
Every part is so beautiful-some parts magical-ample water fountains-interesting art-benches along the trail. I'm so glad I found this trail!

Reviewed by CYH on 5/4/2008
This trail is quite nice for a morning jog or a late afternoon stroll with the dog. It was immaculately manicured and maintained. Though it did not have a wilderness feel, it was pleasant. We could not find the hedge maze, but we did find the Peace Monument, which seems to have undergone a drastic makeover since the posted picture was taken! Here is our picture of the same Monument on 5/3/08. http://www.keith-roberts.com/hikes/oso-park.jpg

Reviewed by A&P R on 8/6/2007
The location needs to be corrected to "Park at the intersection of Jeronimo and Via San Fernando. There is no Via San Felipe on that segment of Jeronimo, as we went the entire length and back before we discovered the small sign "Oso Creek Trail" half covered with bushes at the corner of Jeronimo and via San Fernando.

Reviewed by Ali on 12/13/2006
It was very cool

Reviewed by LAC on 11/20/2006
We just walked this hike for the first time on 11/18/06. The summary characterizes this hike perfectly. If you don't mind seeing homes and a few commercial buildings, you will enjoy this trail. It is suited perfectly for those who live in the area and want a beautiful walking or exercise path. For us, it is the nicest trail in south O.C. that allows dogs.

Reviewed by ej on 9/19/2006
I just bought a mntn. bike and am new to the area and found this easy trail out of the blue! I saw it one day from the parking lot of the Master's swim team (which I also just found)... I decided to try it out and my first day saw a beautiful, friendly yet elusive coyote, lots of rabbits, a heron, a Towhee, a black cardinal etc. along a flowing creek. Great to get in shape here since it is an easy trail. Good bird watching. What a find in Mission Viejo!


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

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