California is known for its long stretches of coastline, and the beaches of Laguna are some of the most beautiful. But what many people don’t realize is that there’s a lot more to California than just sand and surf. If you’re looking for a great day hike with dramatic views, then look no further than the trails around Laguna Beach. Here are fifteen of our favorite hikes in town.
1) Pacific Coast Highway Trail
This trail is one of the best hiking trails in Orange County because it provides an up-close view of both the Pacific Ocean and rugged shoreline cliffs from high above on a blufftop plateau.
The trail offers expansive views up and down the coast, including the coves and beaches below. You can also see Laguna’s iconic rock formations that are found all along the coastline, like Arch Rock (pictured above).
2) Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
Aliso & Wood Canyons is home to some of the best mountain biking in Southern California. Still, it also includes miles of great hiking trails for families or experienced hikers looking for a high-quality nature experience.
At 1,530 acres in size, this wilderness park has beautiful foliage with shaded trails winding through grasslands and woodlands – perfect for escaping from the summer sun on a hike. The Laguna Coast Wilderness opened up more than 200 acres south of Alicia Parkway when restrictions were lifted on trails in this area.
3) El Morro Trail
The El Morro trail is the best hiking in Laguna Beach for those looking for panoramic coastal views, fresh ocean air, and some history all in one place.
The hike isn’t too strenuous (though you’ll want to take your time exploring), beginning at a wide dirt path that leads through sandstone formations with short scrambles up rocks where you can get glimpses down onto pristine beaches below.
At one point, you’ll see an old wooden ladder leading to a flat rock outcropping – Native Americans once used this as a way to access the water more easily from the higher ground – and it’s still used today by hikers!
4) Aliso Peak
Aliso Peak is the highest point of elevation in Laguna Beach, and therefore offers some of the best views in Laguna. It’s one of our favorite hiking trails in Laguna Beach because it’s an actual wilderness experience with views across South Orange County.
The trail follows a wide dirt path through beautiful groves of California Sycamores and Coastal Live Oaks with lush green undergrowth along the fire road leading to the summit area.
Several lookouts at different points along this hike provide great spots for taking pictures or simply enjoying nature. One of these lookouts provides a panoramic view that can be seen from cliff-top viewpoints throughout much of southern Orange County. The summit itself has a great view of the entire Laguna Coast Wilderness and can be reached by a short scramble over rocks. On a clear day, you can see Catalina Island and the Channel Islands off in the distance.
5) Saddleback Mountain (via Holy Jim Trail)
One of the most popular hikes in Laguna Beach is Saddleback Mountain via Holy Jim Trail, which gets its name from the historic fire lookout at the summit that CCC workers built during World War II.
The trailhead starts at Trabuco Creek Road alongside a historical marker for an old camp that was once located nearby (it’s now nothing more than a clearing where you’ll find several picnic tables). From there, it winds its way through a shady forest of bay trees along the creek, then up into the steeper terrain of Saddleback.
The best time to hike this trail is in spring or early summer when you’ll be treated to an explosion of wildflowers alongside the path. And if you’re looking for a unique workout, stretch your legs by continuing on past Saddleback Mountain toward Wright’s Peak – it’s an additional 3 miles one-way along the Ridge Trail, but the views are some of the best all year long!
6) Sunset Ridge Trail
Located just outside of Laguna Beach city limits, Sunset Ridge Trail is another great hiking option that leads into open space with acres of untouched wilderness yet still within easy reach.
The trail begins at the end of Sunset Ridge Road (a gated community) and climbs up through Sycamore Canyon before turning into steep switchbacks that take you up to the ridge. From here, there are several great spots for panoramic views across South Orange County. And on some days, it’s possible to see Catalina Island poking out along the horizon during sunset!
Make sure you bring lots of water for this hike – it’s one of our favorites in Laguna Beach because it’s challenging yet not too strenuous, especially if you’re used to moderate hikes. And definitely bring a camera to capture some great shots!
7) Tala Le Trail
Tala Le Trail is another popular option for hikers looking to escape the crowds in downtown Laguna Beach. Located just outside of town, Tala Le Trail is a narrow dirt fire road that climbs up through coastal sage scrub habitat along an old jeep track with beautiful views of the hillsides.
Once you’re out on this trail, you can continue down to Serrano Valley or loopback toward El Morro Canyon if hiking toward the west (or loop back toward Montage if coming from the east). This is another great hike for getting away from it all and enjoying nature – there are no ocean views along this route, but there are some fantastic hilltop panoramas overlooking much of South Orange County!
8) Carbon Canyon Regional Park
This is a great place for beginners to explore if they’re looking for a family-friendly hike without too many hills. Even though the park itself is located in Chino Hills near the I-15 Freeway, there are actually several trails that take you away from the picnic areas and into scenic canyons with narrow paths through the coastal sage scrub habitat.
One of our favorite hikes in this park is called Picnic Loop because it takes you around a loop that passes by several different hiking routes just off the main path. You’ll find plenty of hills here, but nothing too strenuous – even young children will have no problem enjoying themselves on these trails! And there’s something about being out in nature among the beautiful canyon views at Carbon Canyon Regional Park that makes you feel a little closer to the wild!
9) Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (Aliso and Woods Canyons Loop Trail)
Another great hiking option in South Orange County is the Aliso and Woods Canyons Loop Trail at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. The trailhead begins just off Pacific Coast Highway near Crystal Cove State Beach, then quickly takes you up into the hills – but not too far.
There’s plenty of shade along the way here because this region was once covered by trees before it became clear-cut for cattle ranching during the 19 th century. The park still has some old trails among the oaks and sycamores which lead through canyons and along ridgetops with fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean in one direction and Catalina Island on a clear day.
The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is also home to several ponds created by cattle ranching, so be on the lookout for wildlife that includes rabbits, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, quail, roadrunner and, opossums even the occasional bobcat! This is another great choice for hikers looking to escape from urban areas – it’s close enough to enjoy a few hours out in nature without having to drive too far.
10) Wildlands Conservancy Trails / Limestone Canyon Regional Preserve
If you’re looking for something more challenging than some of our other favorite trails in South Orange County (like Carbon Canyon Park), consider hiking at the Wildlands Conservancy Trails or Limestone Canyon Regional Park.
Wildlands Conservancy Trails are nestled within Limestone Canyon Regional Preserve, once part of an old cattle ranch now protected as open space through the hard work of volunteers who established this park back in 1993 using funds from their environmental education programs. There’s often a lot of wildlife here to see, especially birds! And you’ll definitely want to carry plenty of water with you on these trails because it can get hot out during the day – there are no shade trees along this trail so be sure to plan accordingly!
11) Whiting Ranch Wilderness Area
This is another great location just outside Laguna Beach that’s worth exploring if you’re an experienced hiker. The Whiting Ranch Wilderness Area is also home to the Limestone Canyons Regional Park, which features several trails that take you up into some fantastic locations for views of grasslands and coastal sage scrub habitat in South Orange County.
There are many different routes throughout this park – most will lead uphill at least part of the way! They’re all worth exploring if you want to get off the beaten path while still remaining close enough to civilization so that it’s easy to get back out again when you’re ready.
12) San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
Another great place for hikers looking for a challenge is San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Lake Forest. This protected area was established years ago by Nature Conservancy volunteers in order to protect what was once a popular camping destination. Today, you can hike through the trails and explore grasslands and take in views of the surrounding hillsides filled with live oaks.
There are several different trails here among the oaks, which continue up into the mountains. For hikers interested in a longer route, there’s also a section that leads through San Joaquin Canyon Preserve up toward Santiago Peak – plan for an overnight if you head up this way because it will be a long day!
13) Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (Serrano Loop Trail)
One final hiking option at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is another great choice for families looking for hikes away from civilization while remaining close enough to civilization so that it’s still easy to get back out. The Serrano Loop Trail is a long loop through coastal sage scrub and grasslands, featuring views of the Pacific Ocean at the beginning then hillsides with oak trees as you head up into the park! You’ll also want to carry plenty of water here because there are no shade trees along this trail during the middle portion.
So if you’re looking for hiking trails close to South Orange County, consider taking advantage of these 13 fantastic options – I’m sure we’ve left many great trails off this list – share your suggestions in the comments below!
14) Sunset Ridge Trail at O’Neill Regional Park
One more great hiking trail in South Orange County is the Sunset Ridge Trail at O’Neill Regional Park. This trail is especially beautiful during the late afternoon – it will take you through grasslands with views of nearby hillsides and up into coastal sage scrub habitat on a ridge where you can enjoy some fantastic panoramic views.
This loop trail isn’t very long but every step feels like an accomplishment! It’s definitely one of my favorite hikes to do when I want to get out for an hour or two but still remain close enough to civilization that it’s easy to get back out again afterward! Be sure to carry plenty of water here because there are no shade trees along this trail!
15) Laguna Coast Wilderness Park – Dixie Mountain Loop Trail
Another great hiking trail in South Orange County is the Dixie Mountain Loop Trail at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
This challenging hike features some fantastic views over much of South Orange County as you head up into the park! You’ll be happy that there are no shade trees along this trail during the middle portion because it gets hot out here in the summertime!
16) Whiting Ranch Wilderness Area – Limestone Canyons Regional Park Trails
There are several different trails throughout this area – most will lead uphill at least part of the way! They’re all worth exploring if you want to get off the beaten path while still remaining close enough to civilization so that it’s easy to get back out again when you’re ready.
17) Inspiration Point at Carbon Canyon Regional Park
One more great hiking opportunity in South Orange County is Inspiration Point at Carbon Canyon Regional Park. This is another great spot for hikers looking for a challenge because it’s steep! You’ll want to plan on water breaks along the way, but this hike will be worth every effort you put in!
18) Enchanted Island – Balancing Rock Trail
One final hiking opportunity in South Orange County is the Balancing Rock Trail at Enchanted Island in Irvine. This short trail features fantastic views of Knott’s Soak City and sister water park Wild Rivers if you go when both are open! There are also some interesting rock formations here that make it an excellent place for photographs even if you don’t bring your camera out with you.
Some of the best hiking trails in South Laguana Beach are close to civilization, which makes them easy for people who don’t have much time or inclination to hike long distances away from cities. These 13 great options will give you a taste of what Southern California has to offer without requiring hours and miles on your feet! Whichever one(s) you choose, remember that some water is essential because there’s no shade on most of these hikes.
