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Hiking to Aliso Peak

September 12, 2014 By Jeff Hester 7 Comments

Aliso Peak Trail has great coastal views

South Orange County is often dismissed as a snooty, well-to-do slice of suburbia filled with malls, expensive cars and cookie cutter houses. It may fit that stereotype on the surface, but there is much more to explore. There are hidden trails like the Aliso Peak Trail above Laguna Beach. This short-but-sweet trail provides a perfect mid-week attitude […]

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: Aliso Peak, Aliso Woods Canyon Wilderness Park, coastal, dog-friendly, easy, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Orange County, vista

Blue Jay to Los Piños Peak

March 11, 2014 By Jeff Hester 5 Comments

Los Piños Peak sits at 4,455 feet above sea level in the Cleveland National Forest, just west of the Main Divide between Orange and Riverside Counties. There are other more strenuous routes to this summit, but this route is made easier because you start at over 3,000 feet. Instead of approaching from Orange County, you […]

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 3-6 miles, Cleveland National Forest, dog-friendly, moderate, National Forest, Orange County, wilderness

Christianitos to Prima Deshecha Loop

January 9, 2014 By Jeff Hester 3 Comments

Suburban trails often make great mid-week hikes. They are usually local and fairly short, making them well-suited for a quick after-work hike. A longer loop hike in-town is almost unheard of. Until now.  I was examining the trail system in San Clemente and pieced together this 10+ mile loop that runs completely around the sleepy […]

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 8-10 miles, Orange County, San Clemente, strenuous

Ridgeline Loop to Barbara’s Lake

December 6, 2013 By Jeff Hester 9 Comments

Few people know that Orange County is actually home to several natural lakes. Most “lakes” are actually man-made reservoirs, but the Laguna Lakes in Laguna Canyon are the real deal, and Barbara’s Lake is the largest in the chain. This moderate hike in Laguna Canyon’s James Dilley Preserve gives you a glimpse into a rare […]

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 3-6 miles, James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Beach, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, moderate, Orange County

Whiting Ranch: Dreaded Hill & Red Rock Canyon

June 11, 2013 By Jeff Hester 17 Comments

Whiting Ranch is a popular Orange County wilderness park located in Lake Forest between Foothill Ranch and Santiago Canyon. Although it’s surrounded on two sides by subdivisions, once you hike into the park, you’re transported to another time and place. There are oak-linked valleys, red rock canyons, lung-busting climbs and vistas across Orange County. This […]

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: Foothill Ranch, Orange County, Red Rock Canyon, Whiting Ranch, Whiting Ranch Regional Park

Beek’s Place via Black Star Canyon

June 4, 2013 By Jeff Hester 13 Comments

Mysterious ruins in a canyon that used to be home to grizzly bears? In Orange County? Yes, and getting there is a heckuva hike. This strenuous, 15 mile out-and-back trail up Black Star Canyon has several highlights, including a great views, a beautiful waterfall (in season), and the remains of Beek’s Place — a weekend […]

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 11+ miles, Beek's Place, Black Star Canyon, Blackstar Canyon, Cleveland National Forest, IRL, Irvine Ranch Landmark, OC, Orange County, strenuous, vista, waterfall, wilderness

Shoestring to Hick’s Haul Loop in Limestone Canyon

May 1, 2013 By Jeff Hester 5 Comments

Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park is a rare area with beautiful geography and unspoiled trails. One of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, Limestone Canyon is best known for it’s iconic geographic feature “The Sinks” which have often been called the “Mini Grand Canyon” of Orange County. The area is normally closed to hikers, except for specific […]

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 3-6 miles, California, hiking, hills, Irvine, Irvine Ranch, Limestone Canyon, moderate, Orange County, Santiago Canyon, Shoestring Trail, vista, Wilderness Park

Peters Canyon Loop

January 29, 2013 By Jeff Hester 10 Comments

Peters Canyon Regional Park is centrally located in the city of Orange, near foothills of Tustin and Irvine. Because it’s located smack dab in the middle of Orange County, and because it actually has some decent hills with views extending to the coast, Peters Canyon is one of the more popular places to hike in OC. […]

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 6-8 miles, dog-friendly, hills, loop, moderate, Orange County, Peters Canyon, suburban

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About Jeff Hester

I created SoCal Hiker while preparing to thru-hike the John Muir Trail. My goal? Create guides for the best hiking trails throughout Southern California--and occasionally beyond. I personally hike each trail to create these guides, sharing practical advice on gear and outdoor skills. Read more...

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