Aliso &Wood Canyons Park

This park is located in Laguna Niguel at the intersection of Alicia Parkway and Wood Canyon Dr. This area is one of the most popular places for both beginner and advanced riders because of the variety of trails and it's cooler since it's close to the coast. The main trail, Wood Canyon, cuts through a canyon which starts out  as wide open space but then turns into cool old oak grove forests. At the trailhead there is a museum which contains a wealth of information on the types of animals, vegetation, and artifacts that have been found in the park. As you are riding through the canyon, make sure to check out the unique sandstone cliffs and rock formations. 

Unfortunately though development is encroaching upon the park.  One glance at the hillsides surrounding the park will reveal numerous homes that have been built in the past few years.  I think it's come to be accepted that all of our pristine parks will have homes built on top of them.  

(Click thumbnail for larger view. Click the "X" in right top corner to close the window)

This shot captures the essence of the park!

Make sure to check out the " Dripping Cave" that you can ride up to and explore. It was used as a hideout by cattle rustlers and Indians  back in the old days. Yes Orange County does have some history!

Here is a shot taken from the Wood Canyon Trail as you make your way up the trail.  This is a gradual uphill  fire road that takes you to the other side of the park.  There are several trails that splinter off of this trail or you can just stay on this trail and return the same way.  

There are some nice trails if you know where to find them. The Coyote Trail runs parallel to the Wood Canyon Trail and is best ridden as a downhill back to the trail-head.

There have been some major  improvements done to the trails.  This trail bridge was installed at the beginning of the Coyote Trail and another trail bridge was constructed along the main Wood Canyon Trail.  Helmets off  to the folks who built these!  

This a rocky section of the Lynx Trail. Most of the trail isn't too bad but there are always exceptions.  There are plenty of advanced trails like this one in the park.

Its hard to believe that views like these still exist in Orange County but they do. 

On your way out, visit the museum to learn about the wildlife in the park.

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