Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Badlands Park

    4.7 (46 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

    Badlands Park Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Badlands Park

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Ed T.

    Stunning views of the coast and cities! Free street parking! Once you head into the park, turn left and follow that trail to the end. I also walked the trail to the right but didn't think it was worth hiking that side. The trail is basically a dirt / sand road adjacent to a rich neighborhood. If you plan to walk both sides.. it should take about 1 hour. Round trip was about ~2 miles total.

    Badland Park Sign
    Valerie A.

    I love this trail!! Hidden in a Laguna Niguel neighborhood, it does not get really crowded. It is a trail behind the beautiful luxurious homes in Laguna Niguel. I love that it has history and who does not love a great view? Great to visit any time of the day. It has a sand/dirt narrow trail so be careful when you bring your kids. Short, easy walk but it is not flat so needs a little bit of effort on our part to walk the trail. Best part is the great view overlooking Laguna Beach!

    Vince P.

    This is a super chill and gorgeous hiking spot. The entire loop is about 2.3 miles. This park is located in a neighborhood so street parking is required. There's tons of biodiversity and lush greenery. You get a great view of the city and the ocean! Overall, this is a great hike for hikers of all levels!

    Beautiful views of Laguna Beach and Dana Point
    Leanne D.

    Came here for the first time and we just loved it! The views are beautiful. We walked from one end to the right and then to the other end to the left of the trail head until we could not go any further and back to the car and it was about a 2 mile hike. A very enjoyable walk on a beautiful day. It was such a clear day today we could see Catalina Island ! Note: If your afraid of heights, which surprisingly, I discovered I am, there are parts of the trail with what I feel are steep drops and somewhat narrowed trails with no guard rails when you walk to left from the trail head. I know most people would disagree with me but some people may be scared of the heights. Definitely a great and easy hike to take when you just want to enjoy the California weather.

    Grand ocean views
    Yonnie C.

    This is a hidden gem. I didn't know about this place until my husband took me here today on Father's Day! Our kid and dog came along too for a nice hike through the trails and saw all the different rock formations and grand ocean views. We spent a good 1 hour or so here, and didn't even finish the entire trail. This means we should come back again for another visit in the future! So cool, free parking along the street.

    Koda enjoyed the hike.
    Justin D.

    Great view and easy hike. Plus it's dog friendly. In addition it's pretty clean compared to other hikes. Free neighborhood parking after 7 am. In order to get to the hike, go up the stairs which are located on the right side after parking.

    Kelley M.

    I would call this more of a nice nature walk rather than a hike. But it's beautiful and if you take the paths down the stairs you can hear the ocean my dogs enjoyed the hike, and there are public drinking fountains with bowls for the pups also. I would do it again, but if you're looking for a more strenuous work out, this wouldn't be it.

    Badlands park

    Absolutely stunning and spectacular view This is a gem hiking place I absolutely love it I feel alive when I do the walking It's on my top 5 hiking trails I m going there tmw n can't wait to see the view Stunning view fir walking

    Badlands Park 31671 Isla Vista, Laguna Niguel, CA.

    The Badlands Park is a wonderful, easy trail. It is wide and has gravel on the path. You can go right or left upon arrival. Going right gives you a gorgeous panoramic view of the ocean. Great for sending photos back home and breathtaking to see. Going left takes you to a mini "badlands" looking area that is fun to walk through. This is mostly residential so no public restrooms. Trail is less than a mile.

    Path overlooking the coast
    Becca E.

    Giving this trail 3 stars. Easy paths (maybe too easy, there were strollers & kids running around) There were some nice views

    Jasmine L.

    Dog friendly! Parking is free on the street, before a gated complex cul-de-sac. I went on Memorial Day morning and there was plenty of space. As far as working out, it's relatively flat, but if you go to one end of the trail (ends at residential, dirt path turns to concrete) there's a section at the end with a killer hill. I like the fact that most of this trail is dirt, and if you go down the stairs, even some sand. Walking around the whole area is about a mile, at least where the interesting parts are anyway, but you can keep walking around the residential areas if you so choose. The trail is between hills/ocean scenery and expensive housing, so the views aren't bad at all, but you definitely won't get that "walking in wilderness" feeling. My only complaint is while they had a lot of poop bag dispensers, the only trash cans on the whole trail were by the entrance to the park. Would have been nice if more were spaced throughout.

    Summer C.

    I love, love, love this park!! It is one of my favorite places to go hiking/walking. I found it by accident one day when I just went for a drive. I am so glad that I came upon this park. PARKING: You park along a street. It is in a residential area, but the street you park on does not have any houses. It is a street you take to go into a gated community. TRAILS: Once you park, you walk towards the gated community and you will come upon some stairs. Take those stairs and you will come to the trail. You can go left or right with the trail. Going right (or North) takes you pretty far, but not as far as the trail going left (south). I would say to check out both ways, but going to the left is my favorite. The trails take you along the backside of the houses - gorgeous houses may I add. If you go left, you will eventual come upon a deviation when you come to the drinking fountain (this fountain also has a doggy drinking fountain/bowl). You will go down some stairs to a sandy area. Then you will eventual go back to the standard trail along the houses. There is a point that you will come to where you can see south and north. On a really clear day I've been able to see as far south as La Jolla and as far north as Malibu. No joke, I really saw that far haha. Such a gorgeous place. Absolutely breathtaking view.

    View of Dana point!

    See all

    Photo of Chau N.
    17
    61
    84

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 3

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Noah
    0
    31
    32

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Ed T.
    102
    363
    2888

    5 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    It has a nice trail and a beautiful scenic view. If you are ever in Laguna Nigel, this is a nice spot to visit.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kelley M.
    34
    116
    224

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Zara R.
    110
    16
    7

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Great walking area with great views!! I love coming here :) They are also dog friendly which is a bonus!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Jasmine L.
    80
    119
    203

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    12 years ago

    Helpful 16
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 1

    13 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mary N.
    26
    64
    8

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cherrie H.
    13
    114
    54

    16 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Stacy B.
    168
    137
    257

    12 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J N.
    61
    105
    29

    14 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amanda G.
    48
    147
    67

    11 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Perfect place to hike with ocean views, sunsets and dog trails. It is a local hidden treasure.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Fayez K.
    100
    43
    101

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Maria C.
    22
    25
    26

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alex S.
    1
    20
    11

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cate C.
    217
    16
    9

    8 years ago

    I love this place. A beautiful quiet area with a fantastic view of the ocean. Great to watch a sunset from.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Deena B.
    69
    59
    42

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of B S.
    0
    3
    2

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Badlands Park

    Would my mom friend be able to bring a stroller?

    Unfortunately, most of this trail doesn't work for a stroller. Lots of ups and downs, with erosion control materials that would require lifting the stroller over them throughout the walk. There is also a fairly large set of stairs near the… 

    Are dogs allowed in June/July?

    I do not know. We have been there but do not have pets.

    Where do you park the car?

    Within 50 yards of the trailhead, there is abundant street parking (depending on time of day)

    View All 6 Questions

    Review Highlights - Badlands Park

    It's on top of the mountain with Panoramic views of laguna beach and the beautiful Pacific Ocean!

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Parks 9,015 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Dripping Cave - Boardwalk

    Dripping Cave

    4.3(21 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    Pretty easy hike. 4.8 mile loop. The cave itself was a bit underwhelming but worth checking out. Be…read moresure to start early because there is barely any shade. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park opens at 7am. It does get busy and there's a lot of bikers.

    I had read some reviews - some said is moderate and some said is easy. What I found out is…read moredepending on which trails you take I went with family w/ 5 yrs old & one with having issue walking, I need to find the easy trail and start at Aliso and Wood Canyons Parking to Cave Rock to Dipping Cave. Cave Rock is small cave, is good stop and let little one rest. We turn to left at 2nd sign pole. 1st sign pole, we did not take since look like is go on top of the cave. Dripping cave have a small incline, that my 5 yrs old having fun sliding down. We saw fox on the way back to the car. Close to 5 mile RT - EASY - In and out Kid / stroller friendly Parking: Aliso Woods Parking Fee $3 parking station / Free street parking Bathrooms on side of Visitor center - clean and big Water bottle refill & water fountain is front of bathroom Trail is pavement / dirt - watch out the poop on dirt Parking to Cave Rock (2nd sign pole)- 1.85 mile (1.5 miles on pavement) 1 Portable bathroom / few picnic tables (1.5 mile from parking lot) Cave Rock to Dipping Cave back to parking lot (3.12 miles) Not much of shade - bring hat / sunblock

    Photos
    Dripping Cave - Ocean

    Ocean

    Dripping Cave - Saw a snake on the trail!

    Saw a snake on the trail!

    Dripping Cave - Head east

    See all

    Head east

    Niguel Botanical Preserve

    Niguel Botanical Preserve

    4.6(96 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    What amazing park! We only walked through a fraction of it! There's a lot of stairways which are…read moregreat but also pathways for those who have mobility issues. There are a variety of plants and the flowers attract butterflies and bees. We met these two young women who were doing a bumble bee study at UC Irvine. It was an interesting conversation about their work. A number of people we encountered were very friendly. I mean, how could you not be in nature? Definitely worth checking out. I am looking forward to seeing more on the next trip. It is dog friendly too! Cako Approves!

    Sitting on the edge of Crown Valley Park, this 18-acre botanical garden is nestled into the…read morehillside and serves as a good place for a walk and to explore nature. The garden displays plants from the Mediterranean climate regions of the world. Some of the ones included are an Australian garden, California, Chilean, Formal, Rose, and South African garden. I liked how many of the bushes or plants had plaques with the plant names, so you knew what you were looking at. The preserve was a maze of little paths with a fair amount of stair climbing and some steep parts. This might not be the best for high heels if on a date or for bringing an elderly parent who can't walk too far. I loved all the wildflowers abound. Some highlights were the rose garden, (more rustic than manicured) the lily pond, and bridge.

    Photos
    Niguel Botanical Preserve - My little Grace wouldn't turn around because she saw a squirrel. :)

    My little Grace wouldn't turn around because she saw a squirrel. :)

    Niguel Botanical Preserve - "Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail." - Kinky Friedman

    "Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail." - Kinky Friedman

    Niguel Botanical Preserve - Photography at this beautiful garden

    See all

    Photography at this beautiful garden

    Aliso Peak Trail - Midnight from Aliso Peak

    Aliso Peak Trail

    4.5(12 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    This is a really cool trail that starts out from Pacific Island Street goes past some residential…read moreneighborhoods and ends up with a beautiful view of Pacific Ocean it can continue down to PCH as well

    Aliso Peak Trail is a little gem with various combo of extension trails. The trail starts out flat…read morewith a few picnic tables on the side of the trail. Then you proceed down on a steep, narrow dirt/rocky path. There are just a few rolling hills before you reach the peak. Before the final peak, there are wooden planks to step on/assist in hiking up. On a clear day you can see the canyon with a clear coastal view of Laguna Beach; on a foggy day, you'd still enjoy the ethereal view where mountain meets water/coast. Distance: ~ 2 miles roundtrip Trailhead: Seaview Park at Talavera and Casalero Parking: free along residential street Condition: dirt path, steep climb with little rocks Level: Advanced beginner NOTE: there are no restroom nearby or on the trail. If you're on time constraint and want a short cardio workout (~ 2miles roundtrip), start from Seaview park and descend down for a view of the ocean coast, coastal fog, and breezy wind. For more mileage, start from Aliso Summit Trail (Ridgeview and Highland, add about 6 miles roundtrip) then connect to Aliso Peak (total ~8 miles roundtrip); for additional adventure, descend via Valido trail to the beach.

    Photos
    Aliso Peak Trail - Overlooking the Aliso Peak from above the trail

    Overlooking the Aliso Peak from above the trail

    Aliso Peak Trail - Aliso Peak 4th of July 2017

    Aliso Peak 4th of July 2017

    Aliso Peak Trail - Marker at the top of Aliso Peak

    See all

    Marker at the top of Aliso Peak

    Laguna Niguel Regional Park - LAGUNA NIGUEL Regional Park, Laguna Niguel, California! #UnBEElievable #PickleballShenanigansInThePark

    Laguna Niguel Regional Park

    4.2(117 reviews)
    3.7 mi

    IYKYK~ PICKLEBALL IS LIFE…read more.. LAGUNA NIGUEL REGIONAL PARK, California! IYKYK, then you know about the LNRP, because you can find Pickleball Courts Here! There are 8 courts currently and 4 more coming! And who knew, that the LNRP would someday be a Destination Hot Spot for Pickleball! Lol, I knew, from day one, from the moment my Husband and I started playing here. The first 4 original pickleball courts were opened back on January 10, 2018! And we've been playing here, ever since! And if you don't know what Pickleball is, you soon will, because Pickleball is So Much Freaking Fun, and I promise you, 100%, it will Change your life because... #PickleballisLife #PickleballFriendsROCK #FindUsAtThePickleballCourts

    This is a nice local park to visit and walk around in if you don't go with dogs. I say this because…read moreof the copious amounts of goose poops everywhere and the amount of shrieking children it contains. Parking is plentiful but you will be paying $3-5 per vehicle. It's best to use the OC Park pass if you have one or just park at the nearby shopping center. Another gripe I have is the foul stench of the lake / reservoir. Not long ago, hundreds of dead fishes floated about and it was left like that for days. It's near the water reclamation facilities and even on sunnier clearer days, it just seems not worth walking nearby with dogs. So as much as I like the convenient location and the recreational facilities perfect for those with kids, it's just not for dog owners like me.

    Photos
    Laguna Niguel Regional Park
    Laguna Niguel Regional Park
    Laguna Niguel Regional Park

    See all

    Badlands Park - parks - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...