What a peaceful and pleasant place to begin a hiking habit! The recent rain created an environment of new blooms and green moss to the scenery. This is a pleasant hike especially because of the tree canopy-lined trails on days when it would otherwise be too hot. read more

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park - Early spring blossom - Parks Near Me - Trabuco Canyon, California

Dreaded hill is a great trail to watch sunset and get some exercises done. Remember to bring plenty of waters if you go on a hot day. read more

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park - Top of the dreaded hill - Parks Near Me - Trabuco Canyon, California

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We had a good experience hiking the two trails we ended up doing. We were on a timeline so didn't have much time to explore as much as I would have liked. My group was mainly here to check out the Red Rock. I believe we came up the back end of the park because we couldn't find the parking area. On the way towards Red Rock we took Whiting Spur Road, Mustard Trail, and Red Rock Canyon Trail. Whiting Spur was moderate. We started going at an incline, which was a good workout, but wasn't for very long. I would say about a quarter of a mile. From there we reached Mustard Trail. It was mainly downhill. Not difficult at all, although the sign says difficult. This trail was a little boring for me. Nothing much to look at. It was clean and kept up. Not busy, but you do have to look out for mountain bikers. Everyone we came across was friendly, especially the bikers. Once you reach Red Rock Canyon Trail it becomes a little more difficult. It's not strenuous at all. This trail isn't very long. It's narrow with a bunch of rocks. So, be careful. Once you reach Red Rock the hike is a little worth it. I will say I was a little bummed once we reached it. I mean, it's a beautiful rock. It just seemed a little overrated. It's not all hyped up as Yelpers make it seem. If you've ever been to Sedona you'd understand. Doesn't mean we didn't enjoy it and take in the scenery. It's still worth the hike and I'd definitely do it again. On the way back it was a choice of taking the same route back or taking Billy Goat back up instead of Mustard trail to Whiting Spur. Since both signs said difficult we decided to take a new trail, Billy Goat. This trail is insane, difficult and super strenuous. Please, if you are out of shape consider a different route or go up slowly. I'm in shape and workout everyday and this trail took my breathe away. In a good way of course, but to others not so much. We had two in our group get sick. I gave my entire experience a 4/5 because this trail did it for me. It was the most exciting part of my hike. I'll definitely come back for this one. Overall, good hike. I look forward to coming back and checking out other areas. read more

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park - Red Rock - Parks Near Me - Trabuco Canyon, California

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This is actually a duplicate listing for Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, it's just a different address because it's a different entrance but it's the same park as the one listed with the Portola Parkway address. This listing is for the southern entrance up the hill on Glenn Ranch Road. There is a very large dirt parking lot here and the trailhead is easy to spot. A trail entrance is also located down the street at the corner of Portola Parkway and Glenn Ranch Road (across the street from Starbucks) but no designated parking lot. There are miles of trails in Whiting Ranch, most eventually will go up steep hills which offer spectacular views. It gets busy on weekends and holidays but on weekdays I've hiked for a couple hours without seeing anyone. Maps can be found online and are posted at trailheads. This park is extremely popular with bicyclists so keep your eyes and ears open especially if you are walking on one of the more narrow trails. I've found most bicyclists to be courteous and ring a bell or shout a warning if they are coming from behind you. But on weekends there seem to be more a-hole cyclists who think they own the park. Aside from some nice views you are apt to see rabbits, a variety of birds and deer. It is known to be home to rattlesnakes and mountain lions although I have not seen either (and don't care to). Best enjoyed in cooler months. read more

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It's really a nice canyon for a day of mountain biking or hiking. The trails are all paved and it's somewhat busy with people but not so much that it's uncomfortable. It's a great place to trail run or bring kids with you for some easy hiking. There's a bar down the road if you feel like a cold drink after a high heat hike. Well maintained. read more

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CLOSED. Just got here and sadly they're closed due to fires. They suggested foi g to O'Neil Park (about 15 mins away).

I've hiked her on several occasions when I'm in town. There are several convenient trailheads right off a msjor Boulevard, so it's pretty easy to get parking. Remember that at the Glenn Ranch Road Trailhead there is a $3 parking fee. It's pretty much a typical Wilderness Park, with the trails pretty well marked and well-maintained. If you are into the hobby of Geocaching, the Rangers will allow you to put a geocache in the park but you have to get permission first. read more

This Hiking trail is definitely impressive. We saw a lot of wild animals such as ginormous bee hivrattle snakes, lizards, bunnies, big red ants and stink bugs. We saw a lot of trees, different plants and flowers. Some of the trails are challenging and some are not. read more

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Another lovely island of nature in OC where you can (almost) get away from the urban scrawl. Well, at least you can hike in a fairly unspoiled area even if you are in pretty close proximity to houses and roads. It is very popular with hikers and mountain bikers, so unless you are there at odd hours, you will be sharing the trail. There are a few single track trails coming down from the ridge that are very popular with the mountain bike crowd, so be aware of these trails if you are hiking. I just avoid them and stick to the fire roads or the hiking only trails when I am on my feet, and enjoy them when I have my bike with me. The front 1/3 and end 1/3 are shaded and fairly flat, while the middle 1/3 is a hump of a hill that is pretty much in full sun. With kids, you can easily do the out and back from either direction and just turn around when you start to cook in the sun or the kids get tuckered from the climb. There is a drinking fountain up on the ridge by the shelter, so you can fill up with water there, but bring enough if you are going to climb to the ridge on a hot and/or sunny day. read more

This hike became more and more awesome as I continued straight up the trail. The parking is 3$ but such a small space it's impossible to park there. Once inside, the trails are narrow but quiet and peaceful. I walked an hour in and found Red Rock Trail and THIS was the highlight of the trip. Not strenuous at all but it is rocky the closer you get to the rocks. I believe it's about 4 miles round trip so it was pretty easy for me. Had an amazing time great view and lots of hellos on the way in and out. Will be back. read more

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park - Parks Near Me - Trabuco Canyon, California

Loved this hike .. it's short and the views are spectacular !! It was almost a 7 mile round trip to get to the karst hill and back to our car.. The only thing I disliked was the fact that I had to keep stopping for the bikes to pass through the trails.. But I still think it's worth visiting ! Tip: Park for free near wahoo's fish tacos and Starbucks . read more

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Went for a hike with the family in April. Flowers were in fool bloom and the sun was shining, absolutely beautiful! Such an enjoyable experience during the springtime and "hyper-bloom" this season. Have hiked the trails in crystal cove, el moro canyon, aliso, peters canyon, laguna etc. and the trails themselves are similar difficulty but the way the flowers and other plants have grown along these is worth checking out! Not much cover so be careful when it's too hot outside, would recommend an early morning start. Definitely fun and great to enjoy some time outside! read more

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Beautiful trails! It was a challenge getting here! Just follow the previous reviews about entering directions for Ralph's and park there; that's what helped me! read more

Love it here. You feel like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of OC

The Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park is for more advanced hikers. It features a rough rustic mountain terrain filled with scrub brushes, trees and abundant thick red rocks and red soil. This park is easily the jewel of Lake Forest. I accessed this park via Santiago Canyon and there is no marked entrance, you just need to pull over near some unfinished gravel soft shoulder and look for the water and power entrance. Bring a camera, hiking boots because you will need the traction and a good camera. I would recommend that you travel with a friend as there are steep unforgiving embankments. read more