Santa Ana Mountains

Hiking Santiago Oaks Regional Park to Irvine Regional Park — The Short Loop

February 14, 2012
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A relatively easy 5 mile hike between Santiago Oaks and Irvine Regional Parks, two of our favorites. Hot in the summer, but great wildflowers in spring.

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Celebrating 5 years of the Irvine Ranch as a National Natural Landmark with a private tour to Limestone Canyon and the Sinks

October 10, 2011
Thumbnail image for Celebrating 5 years of the Irvine Ranch as a National Natural Landmark with a private tour to Limestone Canyon and the Sinks

The 9.9 mile loop we took on this bloggers’ tour would make an excellent trail to hike or bike to see the key highlights of Limestone Canyon Wilderness Area.

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Thumbnail image for West Horsethief Canyon to Trabuco Peak: Third highest peak in the Santa Ana Mountains

West Horsethief Canyon to Trabuco Peak: Third highest peak in the Santa Ana Mountains

June 30, 2011

Shaded and cool at the bottom, but a serious climb at the top! Not the most scenic peak we’ve climbed, but the trail along the creek is beautiful, and standing on top of a new peak always gives you a sense of accomplishment.

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Peters Canyon East Ridge View Trail to Peters Canyon Trail Loop — A bit of nature on the edge of town

June 25, 2011
Thumbnail image for Peters Canyon East Ridge View Trail to Peters Canyon Trail Loop — A bit of nature on the edge of town

If you don’t have time to get out to the wilderness, but hate boring walks around the block, Peters Canyon Regional Park is a great alternative!

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Re-Hiking the Coal Canyon Waterfall Trail After a Rainy Season

May 5, 2011
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A small, hidden, box canyon waterfall right off the side of the 91 freeeway at the “Offramp to Nowhere” in Coal Canyon.

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Bear Canyon-Bear Ridge Loop: A nice hike on a nice day

March 23, 2011
Thumbnail image for Bear Canyon-Bear Ridge Loop: A nice hike on a nice day

Not the most scenic or most exciting hike, but on a pleasantly cool late Winter or early Spring day, the Bear Canyon-Bear Ridge Loop makes a nice 7 mile hike through an interesting variety of terrain and habitat in the Cleveland National Forest.

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A very short (but not necessarily easy) hike to Ortega Falls

March 20, 2011
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A very short, but not really easy, hike off the Ortega Highway in the Cleveland National Forest to some great waterfalls and pools.

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Exploring Santiago Oaks Regional Park: Inner Park Loop to Robbers Roost

February 15, 2011
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This 3.94 mile hike introduces you to the most scenic spots within Santiago Oaks Regional Park, one of Orange County’s most diverse and beautiful parks.

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Holy Jim Falls, one of Orange County’s best known hikes

February 7, 2011
Thumbnail image for Holy Jim Falls, one of Orange County’s best known hikes

This easy scenic 2.8 mile historic hike to a waterfall makes Holy Jim Trail one of the most popular hikes in Orange County. Dog-friendly and kid-friendly, best in the spring season.

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Thumbnail image for Hiking Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park: Borrego Canyon to Red Rock Canyon

Hiking Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park: Borrego Canyon to Red Rock Canyon

January 30, 2011

This short 4-mile round-trip Orange County hike takes you through groves of live oaks and chaparral and scrub to beautiful red sandstone formations embedded with ocean fossils.

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Coal Canyon: an Orange County hiking treasure via the off-ramp to nowhere

January 23, 2011
Thumbnail image for Coal Canyon: an Orange County hiking treasure via the off-ramp to nowhere

A short 5.4 mile round-trip hike to a secluded box canyon and waterfall nestled between the crowded communities of Anaheim Hills and Yorba Linda in Orange County, California.

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A short family-friendly hike to Tenaja Falls

May 26, 2010
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A short 1.4 mile (300 foot elevation gain) hike to Tenaja Falls in the San Mateo Wilderness Area in southern California. Definitely best hiked after a rainy season.

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