Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

28373 Alicia Pkwy, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656, USA

Address:	28373 Alicia Pkwy, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656, USA
Phone:	+1 949-923-2200
Site:	ocparks.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 23

Maggie C

Scenic park any time of the year for visitors of all ages, including mountain bikers, runners, hikes, or families. The trailhead area has various boulders which can serve as an inviting seating area for large group; there is also native plant garden with charming path to explore various plants. Visible signs and explanation board along the trail are easy to follow. Some favorite activities include short hike to Cave Rock/Dripping Cove (flat, easy, and stroller friendly), long distance hike to Top of the World (more intense with steep hill), and bike ride along Aliso Creek to Cooks Corner. Parking is $3 at the dirt lot (pay at machine) or free street parking along Awma by the church, or head down a littler further to park at Wood Canyon Elementary School on Knollwood.

Robert Bradley

Even though it is called, "Canyons", this appears as a single park. There are a lot of dirt trails for hiking and biking, and some have moderately steep climbs. There are housing developments at the edges, most of which are at the upper edges of the park. One can see the large SOKA University sitting on one of these bluffs. We entered the park from a street called, Canyon Vistas. At that point one starts at a grassy picnic area. Some of the trails are very narrow, and mountain bikers can come down at high speed; so one has to be on ones guard to be able to step aside when necessary. We hiked 5 miles, but there are longer trails available.

Rachel Pradhan

One of my favorite places to go on a beautiful day is in our own backyard! Wood Canyon is full of different trails that leave the noise and traffic of Orange County far behind. A range of very easy to difficult trails means each adventure into the park feels fresh and new. One of the main trails is paved so its good for wheelchairs. I love to hike but many enjoy mountain biking through the park. Early morning and dusk hikes can be full of wildlife spotting including deer, coyote, road runners, all kinds of birds, and yes be careful of rattle snakes! Very kid friendly, but be sure to bring your water and sunscreen.

Fermin Velasquez

This park has something for everyone. I mountain bike and hike here. I tend to hike in the afternoons and there is hardly anyone on the trails. When I do come across people, everyone is friendly. Cholla Trail is a good workout and hiking up the ridge to the Top of the World is worth it. The views from the top are incredible on a clear day. Besides the awesome views, I dig the many trails. You can easily make it a short or long hike. This park is great.

Jesse Vanderhoff

I frequently mountain bike this area and have hiked it on occasion. This park has trails for everyone and once you reach the ridgeline you are treated to some great views of Orange County and beyond. One thing to keep in mind is that there are certain trails which mountain bikers typically go up or down and it is important to keep this in mind as a fellow rider. Trails such as Cholla and Mathis are meant to be climbed rather than decended.

Brady Sorenson

Kudos to those that had the forethought to set aside places like this in the middle of suburban Orange County. Can get crowded but theres plenty of room to spread out and lots of secret corners and little used trails to explore if you look closely. Classic mountain bike trsils, sandstone caves and old (and new) west history easily justify a visit to this OF hem of a park!

Omar Ezzeldine

There are some really challenging MTB trails here, but I dont like that I have to ride so long before I get to the good stuff. The climbs can be brutal and the downhills feel quick and not as technical as I would like, except for a couple that are way more technical that I can handle. I would be myself at a lower-intermediate rider so take that feedback into consideration.

Calvin Yu

Went mountain biking in this park and the network of trails is awesome. Climbing Cholla was very difficult but rewarding once you get to the top. We ended up riding over to Top of the World and then taking Meadows down. I really liked Meadows. It is flowy with berms and so much fun.

Julian P

Beautiful and very accessible trails between Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel and Los Alisos. If you walk, run or bike and do not mind to see deer, coyotes or all kind of birds this is the place with trails of different difficulties for athletes or family fun.

Isaac Oben

Love this trail. Always very peaceful and can get really crowdy on weekends and holidays. Great for hiking, trail biking or just simply nature walks. You definitely have to go all the way to the Top of the World for a spectacular view of Laguna Beach.

Kate Gilman

Decided to take the Aliso Creek Trail for about 1.5 miles. It was super easy all paved and there were lots of other users so it felt very safe. I could not believe this gem hides deep in Aliso. You feel like you are so far from any kind of city life.

Michael Ledesma

Great for walks, hikes, mountain biking. Has a nice little museum for kids in the beginning. Early mornings and sunsets youll find lots of wild life walking about. Ive seen snakes, coyotes, deer nice to see some wildlife in a suburb

Jennifer Lee

Nice hiking spot with free parking at the top of the trailhead. Went on the Car Wreck trail and definitely got my heart rate up with the uphill climb. The car lodged into the side of the mountain was a site to see though.

Pnpayman N

Wonderful nature reservations. We need to protect and expand these beautiful lands for many generations to come. Please let us get together and connect the AW to Aliso beach. It would be such a wonderful improvement.

Dan D.

One of the better OC wilderness parks. Lots of mountain biking and hiking options. From beginner to advanced mountain biking and hiking. Just be sure to be aware of other users. Great views and challenging Climbs.

Albert Lok

A super easy hike but the distance makes up for it. Nothing spectacular at the end but a good day activity to do if youre in the area. Very friendly for kids, bikes, pets, etc. but watch out for snakes.

Tm Jones

A nice well maintained trail good for a short hike. Be sure and check out where the trail crosses the creek about a mile in. There are turtles and other wildlife if you take the time to look.

Elena Omelchenko

Park with Luscious woods and a creek in the middle of Orange County. There are a number of popular hiking trails, including the most popular 8-mile hike to the Dripping/ Robbers Cave.

Rebecca Dougherty

I go here all the time. Its a great place for a quick walk or run. You also have fantastic trails if you want more of a challenge. Perfect for hiking and mountain biking.

Josh Dix

One of the best places to hike or ride your bike around in OC. Theres a great trail system with plenty of markings and maps to make sure no one can get lost!

Elizabeth Goodwin

Great hiking trails and bike trails. Its very nice to walk out our front door and be in nature, with no visible buildings or cars, within 5 minutes.

Phong Tran

Nice place to hike and bike in Orange County. Plenty of trails to choose, from easy to difficult ones. Saw people of all ages, including kids.

Tammi Sanchez

My sister and I went there today and had a great time. We did two of the trails and loved spending time in nature. A BEAUTIFUL gem in O.C.