This short but steep “reverse” hike explores the southwestern corner of Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. There’s a nice variety of scenery, including great ocean views, aerial vistas of Laguna Canyon and the characteristic sandstone geology of the area.
You can also see Old Saddleback, and on clear days, the San Gabriels. This trail is a great place to watch the sunset, and it is short enough that it can be done easily as an after-work excursion, as well as on the weekends.
Directions:
• From I-405, take the highway 133 exit south for 8.5 miles.
• Turn left on Forest, which becomes 3rd St.
• After 0.3 miles total take a left onto Park Avenue
• Go 1.8 miles on Park to its terminus in Alta Laguna Drive, and head left, and park at the end of the street.
— Courtesy of David W. Lockeretz