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Last month, we focused on locating some great indoor exercise locations to survive the winter season in our blog: Stay Fit This Winter with These Orange County Exercise Locations. Now that spring is here, there’s no way you’d want to confine all of your exercise routines to indoor spaces. It’s time to step outside and feel the warm rays of the sun, and the cool breeze of the morning air. It’s time to be adventurous and walk through beautiful landscapes while gazing upon a gorgeous view of Orange County.
That’s right, it’s time to take a hike!
Spring and summer are the seasons to stretch those legs and explore the many sights of Southern California. No matter what you’re looking for in a hiking trail, the following Orange County paths offer something for everyone who wants to stay fit and healthy.
Flag HillrnLocation: San Juan Capistranorn>> Amazing viewsrn>> Wildlifern>> Challenging
Take the 5 and get off at the Camino Capistrano exit to reach this beautiful trail. In 2006, Ryan Pickell erected a flag pole on top of what has become known as Flag Hill. The flag was placed in memory of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The flag was toppled by strong thunderstorms, but a group of community members erected a new 35-foot pole, much taller than the original, on Memorial Day of 2010. Visit this trail to get a wonderful piece of history along with a gorgeous view.
Special thanks: Scott Cunningham, Sea Glass Soap
Sam Clemente Beach TrailrnLocation: San Clementern>> Gorgeous beach-side viewrn>> Great daylight sceneryrn>> Plenty of benches
This trail hugs one of the most beautiful shorelines in Southern California: the San Clemente Beach Trail, which sits beside an Amtrak line, with service between L.A. and San Diego. Find this trail just off of Cristianitos Rd.
Top of the World TrailrnLocation: Laguna Beachrn>> Moderately Challengingrn>> Caves and sceneryrn>> Breathtaking view
Find this trail at the intersection of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Parking is free in the surrounding neighborhood and the challenge of this trail is moderate. Don’t forget your camera (and selfie stick) if you’re coming with a group of friends.
Special thanks: Hilary Reiter, Redhead Marketing & PR
Crystal CovernLocation: Laguna Beachrn>> Kid-friendlyrn>> Beach, sea cliffs, and tide poolsrn>> Gorgeous scenery and wildlife
For backpackers, there are three environmental campgrounds: one in a canyon and two at the higher elevations. Those trails offer gorgeous views of the mountainous backcountry, geological formations, and the blue Pacific Ocean. Find this just off of the Pacific Coast Highway by Laguna Beach.
Santiago Oaks Regional ParkrnLocation: Orangern>> Pet-friendlyrn>> Intimate trail through the oaksrn>> Options to climb into the hills
The park is secluded and peaceful, offering plenty of interlinking trails that are suitable for all hiking and mountain-biking needs. The calm serenity is coupled with adventure, as hikers are able to climb the local hills. Find this park on Windes Dr. in Orange.
Oak Canyon Nature CenterrnLocation: Anaheimrn>> Kid-friendlyrn>> Short walks in the oaksrn>> Wildlife and a trickling creek
This national park is located in the Anaheim Hills, where a year-round stream runs peacefully through the park. With four miles of hiking trails, canyons, and wildlife, you’ll always find something to do here.
West HorsethiefrnLocation: Trabuco Canyonrn>> Views of the Santa Ana Mountainsrn>> Challengingrn>> Great workout
A beautiful stream travels through this very difficult yet rewarding trail. The walking path is parallel to a biking path, allowing safe and comfortable travels for all adventurers. The trail has been commended for providing a great workout for hikers. Find this trail near Silverado between the 15 and 241 freeway.
Talbert Nature PreservernLocation: Costa Mesarn>> Nature-watchingrn>> Close up encounters with waterfowlrn>> Wilderness settings
Our fellow Costa Mesa Urgent Care patients may be familiar with this trail. Located on Victoria Ave., this trail is perfect for those looking for a bit of adventure and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
Black Star Canyon TrailrnLocation: Orangern>> Adventurousrn>> Cross-country scramble to a spectacular fallrn>> Ghost stories
This trail features a beautiful waterfall, and is definitely suitable for the more adventurous sort. The trail is supposedly haunted! You can find this trail by Silverado, off the 241 freeway.
Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park (The Sinks)rnLocation: Orangern>> Adventurousrn>> Docent-led trips to a wildly eroded sandstone canyonrn>> Miniature Grand Canyon of Orange County
There’s an iconic geological formation found here that is often referred to as the “Miniature Grand Canyon of Orange County.” This coupled with gorgeous plant and wildlife make this trail a sight that you have to behold.
Whiting Ranch LooprnLocation: Trabuco Canyonrn>> Mountain-bikingrn>> Great easy ride through the oaksrn>> Wildlife
Oak woodland canyons, rolling grassland hills, steep slopes of coastal sage scrub and chaparral, scenic rock formations (including the beautiful Red Rock Canyon), and three streams (Borrego, Serrano and Aliso Creek), make this trail a must-see.
Aliso and Wood Canyon TrailrnLocation: Laguna Niguelrn>> Mountain-bikingrn>> Immensely popular area with cyclistsrn>> Easy access
Miles of wilderness and open land space make this trail a varied and scenic route for mountain bikers and hikers alike. Find this trail directly west of Laguna Niguel National Park.
Special thanks: David Money Harris, author of Afoot & Afield: Orange County: A Comprehensive Hiking Guide
Whether you’re looking for big adventure or scenic views, there’s always a trail for you in Orange County. Be sure to save this list for the next time you include a hike in your fitness routine!
Just be sure to go prepared and stay safe. Pack a lot of water and snacks, and wear comfortable clothes with proper hiking shoes. Consider bringing a trekking pole for the more steep hikes. Also be sure that your cell phone is at full battery during the hike and don’t drain it! You’ll want to be looking at the sights rather than your phone screen anyway.
Remember to come to us for any of your urgent care needs, including aches and pains, allergies and asthma, and other minor medical emergencies if anything happens to you during your hike.