Hello, fellow outdoor enthusiasts! Today, I want to share with you one of Southern California’s not-so-hidden treasures: the Aliso Creek Bike Trail. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or someone who just likes to enjoy a leisurely ride amidst nature, this trail is something you should definitely check out.
Quick Overview of Aliso Creek Bike Trail
| Features | Activities | Access & Parking | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nestled in Orange County, starting at Trabuco Canyon and winding down almost to Laguna Beach. The trail is about 19 miles long, offering scenic beauty and urban views. | Suitable for cycling, jogging, and walking. The trail accommodates all types of bikes and skill levels, with a well-maintained, paved path. | Parking available at multiple locations including Awma Road, Sycamore Park, El Toro Park, and near Saddleback Church. | Diverse landscapes, from canyons to suburban areas. |
| The trail is well-maintained and paved, perfect for all types of bikes. Dirt road options available in Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. | Relaxing and scenic trail. | Multiple access points allow for choosing the length of your ride. Free parking with porta-potties available at key starting points. | Suitable for all skill levels, making it a shared space for joggers, walkers, and cyclists. Family-friendly and accessible. |
| It’s a shared space, welcoming everyone from families with kids to experienced riders. | The trail offers a mix of gradual uphills and fun downhills, depending on the direction of travel. | Parking is convenient with designated lots and street options. Be mindful of parking hours and restrictions, especially in wilderness park areas. | Key highlights include the wildlife sightings and the well-equipped rest stops along the route. |
| The entire stretch is paved, making it an easy ride for families and offering fantastic scenery. | The trail cuts through the stunning Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, offering wide paths with canyons on both sides. | Free parking and multiple access points along the trail, including areas with additional facilities like bathrooms. | The trail features several wooden bridges and areas requiring caution, especially near the riverbed where there’s no fence. |
Where Is It?
The Aliso Creek Bike Trail is nestled in the heart of Orange County, starting at Trabuco Canyon and winding down to Laguna Beach. Note: you can’t reach the ocean though. This trail spans about 19 miles and offers a mix of scenic beauty and urban views.
What to Expect?
The trail offers a variety of landscapes, from canyons to suburban areas, and glimpses of the beach towards the end. It’s a well-maintained, paved path suitable for all types of bikes. Depends which way you’re going, you can expect a gradual uphill which can be a fun downhill ride on the way back. You can also take dirt roads at the Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness park.
Who Can Ride?
Everyone! The trail is perfect for all skill levels, from families with kids to experienced riders. It’s a shared space, so expect to encounter joggers, walkers, and other cyclists.
Key Highlights
- Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. I’ve seen Bob cats, skunks, and deer cross the bike path.
- Rest Stops: There are several parks along the trail for breaks, complete with information kiosks about the area’s rich history.
- Accessibility: Multiple access points allow you to choose the length of your ride.
Safety Tips
- Wear a helmet.
- Carry water, especially during warmer days.
- Be mindful of other trail users.
- Be keen on navigation, especially around construction detours.
Parking and Access
Parking is available at multiple locations like Awma Road near Aliso Canyon Road, Sycamore Park, El Toro Park, parking near Saddleback Church and others.
My Regular Rides on the Aliso Creek Trail
I bike on the Aliso Creek Trail all the time. It’s right by my house, and I’ve explored it in both directions. One way heads up to Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon, and the other leads towards Laguna Beach. But, you can’t get all the way to the ocean because the trail stops at the Ranch golf course, which is private property. I’ve heard rumors about a secret route through the golf course starting near the wastewater treatment plant, but I’ve never tried it myself. Usually, I just stop at the Ranch gate where it’s marked private and head back.
The trail’s really stunning, especially the part that cuts through Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness park with canyons on both sides. It’s also pretty wide in this section. I’ve attached some photos from where the trail starts in Trabuco Canyon. This part is hilly, and as you head down, you’ll pass through Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, and Laguna Niguel.
While on your way to Laguna Niguel, you’ll cross several wooden bridges. There are a few spots where you need to be careful, especially near the riverbed where there’s no fence. In Laguna Hills, the trail goes onto sidewalks for a bit, and you have to cross some traffic lights and a major intersection, but then it becomes a bike path again. The trail finishes at Awma road, and from there, you can go through the Aliso & Wood Canyon park and continue on a nice, wide path. There’s a sign that says no e-bikes but most of the people there are riding them anyways. The park hours are 7 am to sunset but I’ve been there at night way passed the sunset.
The entire stretch from Trabuco Canyon to the Ranch in Laguna Beach is paved. I’ve also biked to Salt Creek Beach, but that requires taking Alicia to Crown Valley Parkway and then to Niguel Road. You might end up riding on the sidewalk or alongside cars on the road.
I really like the Aliso Cree bike path, and so do my kids. It’s easy to ride since it’s paved and the scenery is fantastic. Just be aware of a few spots where you need to be extra cautious.
