Trail Report: Aliso Woods Canyon Trail
The past two weekends I've run the Aliso Woods Canyon Trail. It was just coincidental. The first time I ran with a friend to help him pace for a "recovery" long run. The second, The Ladies choice. I guess I like the course!
But then again, who wouldn't? Driving up to Aliso Woods, it's all aflutter! Runners and bikers chatting, prepping and planning for the day. The parking lot is like a bee's nest with activity and buzz happening all around. You can just sense the energy before you even get out of the car.
Revved up, I pulled on my gear and hit the trail with my friends. Passing the Ranger's Station you can read the white board for recent Nature activity ("Saw bobcat", "watched a rattler pass by", "pack of deer eating") folks have noted over the past few days. Pushing off, we all hoped we'd run into deer... and not a bobcat! Then again, our minutes per mile could possibly be a PR!
Aliso Woods starts out mediocre. Truthfully, you wonder if the paved road surrounded by bush is what Orange County considers to be "nature'. But just over a mile in, you have the chance to turn off and hit the true trail. I mean, literally the trail lives up to "over the river, and through the woods"... and moves on to: past the old horse stables, the pack of light colored deer, by some cool rock caves, and past another pack of deer, this time dark in color. SO cool!
On a good morning, you'll experience the cool fog that sags down on the valley. On a hot day (personally, my preference), you'll be sucking up dust and wishing a cool breeze was around. Either way, parts of the trail offer the cool shade from overhead tree cover.
I know there are more options for the trail. Yet, every time I run it I stick to the out and back. Out from the parking lot by the church to the park that dead ends at a residential park. This alone is just shy of 10 miles round trip. Someday, I'd love to explore the single track stuff - assuming it's not limited to mountain bikers.
In both situations, I stuck to pace (these days I'm aiming for a 10 min/mile). And in both situations I saw deer... The first time we saw a pack of three. The second we saw three packs for a total of seven! And yes, in both situations I was eager to tell any hiker, biker or runner, "There's deer up there on your right"! Such excitement for a city gal!
Perks about Aliso Woods Canyon Trail:
Regardless, Aliso Woods is one of my go to trails. Because of that, I give it a 7 out of 10. I like it, but know it can offer more.
But then again, who wouldn't? Driving up to Aliso Woods, it's all aflutter! Runners and bikers chatting, prepping and planning for the day. The parking lot is like a bee's nest with activity and buzz happening all around. You can just sense the energy before you even get out of the car.
Revved up, I pulled on my gear and hit the trail with my friends. Passing the Ranger's Station you can read the white board for recent Nature activity ("Saw bobcat", "watched a rattler pass by", "pack of deer eating") folks have noted over the past few days. Pushing off, we all hoped we'd run into deer... and not a bobcat! Then again, our minutes per mile could possibly be a PR!
Aliso Woods starts out mediocre. Truthfully, you wonder if the paved road surrounded by bush is what Orange County considers to be "nature'. But just over a mile in, you have the chance to turn off and hit the true trail. I mean, literally the trail lives up to "over the river, and through the woods"... and moves on to: past the old horse stables, the pack of light colored deer, by some cool rock caves, and past another pack of deer, this time dark in color. SO cool!
On a good morning, you'll experience the cool fog that sags down on the valley. On a hot day (personally, my preference), you'll be sucking up dust and wishing a cool breeze was around. Either way, parts of the trail offer the cool shade from overhead tree cover.
I know there are more options for the trail. Yet, every time I run it I stick to the out and back. Out from the parking lot by the church to the park that dead ends at a residential park. This alone is just shy of 10 miles round trip. Someday, I'd love to explore the single track stuff - assuming it's not limited to mountain bikers.
In both situations, I stuck to pace (these days I'm aiming for a 10 min/mile). And in both situations I saw deer... The first time we saw a pack of three. The second we saw three packs for a total of seven! And yes, in both situations I was eager to tell any hiker, biker or runner, "There's deer up there on your right"! Such excitement for a city gal!
Perks about Aliso Woods Canyon Trail:
- You actually can find "Free Parking" if you look...
- Up to 10 miles of trail, with 7 off road
- Wildlife! Deer, Bobcats, Snakes... oh my!
- There's also some history... apparently some of the horse stables were used back in the day
- The scenery is simply lovely! Wanna lose yourself in OC? This is the place!
- Friendly bikers, runners and hikers
- If you are wondering where all the "active" folks are, you found them!
- Training for Laguna Hill Half Marathon? Run the trail, it's part of the course!
- It's a park, you'll pay $3 for parking
- Get there relatively early for free parking (church parking on certain days, or along the street - in both cases, park at your own risk!)
- As far as I know, mileage only gets you to 10 miles
- Lack of water fountains... bring your own!
- Lack of port-a-potties...bring your own or find a bush!
- If you are planning on keeping your shoes white, this is NOT the place!
Regardless, Aliso Woods is one of my go to trails. Because of that, I give it a 7 out of 10. I like it, but know it can offer more.
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