Whether you are looking to enjoy scenic ocean views or you want to amble through lush chaparral land that was once used to shoot Hollywood Westerns, Laguna Beach has a multitude of trails for a hiker of any experience level. And especially as we are now entering the months where Laguna Beach is now free of the daily fog overlay known as “June Gloom,” there really isn’t a better time to go hiking in or around Laguna Beach.
Laguna Beach is located in Southern California along the coast just north of San Diego County. It is an artist’s colony that prides itself on being that little bit outdoorsy and creative. For example, it is not abnormal on a local Laguna Beach hike to see a group of painters sitting outside drawing a picturesque vista. So what are some of the most promising hiking trails in Laguna Beach?
Crystal Cove Beach Hike-Beware if you are a tourist and you decide to embark on the 3 mile hike around this protected natural preserve and state park. The ocean views are so positively breath taking that I dare anyone to not want to live here once they have seen it. On the other hand the large hundred foot cliffs on one side give the hike an aura of danger and remind you of the fact that on numerous occasions the multi-million dollar homes around Laguna Beach have been victims of fires or mudslides. Crystal Cove is also home to a number of buildings that are protected by the National Register of Historic Places. These small beach cottages were once the preserve of Hollywood royalty but now can be rented for a week or weekend through the park service.
Deer Canyon Loop-If hiking near the coast isn’t really your cup of tea, then definitely check out the Deer Canyon trail which offers hikers a look at what it is like in the area around Laguna Canyon. The standout attributes of this hiking trail are the elevated ridges which afford a clear view of the city. For those hikers who enjoy a little camping with their hike there is a campsite near the halfway point of the Deer Canyon Loop.
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Hike-These trails cuts through the over 3,000 acres of open space that is located directly behind Laguna Beach separating it from cities like Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel. There are a multitude of hiking trails to be found in this park and one leads all the way from Laguna Beach Canyon road to a dead end in the center of Aliso Viejo. Do be careful, however, as mountain lions are often times seen in the area.