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An easy loop in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.


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Map Key

3.7

Miles

5.9

KM

88%

Runnable

812' 247 m

High

227' 69 m

Low

607' 185 m

Up

606' 185 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

24%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Trails may be closed for three days following rain.

Overview

A short 3.7-mile loop of the Laurel Canyon Trail and Willow Canyon Trail.

Need to Know

Park hours are from 7 am to sunset. Parking lot hours are from 8 am to 5 pm.
Parking fees are $3 per car daily.

Description

From the Willow Canyon staging area, take Willow Canyon Trail west to the junction with Laurel Canyon Trail. Head north on the trail paralleling Laguna Canyon Road. Runners will pass coastal sage shrub and interesting wind and water eroded caves and rock formations.

At about 0.2 miles, the trail turns away from the road and heads northwest into Laurel Canyon. The trail ascends the canyon through oak and sycamore trees along a creek and ends at 1.6 miles at the intersection with Upper Laurel Canyon Trail and Laurel Spur. Turn left onto Laurel Spur heading south.

At the intersection with Willow Canyon Trail, turn left onto the doubletrack trail which heads back south to the Willow Canyon parking lot. There are some nice views of parkland as runners descend this trail.

Some of these trails are multi-use so know the right-of-way rules and be aware of other users.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.

Flora & Fauna

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is part of a system designed to protect endangered species. Some of these are the Cactus Wren, California Gnatcatcher, and Orange-Throated Whiptail.
The park helps to protect the diminishing coastal sage environments.

History & Background

Once known as Rancho San Joaquin, the area was purchased by James Irvine in 1865 to be used to graze cattle. Extensive conservation efforts and a rise in taxes have helped preservation efforts in the area since.

Contacts

Shared By:

John McKinney

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#5328

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  3.0 from 1 vote
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Recommended Route Rankings

#708

in California

#5,328

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3,410 Since Aug 3, 2017
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Photos

Cave rock at park entrance
Nov 16, 2018 near Aliso V…, CA
Laurel Canyon going up
Nov 13, 2018 near Laguna…, CA
South east view of Laurel Canyon Trail.
Jan 23, 2016 near Aliso V…, CA
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Aug 3, 2017 near Aliso V…, CA
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Aug 3, 2017 near Aliso V…, CA

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Check-Ins

Jan 13, 2018
Andrew Quintana
Nice run for a hot day. Went against the path for a green decline. Second half of the Loop was cool from the narrow, shady path. 3.7mi

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