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A loop that uses almost all of the trails in the park.


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Map Key

3.4

Miles

5.4

KM

90%

Runnable

796' 243 m

High

508' 155 m

Low

485' 148 m

Up

490' 149 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Trails may be closed for three days after rain.

Overview

This is a great family friendly 3.4-mile loop run that utilizes almost all of the trails in Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park.

Need to Know

The park is open from 7 am to sunset.
Parking fees are $3 per car, daily.

Description

From the parking area, head north on Wagon Wheel Trail which parallels Oso Parkway. At the junction with Pheasant Run Trail, take a left to head back south; this trail is popular among joggers. Join Mule Deer Trail by turning right to head northwest; this trail passes oaks and cactus patches, utilizes boardwalks and climbs into coastal sage environments.

At 1.2 miles, take a right to continue ascending up to Skink Vista Point via Vista Ridge Trail. At the point, you can see the crest of the Santa Ana Mountains. Backtrack to the junction and take a right onto Oak Canyon Trail to head south. Sometimes you'll see wildlife at an old cattle pond on the east side of the trail.

Turn right onto Horned Toad Trail and follow it out the the Horned Toad Vista Point overlooking Orange County. Continue on the trail, turning right to continue following Oak Canyon Trail. At the next junction, take a right onto Sycamore Loop Trail through an old sycamore grove. Right again onto Oak Canyon Trail as it turns north and leads back to the trailhead.

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

Great sycamore groves, oak trees and coastal scrub environments are encountered on this run. A butterfly garden near the park office is a great place to visit in the spring and summer months.

History & Background

The park, originally called Wagon Wheel Park, was acquired in 1983 by Orange County. In 1994, it was renamed in honor of a former Orange County supervisor for his conservation efforts.

Contacts

Shared By:

John McKinney

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 5 votes

#4419

Overall
  3.8 from 5 votes
5 Star
60%
4 Star
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3 Star
20%
2 Star
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1 Star
20%
Recommended Route Rankings

#602

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988 Since Aug 3, 2017
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Photos

Dead tree
Dec 8, 2017 near Ladera…, CA

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