Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

This wilderness park features 4,500 acres of coastal canyons, grasslands, and woodlands. Hike or bike alongside both of Aliso and Wood Canyons’ year-round creeks, the perfect place to decompress.

Park Information

28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA

The park is open daily between 7:00 a.m. and sunset. Parking requires a fee.

The visitor center is open Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

OC Parks staff and volunteers host a variety of events for all ages, including family-friendly hikes, birding treks, and nature meditation walks.

Visit Website
Trail Map
949-923-2200

2,400

acres of the Reserve's protected land

miles of trails to explore

600

feet of elevation can be gained on many park trails

More about Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

This expansive park tucked into the San Joaquin Hills serves up a variety of California’s most iconic landscapes across Aliso Viejo, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, and Laguna Niguel. Hike through woodlands full of old-growth oak, sycamore, and elderberry trees, explore the interactive exhibits at the inspiring new Visitor Center, or take in the scenery while lunching at one of the surrounding picnic tables.

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park has more than 30 miles of trails, many with tons of elevation to explore. For an epic climb—whether on foot, bike, or hooves—hit the Mathis Canyon Trail or Meadows Trail. For downhill riding, the 5 Oaks Trail and Rock-It Trail are absolutely world-class.

The Visitor Center, which opened in 2021, offers a perfect introduction to this immersive park. The 2,600 square-foot space features a full-scale diorama complete with wildlife taxidermy, a small cave inspired by the park’s Dripping Cave—once used by the land’s native peoples—and interactive exhibits that feature audio storytelling. Be sure to check out the large, light-up topographical map to orient yourself in the Orange County open spaces.

Choose your own adventure: Aliso & Wood Canyons has got the nature. How do you want to enjoy it?

Get wild! But do it respectfully.

: Expect the unexpected on your adventure. Tell a friend or family member where you are going and what time you plan to return, keep an eye on local weather reports, bring plenty of water, and carry emergency essentials with you. Some areas of the NROC do not have cell service, so you may not be able to rely on your smartphone for routing or communication. It’s smart to have a warm layer, rain jacket, and headlamp in your pack, along with means to stay hydrated and fueled beyond what you expect you’ll need, especially in the more remote areas of the Reserve.
: Each park within the NROC has its own activities, hours, and guidelines, all rooted in respect for the land. Before you visit, check out their site so there are no surprises.
: Nurturing the beauty of this nature is a communal effort—love your wild by taking nothing from the Reserve and leave no trace behind.
: You are bound to see some exciting wildlife on the Reserve, and we do mean wild. Respecting the animals’ space will ensure your safety and theirs.
: Though encountering them is rare, some larger or venomous animals could be threatening—the best thing to do is stay calm and be prepared. If you encounter a mountain lion, maintain eye contact, speak firmly, make yourself look larger, and slowly back away—do not crouch or run. If you see a snake on the trail, stop and give it space—most bites happen when people try to move or handle snakes. Walk around from a safe distance.

Ticks are also a natural part of Orange County’s wildlands, especially in grassy or brushy areas. Stay on designated trails, wear long sleeves and pants, and do a tick check after your hike. A little awareness goes a long way!
: We’ve got hundreds of miles of established trails—staying on them ensures your safety and minimizes disruption of the incredible habitats you’re exploring.
: E-bikes are great for urban settings. And hugely destructive for natural spaces. To ensure our habitats’ survival, e-bikes are not permitted on the Reserve.
: We love dogs, but even leashed pets disrupt natural habitats. Help us keep the Reserve’s ecosystems in balance by either leaving your dog(s) at home or making sure you bring them to a dog-friendly area of the Reserve. Find out more about the parks that welcome pets here.
: Take a few deep breaths instead! This safeguards the health of other visitors, prevents waste and wildfires, and protects our plant and animal life from pollution.