Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is 7,000 acres of undisturbed nature on one of the most beautiful parcels of land in Orange County, where trails lead through oak and sycamore woodlands up onto ridges with sweeping views.

Park Information

18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA

This park is open daily between 7:00 a.m. and sunset. Parking is $3; the parking lot is open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation host interpretive programs year-round, including fitness hikes, nature-inspired crafting, and Jr. Ranger adventures.

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949-923-2235

7,000

acres of the Reserve's protected land

miles of spectacular trails

1,000

feet of elevation can be gained on select trails

More about Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Beyond its beauty, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is uniquely awe-inspiring as it lies within some of the last remaining coastal canyons in Southern California. Rocky bluffs tower above the canyon trails, which wind through oak and sycamore woodlands before leading up to vista points that will leave you breathless (if the trek up there hasn’t already winded you!).

The award-winning Nix Nature Center offers a dynamic welcome for Laguna Coast Wilderness Park visitors. Floor-to-ceiling windows make the space feel seamlessly integrated into the landscape, and a variety of exhibits highlight the land’s history, its wildlife, its cultural relevance, and the artistic creativity it inspires. After exploring the space, head out to the deck (aka “painter’s pier”) for some plein air practice or simply soak up the sounds of nature.

The Park also captures the singular feel and artistry of Laguna Beach. Take the short, kid-friendly art walk near the Nix Nature Center—which also features an art gallery and interpretive exhibits—and find plenty of inspiration for your own creative practice in the surrounding lands and vast network of ocean-view trails. The iconic Laguna Canyon was saved from development by a passionate community of people who love this land, and it’s now the entry point for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians at several trailhead locations.

Choose your own adventure: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park's 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.