Best Orange County Mountain Biking Spots
Do you have the desire to get off the beaten path? Escape the daily grind with some mountain biking. Orange County has a multitude of trails that take you off the road and over rougher terrain to visit some of the most scenic parks around. Your experience can vary from natural rock formations, native California flora and fauna, streams and creeks, to views of the Pacific Ocean. Get fit while taking in nature with a ride on one of these beautiful trails.
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
28373 Alicia Pkwy.
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 923-2200
www.ocparks.com
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is one of the premiere mountain biking spots in Orange County. It has over 30 miles of trails catering to a variety of levels, but is best known for its intermediate to advanced-level rides. Bike up Mathis Canyon or West Ridge trails to Top of the World for panoramic views of Orange County and the Pacific Ocean. This park is designated as a wildlife sanctuary where many a rare and endangered plant and animal call their home. Park hours are 7 a.m. to sunset and the parking lot closes at sunset. Parking is $3 daily and annual passes are available for purchase in the park office.
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
2145 N. Windes Dr.
Orange, CA 92869
(714) 973-6620
www.ocparks.com
Santiago Oaks Regional Park is a nature lover's paradise and offers plenty of challenging climbs and fun descents. A picnic table near the park entrance offers a shady spot under an oak canopy to enjoy lunch. Ride Chutes Ridgeline or the more advanced Chutes Trail down to Irvine Regional Park, where you can visit the OC Zoo for just $2. There is also a nature center that showcases exhibits and programs on many different topics of natural history. Park hours are from 7 a.m. to sunset. Parking is $3 Monday through Friday and $5 on Saturday and Sunday.
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
26701 Portola Pkwy.
Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
(949) 923-2245
www.ocparks.com
Set in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains and just below iconic Santiago Peak, Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park is a favorite location among many mountain bikers. There are approximately 17 miles of graded roads and single-track trails. Its oak-shaded canyons and stunning vistas give riders a variety of options. You may even see deer strolling through. There is lots to see from scenic rock formations in Red Rock Canyon, three intermittent streams throughout the park, to remnants of South County's former cattle ranching days. Park by the Borrego entrance, which has plenty of post-ride lunch spots nearby to choose from. Park hours are from 7 a.m. to sunset. Parking is $3 daily.
Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
33401 Ortega Hwy.
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 923-2210
www.ocparks.com
If mountain biking for just one day isn't enough, the 8,000-acre Caspers Wilderness Park is a protected wilderness preserve and offers camping, as well as plenty of trails. If the park trails still aren't enough, take the Bell View Trail up to Riley Wilderness Park and Trabuco Canyon. Other trails connect with the Cleveland National Forest. Park hours are 7 a.m. to sunset for day use. Parking is $3 Monday through Friday and $5 on Saturday and Sunday. Note: The Nature Trail Loop, Oak Trail, and Loskorn Trails have been closed due to safety concerns and the health of the trees.
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Silverado Canyon Area
www.letsgooutside.org
Limestone Canyon is available for decent-led rides and bi-monthly Wilderness Access Days. It offers riders the experience of seeing “original California” in its glory, meandering under a canopy of thick oaks, alongside seasonal creeks, and past a striking geological formation known as “the Sinks”. The preserve is also home to a variety of plants and animals. You can find and register for these free rides on their website.
Related: Best Bike Trails in Orange County
