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A 10-mile run from Aliso Creek around the park and back.


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Map Key

10.0

Miles

16.0

KM

96%

Runnable

815' 248 m

High

99' 30 m

Low

820' 250 m

Up

820' 250 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

38%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Wildlife

Dogs are only allowed on SOME trails in the park. The signs entering the trail say dogs are prohibited.

Trails may close for three days after rain.

Overview

This run is a lariat that starts at the main entrance near the park office; it follows Aliso Creek Trail and Wood Canyon Trail up to the loop in the main part of the park.

Need to Know

The park is open from 7 am to sunset (the parking lot closes at sunset).
Parking fees are $3 per vehicle daily. Other rates or discounts may apply; contact the park for more information.

Description

Though most of this trail is fairly easy running, with low grades and nice paths, there is one section as you descend Car Wreck Trail where the grade becomes quite steep and you'll need to watch your footing. If you're not an avid runner, you may question your decision to follow this trail.

To start the run, head west from the park office on Aliso Creek Trail; this trail parallels the road and Aliso Creek. At 1.5 miles turn right onto Wood Canyon Trail, a dirt road. Follow this to the intersection with Mathis Canyon Trail, turn left and then quickly right onto Coyote Run Trail. Head north to 3.5 miles then take a left onto Rock-It Trail; this starts to climb a little more steeply. The trail dead-ends at West Ridge Trail; turn left to head south to 5.9 miles and turn left onto Mathis Canyon Trail before quickly turning right onto Car Wreck Trail.

Car Wreck Trail very steeply descends for about 0.5 miles. It becomes Oak Grove Trail before intersecting with Mathis Canyon Trail again. Take a right to head east on Mathis Canyon Trail to the intersection with Wood Canyon Trail. From here, turn right and head south to the intersection with Aliso Creek Trail. Turn left to head east and carry-on back to the trailhead.

Most of these trails are multi-use, therefore be sure to 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

The park is designated as a wildlife sanctuary; there are many rare and endangered plants and animals in the park.

History & Background

Aliso and Wood Canyon Wilderness Park was originally part of the Juaneno or Acajchemem tribal land. Ownership then transferred between several individuals and companies before falling to Orange County Parks.

Contacts

Shared By:

John McKinney with improvements by eric H

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 6 votes

#3699

Overall
  3.8 from 6 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#525

in California

#3,699

Overall
21 Views Last Month
4,448 Since Aug 3, 2017
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Photos

Coyote Run in Aliso Woods.  Wood Creek is on the left.
May 23, 2015 near Aliso V…, CA
Rare green hills flourish after winter rains along the Mathis Canyon Trail.
Mar 11, 2017 near Aliso V…, CA
Beautiful day
Aug 3, 2017 near Aliso V…, CA
My Path
Aug 3, 2017 near Aliso V…, CA
Waterfall on wood canyon trail.
Jan 22, 2018 near Aliso V…, CA
Bird silhouette.
Aug 3, 2017 near Aliso V…, CA
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