Not So Casual Hikes Orange County

Preview: Black Star Canyon Falls #hike

Watch the preview to get a better understanding of the terrain and difficulty level before signing up.

*This hike is strictly for experienced hikers. Participants must have a high level of physical fitness, prior hiking experience, and the ability to navigate technical and challenging terrains, including rocky stream beds and boulder scrambling. This trail is not suitable for beginners or casual hikers.

Join us for a ~7-mile hike in Silverado, CA, featuring rugged terrain and challenging obstacles. The hike typically takes 3.5–4 hours to complete, depending on skill level. Only those fully prepared for strenuous conditions should sign up.

(Optional) For those seeking additional mileage, consider exploring the Black Star Canyon Indian Village site after the hike.

Location: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd. Silverado, CA 92676

Meeting Place: Black Star Canyon Falls Trailhead (by County Gate 2651X)
General Rating/Difficulty: Level 3/3+ (includes boulder scrambling)
Distance/Elevation/Duration: Approximately 7 miles, 900± ft elevation gain, 3.5–4 hours to complete.
Parking: Street and gravel parking available at the trailhead.

Essentials:
· Comfortable hiking shoes (wear long sleeves and pants, as the trail has poison oak)
· Water
· Snacks/energy bars
· Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
· A positive attitude and a smile 😊

Trail Description:

Black Star Canyon Falls Trail, California - 8,770 Reviews, Map | AllTrails

The Black Star Canyon Trail in the Cleveland National Forest is a challenging and adventurous route, perfect for experienced hikers seeking technical terrain. This 7-mile round-trip hike follows a dirt road for the first 2 miles before entering a rocky creek bed that requires boulder scrambling to reach the falls. The trail is rugged, with uneven footing and potential hazards like heavy poison oak, making proper footwear and caution essential. The falls are most impressive after heavy rain, as they are often dry during summer and fall. This trail is not recommended for beginners or those unprepared for strenuous conditions. Parking is available at the end of Black Star Canyon Road, but plan to arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds.

Punctuality & RSVP Etiquette:
We kindly request that all participants aim to be punctual. Our group will wait for a grace period of 5 minutes past the scheduled start time for any latecomers. However, if you realize that you're running late, please inform us through the message board. This will help us know to wait a bit longer for you and ensure we don't leave anyone behind.
If your plans change and you're unable to attend after RSVPing, please cancel your RSVP before the event begins. This consideration allows us to manage the group size effectively and opens up space for others who might be on a waiting list.
REMINDER: By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service, releasing the Organizer, Co-Organizer, and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents during gatherings.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: Hiking is a rewarding activity, but certain dangers exist. These may include trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions, or wildlife encounters. By registering for this event, you explicitly recognize that our organizers and participants are not professional guides or certified experts. You assume responsibility for yourself and your safety, agreeing to hold harmless the hike organizer, co-organizer, assistant organizers, and fellow participants for any injuries sustained during the hike. This acknowledgment extends to any unforeseen incidents or accidents that might take place, emphasizing your commitment to personal responsibility for your safety throughout the entire event. Your participation implies your understanding and acceptance of the shared responsibility for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
#hiking #rucking

🌲Dreaded Hill Trail Sneak Peek!🌲
🥾 Billy Goat Trail Sneak Peek! 🥾

This is an intermediate level hike designed for hikers seeking a solid workout. Come explore with us the 6.8-mile loop trail located near Foothill Ranch, CA.

Details:

• Meeting Place: Parking lot adjacent to Starbucks-Wahoo’s.
• Meeting Time: 7:30 AM (Expect the hike to last approximately 3–3.5 hours).
• General Rating/Difficulty: Level 2/2+ (Moderate Pace for distance, elevation, and pace.
• Distance/Elevation/Duration: Level 2/2+ Estimate: 6.5 - 7 miles, 1250+- ft gain, and ~3–3.5 hours (moderate pace).
• Note: This is a group workout; there is no designated leader or sweeper.

Essentials: Ensure you are prepared for the journey with:

• Traction hiking shoes
• Ample water
• Snacks
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Hat

Route: We’ll be starting on a flat trail for approximately 1.5 miles. The workout kicks off as we ascend Dreaded Hill, exploring trails like four Corners, Billy Goat, Cactus Hill, Sage, Serrano Cow, and returning to the trailhead and parking lot via Serrano.

About Whiting Ranch: Explore the natural beauty of Limestone Canyon & Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, spanning 4,300 acres of diverse landscapes. From riparian and oak woodland canyons to rolling grassland hills, immerse yourself in the stunning scenery, including the captivating Red Rock Canyon. Witness remnants of the park's cattle ranching past as it rejuvenates from the 2007 Santiago Fire.
For more information:

• Orange County Parks
• Whiting Ranch Wilderness

Directions: If traveling south on Fwy 405 or 5, exit Bake Pkwy, turn left on Bake Pkwy, and continue for about 4.5 - 5 miles. Turn right at Portola and right at the light of Glenn Ranch (park at the Starbucks coffee parking). For those heading north on 5, consider exiting at Lake Forest and proceed toward Foothill Ranch, following similar directions as mentioned above.

Punctuality & RSVP Etiquette:
We kindly request that all participants aim to be punctual. Our group will wait for a grace period of 5 minutes past the scheduled start time for any latecomers. However, if you realize that you're running late, please inform us through the message board. This will help us know to wait a bit longer for you and ensure we don't leave anyone behind.
If your plans change and you're unable to attend after RSVPing, please cancel your RSVP before the event begins. This consideration allows us to manage the group size effectively and opens up space for others who might be on a waiting list.

REMINDER: By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service, releasing the Organizer, Co-Organizer, and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents during gatherings.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: Hiking is a rewarding activity, but certain dangers exist. These may include trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions, or wildlife encounters. By registering for this event, you explicitly recognize that our organizers and participants are not professional guides or certified experts. You assume responsibility for yourself and your safety, agreeing to hold harmless the hike organizer, co-organizer, assistant organizers, and fellow participants for any injuries sustained during the hike. This acknowledgment extends to any unforeseen incidents or accidents that might take place, emphasizing your commitment to personal responsibility for your safety throughout the entire event. Your participation implies your understanding and acceptance of the shared responsibility for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Get a sneak peek here: Rattlesnake & BFI loop hike at Crystal Cove.

***This hike is not recommended for beginners. It requires a good level of physical fitness, experience in hiking, and the ability to navigate challenging terrains. We strongly advise that only those with prior hiking experience and a suitable fitness level participate.

Join us for a scenic 10+ mile loop hike starting at the Ridge Park Entrance in Newport Coast, CA. This route offers stunning coastal views, ridgeline trails, and shaded canyon paths. Experience some of the most iconic trails in Newport Coast, including Bommer Ridge, Red Tail Ridge, Rattlesnake Trail, Moro Canyon, BFI, and Moro Ridge. We'll pause at the Crystal Cove State Park Moro Campground, where restrooms are available, before tackling Rattlesnake and looping back along Bommer Ridge.

Location: Pacific Ridge Trailhead, Ridge Park Road, Newport Beach CA 92657
· Meeting Place: We will meet at the Ridge Park Entrance at the dead end of Ridge Park Road, which is the start of the trailhead. Look for the group gathering near the trailhead sign.
· Meeting Time: 7:30 AM (Expect the hike to last approximately 3.5-4 hours).
· Parking: Street (free)
· Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
· Distance/Elevation: Approximately 10-10.5 miles; ~1600 feet (cumulative gain, accounting for both ascents and descents along the route).
·Shaded Sections: Moro Canyon trail, partially near the campground, parts of Rattlesnake trail (lower parts), Moro Canyon to BFI.
·Exposed Sections: Bommer Ridge, Red Tailed Ridge, Rattlesnake, Moro Ridge, BFI Ascent, and Fenceline.
·Facilities: Bathroom available at Crystal Cove State Park Moro Campground.

Essentials:
· Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction
- Hiking poles (optional but recommended for steep sections)
· Water
· Snacks/energy bars
· Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
· A positive attitude and a smile 😊

Route Details:

• We'll start at Ridge Park Entrance and follow Bommer Ridge.
• Continue onto Moro Ridge and take the Moro Ridge Spur.
• Descend via BFI trail.
• Reach Crystal Cove State Park Moro Campground (restroom available here).
• Connect to Moro Canyon and ascend via West Cut Across.
• Climb the Rattlesnake Trail to Red Tailed Ridge.
• Return to Ridge Park Entrance via Bommer Ridge.

Note: DOGS are not allowed on many trails within Crystal Cove State Park, so please leave pets at home.
Punctuality & RSVP Etiquette:
We kindly request that all participants aim to be punctual. Our group will wait for a grace period of 5 minutes past the scheduled start time for any latecomers. However, if you realize that you're running late, please inform us through the message board. This will help us know to wait a bit longer for you and ensure we don't leave anyone behind.
If your plans change and you're unable to attend after RSVPing, please cancel your RSVP before the event begins. This consideration allows us to manage the group size effectively and opens up space for others who might be on a waiting list.
REMINDER: By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service, releasing the Organizer, Co-Organizer, and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents during gatherings.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: Hiking is a rewarding activity, but certain dangers exist. These may include trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions, or wildlife encounters. By registering for this event, you explicitly recognize that our organizers and participants are not professional guides or certified experts. You assume responsibility for yourself and your safety, agreeing to hold harmless the hike organizer, co-organizer, assistant organizers, and fellow participants for any injuries sustained during the hike. This acknowledgment extends to any unforeseen incidents or accidents that might take place, emphasizing your commitment to personal responsibility for your safety throughout the entire event. Your participation implies your understanding and acceptance of the shared responsibility for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Tags: #Hiking #OutdoorAdventure #OrangeCountyHikes #CrystalCoveStatePark

Get a sneak peek here: Wood Canyon, Mathis, West Ridge, and TOW trails hike!

***This hike is not recommended for beginners. It requires a good level of physical fitness, experience in hiking, and the ability to navigate challenging terrains. We strongly advise that only those with prior hiking experience and a suitable fitness level participate.

Join us for a scenic 8.5-9-mile loop trail near Laguna Beach, CA. The trail typically takes about 3.5-4 hours to complete.

Location: Canyon View Park, Aliso Viejo, California.

· Meeting Place: Canyon View Staging Area
· General Rating/Difficulty: Level 2+/3 (Moderate Pace for distance, elevation, and pace.
· Distance/Elevation/Duration: Level 2+/3 Estimate: 8.5-9 miles, 1079+- ft gain, and 3.5-4 hours (moderate pace).
· Parking: Street

Essentials:
· Comfortable hiking shoes
· Water
· Snacks/energy bars
· Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
· A positive attitude and a smile 😊

Route Details:

1. We'll start at Canyon View Staging Area.
2. From there we'll follow Wood Canyon Trail to Wood Canyon Creek and then towards Coyote Run.
3. We'll take Coyote Run Trail to Rock It. From there we'll head towards Top of the World via West Ridge.
4. We'll head back via West Ridge Trail, then descend via Lynx Trail to rejoin Wood Canyon Trail and return to Canyon Vistas.

Punctuality & RSVP Etiquette:
We kindly request that all participants aim to be punctual. Our group will wait for a grace period of 5 minutes past the scheduled start time for any latecomers. However, if you realize that you're running late, please inform us through the message board. This will help us know to wait a bit longer for you and ensure we don't leave anyone behind.
If your plans change and you're unable to attend after RSVPing, please cancel your RSVP before the event begins. This consideration allows us to manage the group size effectively and opens up space for others who might be on a waiting list.
REMINDER: By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service, releasing the Organizer, Co-Organizer, and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents during gatherings.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: Hiking is a rewarding activity, but certain dangers exist. These may include trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions, or wildlife encounters. By registering for this event, you explicitly recognize that our organizers and participants are not professional guides or certified experts. You assume responsibility for yourself and your safety, agreeing to hold harmless the hike organizer, co-organizer, assistant organizers, and fellow participants for any injuries sustained during the hike. This acknowledgment extends to any unforeseen incidents or accidents that might take place, emphasizing your commitment to personal responsibility for your safety throughout the entire event. Your participation implies your understanding and acceptance of the shared responsibility for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.