Category Archives: Easy Hikes

Dripping Cave / Cave Rock – Aliso and Wood Canyon Wilderness Park

12 Monday Sep 2011

Posted by in Cave, Easy Hikes

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cave entrance

cave entrance

This weeks hike was an easy hike with a big payoff!

The trail begins on a service road directly behind the Ranger Station. This is somewhat like the beginning of The Blackstar Canyon trail. After a short distance you pick up a single track trail, Aliso Canyon Trail, which will give you great views of the rolling hills and a hint of the geological wonders that lie within the park.

At the 1.5 mile mark you will reach a junction, go right, and proceed on Wood Canyon Trail. This trail is very popular with bikers so be aware of your surroundings because they come flying down the trail. Along the trail you will notice Cave Rock on your left. Save that trail for the way back! After .5 miles you will reach the junction with Dripping Cave trail go left for .5 miles until you reach the cave. The cave is none like I’ve seen in OC. It’s very large and appears to be next to a creek bed and is hidden behind a grove of trees. It’s no wonder why the Bandits used this as a hide out.

On our way back from Dripping Cave we decided to check out the Cave Rock Trail. Even though it was only .25 miles long it was one of my favorite parts of the hike. This trail has multiple caves and has wonderful views of the canyon. The trail meets back up with Wood Canyon Trail making for an easy return with an added bonus!
Click here for directions

cave rock trail

cave rock trail

cave rock trail

cave rock trail

cave rock trail

cave rock trail

• 5 miles round trip
• elevation gain 200ft
• caves
• Difficulty – Easy
• Time – 2.5 to 3 hours

Happy Trails,
Alex G

Escondido Canyon Waterfall

24 Wednesday Aug 2011

Posted by in Easy Hikes, Outdoors, Waterfalls

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     Escondido Falls is a great trail to hike anytime of year. This trail is located in the Santa Monica Mountains of Malbu. The proximity to the coast provides relief from the heat of the SoCal Summer. The temperature here usually lingers in the mid to upper 60’s. The only drawback to hiking this close to the exclusive sands of Baywatch Beach would be the very limited parking. You will definitely want to arrive early.The tiny parking lot is located at Winding Way and PCH.There are no parking fees.
     The trailhead is about 1/2 a mile north on Winding Way from the parking lot. Winding Way is basically a private road leading to some pretty swanky homes. The entire hike ends up being about 4.2 miles roundtrip. I would say that it is a pretty family friendly trail as long as your children are at least 6 years of age. Poison oak is abundant here. You will want to keep everyone on the trail. There is some bouldering involved and there is a pretty steep portion of trail where you may choose to use a rope that someone has setup to aid you in your climb.
    There are a couple of small waterfalls along the first portion of the trail, but it is the last waterfall that you will really want to see. The last waterfall is a multi-tiered beauty with a total height of roughly 150 feet. It isn’t your typical California waterfall. This one is covered in moss and grass and is definitely this most tropical looking waterfall that we have experienced (YouTube Link).

-FPMiv