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Badlands Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 394 Google reviews · Running trail in Laguna Niguel, California · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Badlands Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Open 24hScenicFlat & fastQuiet

Park offering coastal views, picnic tables, and trails that are good for kids.

What runners say about Badlands Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (394 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 16 mentions

“Badlands Park in Laguna Niguel is one of my favorite places for a relaxing hike and to enjoy the beautiful Southern California scenery.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“Beautiful, quiet, and serene park with a simple trail along the cliffs; always a stop if I'm in the area.”

👟 good for all levels 4 mentions

“Such beautiful views easy hike for me I little up hill but not bad”

Hi everybody 🙋‍♂️!!! The Badlands Park one of the best park area in Dana point and Laguna Beach. 🌄🌅🌄 The Badlands Park has spectacular scenery. Depending on a season (fog time), you can catch you can catch the breathtaking advance of the fog.

★★★★★ — Superedd , Oct 2022

Absolutely gorgeous dog friendly trail to walk through before sunset. Only downside is the trail and Badlands park is extremely short/small! Very pleasant short walk. My pup loved sniffing all the scents she picked up.

★★★★★ — T , Jul 2019

One of the best view alongside ocean on a cliff. Beautiful homes on one side and beautiful views of the ocean on the other. Be careful with kids and pets, as there are sharp edges along the trail.

★★★★★ — Simplysaffronbypujaseal , Jun 2025

Really cool ridge line trail overlooking Laguna Beach! Impressive views and quirky mini “badlands” sandstone formations in the middle fin to explore. Great easy trail for the mild walking days.

★★★★★ — Carlos , Jan 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 394 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 37 mentions

“Badlands Park in Laguna Niguel is one of my favorite places for a relaxing hike and to enjoy the beautiful Southern California scenery.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“Beautiful, quiet, and serene park with a simple trail along the cliffs; always a stop if I'm in the area.”

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Flat & fast 2 mentions

“This place is amazing for architectural discover and it’s so fun to experience this gem by walking and touching the soft sand from somewhere much higher than sea level.”

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Plan your run at Badlands Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • Websitecityoflagunaniguel.org
  • Social Instagram

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Badlands Park

31671 Isle Vista, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Get directions

Running trails near Laguna Niguel

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Seaview Trail

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under a mile away

Valido Trail

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under a mile away

Aliso Peak Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 36 reviews

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under a mile away

Seaview Park Trail and Overlook

4.8 ★★★★★ 65 reviews

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LitScenic

Hike up a hill, offering views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island.

under a mile away

Top of the World Laguna Niguel

4.7 ★★★★★ 82 reviews

Laguna Niguel, CA

Scenic

Petite park featuring hiking trails with panoramic views of the ocean and mountains.

under a mile away

Aliso Peak

4.8 ★★★★★ 81 reviews

Laguna Beach, CA

Scenic

Steep, dog-friendly hiking area with trails leading to views of the beaches.

under a mile away

All running trails in Laguna Niguel, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.