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Dripping Cave Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 94 Google reviews · Running trail in Aliso Viejo, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 9 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Dripping Cave Trail'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.
Shaded, family-friendly hiking trail leading to a cave.
What runners say about Dripping Cave Trail
“Once you reach Dripping Cave, there's a moderately difficult steep climb up the hill behind it with great views.”
“Great little and easy hike to a series of caves in Aliso Canyon where thieves and stagecoach robbers used to hide out many years ago.”
Nice flat hike with interesting destination. The way to make this hike as short as possible is to enter from Crimson Canyon off of Oak View Dr (and park on Oak View Dr) but Crimson Canyon is a gated community so you'll have to wait for a car to go in or out to access the trailhead.
There are many entrances to the trail. Lots of levels of trails around here. I didn't find dripping cave trail until I was headed back. I love trails where the certain stops along the way tell a story more than anything. There was a old little cattle coral and the direct trail to dripping cave was super inspirational.
Ok... So we were not expecting an almost 5 mile hike from parking lot to the actual Dripping Cave. Also, their are not enough visible maps on the trail to help you guide yourself. Many mom's with stollers which would be a good workout, but it was also fairly hot at this time of year.
Very nice, chill, family friendly walking trail. It’s about 2 hours in and out. You will pass by a cozy but nice visitor center right next to the parking lot with flushing toilet restrooms. Lots of bikers but the path is wide enough to fit all parties safely. Saw many deers today. Would recommend to other friends.
Trail conditions & character
“Once you reach Dripping Cave, there's a moderately difficult steep climb up the hill behind it with great views.”
“Once you reach Dripping Cave, there's a moderately difficult steep climb up the hill behind it with great views.”
“You will pass by a cozy but nice visitor center right next to the parking lot with flushing toilet restrooms.”
“You will pass by a cozy but nice visitor center right next to the parking lot with flushing toilet restrooms.”
“So we were not expecting an almost 5 mile hike from parking lot to the actual Dripping Cave.”
Plan your run at Dripping Cave Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance9 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteocparks.com
- Phone(949) 923-2200
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