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Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 406 Google reviews · Running trail in Laguna Beach, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Laguna Coast Wilderness 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.
7,000-acre park with many trails for hiking, biking & horseback riding, plus a nature center.
What runners say about Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
“Quiet and clean for the most part.”
“360 degree views make this place absolutely beautiful!”
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is becoming one of my favorite places to hike. I usually park and go up Big Bend, then down Willow Trail. I added Lizard Trail to my route last time and I highly recommend it! The first part of the trail is rocky and then it becomes a nice stroll through the woods.
A lovely train through the canyons. It’s certainly a long incline at first so be prepared to be properly hydrated. Once you make your way up, you get to see nice 360 views of canyons, mountains, Pacific Ocean and Orange County in the distance. Spring is best the time to hike as you get to see a lot of greenery.
$3 parking for the day. The trails are either very easy or very difficult/steep. The “moderate” trail is very long and steep and slippery. Bring excellent hiking shoes, water, hat, sunglasses and sunblock. I saw cacti, hummingbirds, various flowers and lizards. Nix Nature center has a 3D map, displays and bathrooms.
We did a big bend loop. Pretty hike, easy. We did encounter a rattlesnake, almost stepped on it. Would advise to watch your step during the peak season for rattlesnake, April and May.
Trail conditions & character
“Once you make your way up, you get to see nice 360 views of canyons, mountains, Pacific Ocean and Orange County in the distance.”
“I did the Laurel Canyon loop and loved it - rolling hills, ocean breezes, wildflowers in spring.”
“It's unfortunate that the main parking for this hike doesn't open until 9 am, but it's usually cool enough to enjoy up until 11 or noon.”
“Whether you enjoy meandering spacious fire roads or the challenges of a single track, this is a most convenient haven for this.”
“Enjoy ridge top ocean vistas with lightly wooded canyons with sagebrush in between.”
“I did the Laurel Canyon loop and loved it - rolling hills, ocean breezes, wildflowers in spring.”
Plan your run at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteocparks.com
- Phone(949) 923-2235
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–5 PM |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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