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Live Oak Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 8 Google reviews · Running trail in Trabuco Canyon, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Live Oak Trail yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
What runners say about Live Oak Trail
This was a great hike, some ups and downs, it's a moderate+ hike. The dogs loved it. It had some nice vista views. There was shade and sun. There was a picnic table under a tree, that would be a nice, cool, shady place to take a rest/picnic. You can go as far as you like, it's a long trail.
Nice moderate bike climb to Vista point, but significant overgrowth and rain caused ruts along much of trail since this winters crazy rainfall. Be careful of some foot deep ruts hidden by the overgrowth on the trail. Only a couple small muddy spots left from the winter rains.
Great trail for hiking / running. There are many bike riders and some horses in the AM. Trail access from multiple points. Large trail system branching of of the park and a few neighborhoods
We started at Live Oak Canyon trailhead and hiked to Vista Point in O'Neill Park. Great hike, a three mile hike with approximately 500 feet of elevation gain on a dirt truck trail. The hike is considered advanced beginner because of the elevation gain and a couple of steep trail segments.
Trail conditions & character
“Nice moderate bike climb to Vista point, but significant overgrowth and rain caused ruts along much of trail since this winters crazy rainfall.”
“The hike is a scenic overlook with magnificent 360 degree views of Saddleback Mountain, Oso Reservoir, city lights, and the ocean.”
Plan your run at Live Oak Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
Running trails near Trabuco Canyon
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Vista Point
4.4 ★★★★☆ 13 reviews
Monte Vista Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 92 reviews
Casual, clean green space, also featuring playgrounds for kids and soccer fields, plus a pool and basketball courts.
Trabuco Mesa Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 225 reviews
Spacious baseball-field–equipped park with a playground and picnic facilities.
Live Oak Canyon Trail
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews