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Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 217 Google reviews · Running trail in Coto De Caza, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 4.2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Thomas F. Riley 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.
Ranger-led & self-guided hikes through a 544-acre wildlife sanctuary, plus bike & horse trails.
What runners say about Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park
“One of the better hiking/trails parks in the area in that there is a lot of covered shady portions of the hike that take you past beautiful oak trees and over old rivers.”
“Riley Wilderness Park offers an extensive network of trails that cater to all levels of hiking enthusiasts.”
We absolutely love this location! I had a couple recommended it for their engagement photo session a few years ago and have been revisiting it ever since. We do family sessions, engagements, maternity sessions, and all sorts of little shoots here.
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of exploring the beautiful Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park, a stunning 544-acre natural area located in Orange County, California.
We love coming to this beautiful park with our kids. It’s really gorgeous in the fall when the leaves begin to change color. If you are craving a “fall” feel, this is the park to visit. In the fall a lot of families come to this park for family photos. Make sure your photographer has a permit to photograph in OC parks.
I have family who lives within walking distance and when I come to visit it's a great place to hike and see the critters and the different landscapes. It also gives you a great workout hiking the hills!
Trail conditions & character
“One of the better hiking/trails parks in the area in that there is a lot of covered shady portions of the hike that take you past beautiful oak trees and over old rivers.”
“Parking was $3 and I brought a hiking stick because like most hiking trails in the area there was a sign mentioning mountain lions at the trailhead.”
“Please leave your dogs at home as you will be turned away.”
“Some of the popular trails include the Wagon Wheel Canyon Loop Trail, the Oak Canyon Trail, the Sycamore Canyon Trail, and the Water Tank Road Trail.”
“The difficulty of the trails varies from easy to moderate, with some steep inclines and uneven terrain along the way.”
“The park has almost finished a new entrance that will make it more accessible and visible from the road.”
Plan your run at Thomas F. Riley 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
- Loop distance4.2 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteocparks.com
- Phone(949) 923-2265
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
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