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Whiting Ranch Wilderness Trail, Portola pkwy
4.7 ★★★★★ 198 Google reviews · Running trail in Foothill Ranch, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 4.1 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Whiting Ranch Wilderness Trail, Portola pkwy'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.
Popular choice for hiking and biking featuring red rocks, trees and vistas.
What runners say about Whiting Ranch Wilderness Trail, Portola pkwy
“It’s a beautiful trail with lots of shade in the beginning and the last 0.”
“It’s a beautiful trail with lots of shade in the beginning and the last 0.”
I'm new to hiking so I don't have too much for comparison but I really enjoyed this trail. Parking was easy at 7:30AM on a Sunday. The first part of the trail is a little unassuming, just wooded and mostly flat. There are some fun micro streams and huge trees though. But the Red Rock Canyon Trail was worth it!
It's probably the easiest hike I've been on since moving to the area, and definitely worth the 2-mile hike to Red Rock Canyon. There are a couple small bumps, but for the most part is a flat hike up to the fork
It’s a beautiful trail with lots of shade in the beginning and the last 0.5 miles being a bit more challenging, at the end you can see some really beautiful red stones.
You would never guess this is tucked away among the shopping centers. Great mix of exposed and shady areas. Parking lot is tiny, and we noticed a lot of people parking across the street and walking over.
Trail conditions & character
“It’s a beautiful trail with lots of shade in the beginning and the last 0.”
“The parking lot is tiny and you can't overflow in the nearby shopping center according to numerous angry signs.”
“The first part of the trail is a little unassuming, just wooded and mostly flat.”
“It's rocky, steep, uneven, cactus lined, and absolutely breathtaking.”
“It's rocky, steep, uneven, cactus lined, and absolutely breathtaking.”
“There are a couple small bumps, but for the most part is a flat hike up to the fork”
“It has a nice beginning point with portable restrooms and a water filling station.”
Plan your run at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Trail, Portola pkwy
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
- Distance4.1 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- 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+1 949-923-2245
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–5:15 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–5:15 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–5:15 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–5:15 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–5:15 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–5:15 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–5:15 pm |
Running trails near Foothill Ranch
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Borrego Canyon Overlook Park
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Small grassy park with picnic tables and playgrounds offering views of the ocean and canyons.
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
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Sprawling park with canyons & rock formations plus 17 miles of hiking, biking & equestrian trails.
Red Rock Canyon
4.8 ★★★★★ 51 reviews
Scenic canyon featuring multiple trails, plus red-rock formations such as sandstone.
Tamarisk Park
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Recreation spot with amenities such as a playground, basketball court, and baseball field.
Peachwood Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 68 reviews
Outdoor area with picnic tables and a playground, plus a public restroom.
