Best Bike Trails In Orange County

Here we are, on the heels of summer, and what better way to enjoy a crisp, cool summer morning than with an invigorating bike ride through Mother Nature's backyard! Got the kids in tow? Are you a beginner and don't know which trail to try first? Are you somewhere in the middle and don't want to undertake a trail too easy or too advanced? Are you an advanced rider and in need of a new challenge? Here are some great trails for you to try out.

Starting off easy, this short beginners dirt trail is a 1.3-mile loop that provides a good mountain bike workout while still allowing you to hang out with the kids. The trailhead starts across from parking lot #3 on the road leading to the Outdoor Education Center. If you ride in a clockwise direction, the first half of the trail is on a wide path with a coastal sage scrub habitat as your scenery. As you head back, the trail transitions into a single-track lane to provide some variety. At a slow and leisurely pace, the trail will take about 20-30 minutes to complete.

This next beginner level trail starts from the Ranger Station and ends at the South Orange County Wastewater Authority Plant. While cycling along this six-mile round trip there’s lots of scenery to enjoy from open meadows, west-facing slopes of native vegetation, rock outcroppings, Aliso Creek views, and wildlife.

This intermediate level trail is a six-mile loop. It begins at the parking lot at Portola Parkway and Market Place. Start on the Borrego Canyon Trail (this is one-way for mountain bikers) traveling to the Borrego/Mustard junction. From there, turn right onto Mustard Road and head towards Four Corners, the central hub of Whiting Ranch. This is a great place to take a break, catch your breath, and rehydrate yourself at the water fountain. When you are ready to continue, a number of trails will help you descend back to Portola Parkway. Choose from Cactus Hill Trail, Whiting Road, or Dreaded Hill Road.

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This intermediate to advanced trail is a four to five-mile loop. Start your warm up on the Santiago Creek Trail. Then begin your ascent along the Winding Oak Trail. Once you are at the top, your perseverance will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view from the summit. Use this time to rest and rehydrate yourself. Then descend the serpentine, single-track Bumble Bee Trail to the canyon floor. After that, a short uphill section will put you on the Bobcat Meadow Trail. Enjoy your ride back on the Santiago Creek Trail under the canopy of oak trees.

This advanced trail is 12-mile loop. Start at the park entrance and head south to Wood Canyon Trail. Then head north to Mathis Canyon Trail and turn left. Turn right onto West Ridge Trail. Follow West Ridge Trail north down Rock-It to Coyote Run then head north. Take Wood Canyon Trail north to Cholla Trail and then back towards the park entrance. This trail has steep and rugged terrain but offers amazing views of Wood Canyon, Laguna Wilderness Park, and the Pacific Ocean.

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