Near Wood Canyon Cave Tour
Waterfall on wood canyon trail.
Near Wood Canyon Cave Tour
My Path
Near Wood Canyon Cave Tour
Beautiful day
Near Wood Canyon Cave Tour
Bird silhouette.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Wood Canyon Cave Tour

4.3 (3 Ratings)
A mellow out-and-back hike with some interesting stops.
9.8
mi
Distance
535
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingCaveFamily FriendlyRiver/CreekViewsWaterfallWildlife
Access Issues
Dogs are only allowed on SOME trails in the park. Trails may close for three days after rain.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
9.76mi
Distance
535ft
Elevation Gain
535ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
489ft
High Point
90ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
To start the hike, head west from the park office on Aliso Creek Trail;this trail parallels the road and Aliso Creek. At 1.5 miles, turn right onto Wood Canyon Trail, a dirt road. At 1.7 miles, take a left onto a side trail that leads to Cave Rock;here you'll find several wind-sculpted sandstone rock formations and caves. The trail rejoins Wood Canyon Trail at about two miles. Continue north on Wood Canyon Trail to the intersection with Dripping Cave Trail;take a left and navigate to Dripping Cave, named for the year-round water seeping above and into the cave. It is also known as Robbers Cave, where supposedly, stagecoach robbers and cattle rustlers hid out in the 19th century. Backtrack on Dripping Cave Trail to Wood Canyon Trail and take a left to continue north. Once you reach, and have enjoyed the view of, the Old Corral turn around and follow Wood Canyon Trail all the way back to Aliso Creek Trail. At the junction, take a left onto Aliso Creek Trail to head east back to the trailhead.Most of these trails are multi-use, therefore be sure to know the right-of-way rules and be aware of other users.Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.
History & Background
The park is designated as a wildlife sanctuary; there are many rare and endangered plants and animals in the park.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Aliso Wood Canyon 20-Mile Loop

Hike Route

Aliso Wood Canyon 20-Mile Loop

Views
strenuous
20.04 mi
+2,695 ft
Aliso Creek Park Loop

Hike Route

Aliso Creek Park Loop

Birding
moderate
9.6 mi
+942 ft
Top of the World Loop

Hike Route

Top of the World Loop

Birding
moderate
6.89 mi
+1,027 ft
Colinas Ridge Trail

Hike Route

Colinas Ridge Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
3.09 mi
+549 ft
Laurel Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Laurel Canyon Loop

Birding
moderate
3.44 mi
+629 ft
James Dilley Preserve Combo

Hike Route

James Dilley Preserve Combo

Lake
moderate
4.56 mi
+605 ft
Contributors
John McKinney