Near West Ridge Trail
Top of the World Sunset
Near West Ridge Trail
hiking down from the top of the world (you have to go a little off course for this but worth it)
Near West Ridge Trail
View to the west from the top of Mathis Canyon along West Ridge Trail.
Near West Ridge Trail
A Saddleback Dusk
Near West Ridge Trail
Top of the World

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

West Ridge Trail

4.7 (6 Ratings)
Views, views, views. Well worth the climb!
2.5
mi
Distance
687
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Views
Access Issues
Park Hours: 7 a.m. to sunset. Trails may be closed for up to three days following rain.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.47mi
Distance
687ft
Elevation Gain
156ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
1,002ft
High Point
471ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This trail follows the ridge line between Canyon View Park and Top of the World where you can enjoy 360 degree views of the surrounding area (Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, and Aliso Veijo) out to the Pacific Ocean. The terrain is hard packed dirt and the trail is jeep track fire break. This trail gains a lot of elevation but offers several scenic rest points along the way. The trail can be accessed from either end. From north to south it can be reached from Cholla Trail, Lynx Trail, Rock-It (via Coyote Run), and Mathis Canyon Trail all of which lead up from the Aliso Canyon side of the ridge from Wood Canyon Trail. This trail is a bit of climb from the bottom but well worth it on a clear day.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
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Contributors
Jason Fincher