A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Aliso Viejo, California

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

James Dilley Preserve Combo

Hike Route

James Dilley Preserve Combo

Lake
easy
4.56 mi
+605 ft
Laurel Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Laurel Canyon Loop

Birding
easy
3.44 mi
+629 ft
Colinas Ridge Trail

Hike Route

Colinas Ridge Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
3.09 mi
+547 ft
Riley Park Loop

Hike Route

Riley Park Loop

Birding
easy
3.3 mi
+510 ft
Borrego Canyon to Vista Point

Hike Route

Borrego Canyon to Vista Point

Birding
moderate
4.76 mi
+772 ft
Borrego Canyon + Red Rock Canyon Trails

Hike Route

Borrego Canyon + Red Rock Canyon Trails

easy
4.26 mi
+478 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Aliso Wood Canyon 20-Mile Loop

Hike Route

Aliso Wood Canyon 20-Mile Loop

Views
extreme
20.04 mi
+2,695 ft
Ladera Ranch Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Ladera Ranch Out-and-Back

River/Creek
strenuous
13.87 mi
+1,865 ft
Trabuco Creek Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Trabuco Creek Out-and-Back

Birding
strenuous
14.19 mi
+1,186 ft
Whiting Ranch 20k

Hike Route

Whiting Ranch 20k

Views
strenuous
12.55 mi
+1,625 ft
Mountains to Sea Trail

Hike Route

Mountains to Sea Trail

strenuous
19.56 mi
+173 ft
Newport Bay Nature Preserve Trail

Hike Route

Newport Bay Nature Preserve Trail

Birding
easy
10.24 mi
+182 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Wood Canyon Cave Tour

Hike Route

Wood Canyon Cave Tour

Birding
moderate
9.76 mi
+535 ft
Top of the World Loop

Hike Route

Top of the World Loop

Birding
moderate
6.89 mi
+1,028 ft
Aliso Creek Park Loop

Hike Route

Aliso Creek Park Loop

Birding
moderate
9.59 mi
+925 ft
Stagecoach South Intermediate Loop

Hike Route

Stagecoach South Intermediate Loop

Birding
moderate
7.73 mi
+1,227 ft
Crystal Cove Loop

Hike Route

Crystal Cove Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
9.08 mi
+1,297 ft
El Moro Western Loop

Hike Route

El Moro Western Loop

Birding
moderate
7.47 mi
+1,267 ft