A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Mission 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.

Riley Park Loop

Hike Route

Riley Park Loop

Birding
moderate
3.3 mi
+508 ft
James Dilley Preserve Combo

Hike Route

James Dilley Preserve Combo

Lake
moderate
4.56 mi
+605 ft
O'Neill Park Loop Vista Trail

Hike Route

O'Neill Park Loop Vista Trail

Views
moderate
3.66 mi
+803 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
Borrego Canyon to Vista Point

Hike Route

Borrego Canyon to Vista Point

Birding
moderate
4.75 mi
+764 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.

Ladera Ranch Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Ladera Ranch Out-and-Back

River/Creek
moderate
13.87 mi
+1,879 ft
Trabuco Creek Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Trabuco Creek Out-and-Back

Birding
moderate
14.19 mi
+1,172 ft
Aliso Wood Canyon 20-Mile Loop

Hike Route

Aliso Wood Canyon 20-Mile Loop

Views
strenuous
20.04 mi
+2,695 ft
Whiting Ranch 20k

Hike Route

Whiting Ranch 20k

Views
moderate
12.54 mi
+1,625 ft
Bells Canyon Oso Trail Loop

Hike Route

Bells Canyon Oso Trail Loop

Views
strenuous
12.67 mi
+1,706 ft
Modjeska/Santiago Peak

Hike Route

Modjeska/Santiago Peak

Views
strenuous
17.41 mi
+6,644 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.

Ladera Loop Trail

Hike Route

Ladera Loop Trail

Views
moderate
6.07 mi
+1,211 ft
Serrano Creek Trail

Hike Route

Serrano Creek Trail

Dogs Allowed
moderate
9.88 mi
+567 ft
Wood Canyon Cave Tour

Hike Route

Wood Canyon Cave Tour

Birding
moderate
9.76 mi
+535 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
Stagecoach South Intermediate Loop

Hike Route

Stagecoach South Intermediate Loop

Birding
moderate
7.73 mi
+1,221 ft