A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Rancho 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.

Caspers Park Loop

Hike Route

Caspers Park Loop

Birding
easy
2.75 mi
+158 ft
Nature Loop Trail

Hike Route

Nature Loop Trail

Views
easy
0.97 mi
+13 ft
Riley Park Loop

Hike Route

Riley Park Loop

Birding
easy
3.3 mi
+510 ft
Colinas Ridge Trail

Hike Route

Colinas Ridge Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
3.09 mi
+547 ft
O'Neill Park Loop Vista Trail

Hike Route

O'Neill Park Loop Vista Trail

Views
moderate
3.66 mi
+819 ft
Bell Peak Out and Back

Hike Route

Bell Peak Out and Back

Views
moderate
3.92 mi
+1,358 ft
Logo

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.

Bells Canyon Oso Trail Loop

Hike Route

Bells Canyon Oso Trail Loop

Views
strenuous
12.67 mi
+1,710 ft
San Clemente Figure 8

Hike Route

San Clemente Figure 8

Dogs Allowed
extreme
17.13 mi
+3,205 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
Aliso Wood Canyon 20-Mile Loop

Hike Route

Aliso Wood Canyon 20-Mile Loop

Views
extreme
20.04 mi
+2,695 ft
Modjeska/Santiago Peak

Hike Route

Modjeska/Santiago Peak

Views
extreme
17.41 mi
+6,489 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.

San Juan Creek Trail

Hike Route

San Juan Creek Trail

Views
moderate
9.92 mi
+944 ft
Oso Trail

Hike Route

Oso Trail

moderate
5.05 mi
+1,170 ft
Ladera Loop Trail

Hike Route

Ladera Loop Trail

Views
moderate
6.07 mi
+1,236 ft
Fisherman's Camp to Bluewater Canyon

Hike Route

Fisherman's Camp to Bluewater Canyon

Birding
moderate
6.33 mi
+1,079 ft
Bear Canyon to Sitton Peak

Hike Route

Bear Canyon to Sitton Peak

Spring
strenuous
9.6 mi
+2,148 ft
Wood Canyon Cave Tour

Hike Route

Wood Canyon Cave Tour

Birding
moderate
9.76 mi
+535 ft