• Hiking in Caspers	• Photos and Video	• OCParks Website	• Trail Map
• Rattlesnakes
Note: The Oak Trail has been closed for public safety until further notice due to many dead and dying trees. Some of the guides on this page, especially those that include travel on Starr Rise, West Ridge, and the Nature Trail could be affected.

Bell Canyon
Bell Canyon parking area
Bell Canyon (dayhike)	Easy-Moderate	4.7 miles
Synopsis: Bell Canyon is in many ways the spine of Caspers Wilderness Park. It encompasses several different ecotypes and offers some shade on warmer days. This mostly straight, mostly flat hike gives the hiker good views of both East and West ridges. Also, despite being a well-traveled trail Bell Canyon is where we've tended to encounter more wildlife, especially deer.
Bell Canyon / East Ridge / Cougar Pass (dayhike)	Easy-Moderate	4.5 miles
Synopsis: A classic Caspers hike through pretty canyons and along a ridge with views to either side. You travel mostly on spacious, though sometimes rocky, access roads. There's a  short, steep ascent to raise the heart-rate, and a couple of good drops to test the knees, but nothing too challenging.
Bell Canyon / Oso / Cougar Pass (dayhike)	Easy-Moderate	4.8 miles
Synopsis: This hike is a nice introduction to Caspers. There is just enough climbing to work up a little glow, but not enough to wreck the kids. Bell Canyon is the heart of Caspers park and it features a good variety of habitat types, including oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub, riparian areas and broad meadows. As usual when in Caspers, be aware of your surroundings - rattlesnakes are no strangers here, and there's always the chance you'll be lucky enough to see a mountain lion (so know what to do if that happens).
Caspers Perimeter Loop (dayhike)	Difficult	14.9 miles
Synopsis: This hike takes in the perimeter of Caspers Wilderness Park, traveling through examples of virtually all the habitat types in the park. There are some significant hills to climb and a bit of travel next to the highway, but there are great views along the high ridges. If you're only going to hike in Caspers once and can afford the time, this trip has it all.
East Ridge / Cougar / Bell Canyon (dayhike)	Moderate	4.3 miles
Synopsis: This hike travels along a ridge with good views of Saddleback and, on clear days, a bit of ocean. You wind through coastal sage scrub, some riparian areas, a bit of chaparral and oak woodland. Travel is mostly on fire roads. Stay alert for rattlesnakes and keep small children close; this is mountain lion country. Colorful sycamores in fall, wildflowers in spring. It can be hot in the summer so bring water.
East Ridge / Oak Trail / Nature Trail (dayhike)	Easy	3.4 miles
Synopsis: This is a good hike for a cool, clear evening in the spring. The views from East Ridge lend themselves to lowering light and the Nature Trail is a nice place to find plants in flower. The climb up to, and down from, the ridge shouldn't be too much for anyone other than small children, but remember to always keep kids close - this is mountain lion country.
East Ridge / Oso / Bell Canyon (dayhike)	Moderate	5.5 miles
Synopsis: This hike travels along a breezy ridge with views of Saddleback and, on clear days, the Pacific ocean. You wind through coastal sage scrub, chaparral and oak woodland, and riparian areas. Colorful sycamores in fall, wildflowers in spring. It can be hot in the summer so bring water and always keep an eye out for rattlesnakes.
East Ridge / Pinhead Peak trail (dayhike)	Easy	2.2 miles
Synopsis: This is a short, easy hike with only one bit of climbing at the very beginning. The rest works its way along a ridge with nice views, then crosses Bell Canyon creek several times as it travels through the campground area.
East Ridge / Sunrise / Bell Canyon (dayhike)	Easy	3.1 miles
Synopsis: This hike travels along a ridge with good views of Saddleback and, on clear days, a bit of ocean. You wind through coastal sage scrub, some riparian areas, a bit of chaparral and oak woodland. Travel is mostly on fire roads. Stay alert for rattlesnakes and keep small children close; this is mountain lion country. Colorful sycamores in fall, wildflowers in spring. It can be hot in the summer so bring water.
Gazebo (dayhike)	Moderate-Difficult	7.5 miles
Synopsis: About half of this hike travels along the varying terrain of Bell Canyon and Cougar Pass, which includes riparian areas, oak woods and plenty of sage scrub habitat. You pass meadows and gently roll over rises before tackling the difficult climb up Oso before leveling out on your way to the Gazebo. The ridges of Oso offer nice views and good breezes on clear days. On warm days bring plenty of water, and on hot days it's probably better to stay home.
Gazebo loop - Badger Pass (dayhike)	Moderate-Difficult	9.6 miles
Synopsis: This hike is a good all around look at Caspers Wilderness Park. You experience quite a few different habitats and enjoy some excellent views of the Santa Ana mountains to the east and the ocean to the west. The traveling can be a bit rocky in places along Juaneño and Oso trails, but for the most part the footing is good.
Nature Trail (P.O.I.)	Easy	0.9 miles
Synopsis: This short, flat walk through several different ecological areas typical of Caspers park is especially good for young children or older visitors. The trail features many different plants and is especially enjoyable later in the day when the light is low.
Nature Trail / Bell Canyon (dayhike)	Easy	2.6 miles
Synopsis: A flat, easy hike that takes in part of Caspers' short Nature trail, then crosses a creek and picks up the Oak trail for a walk through a forested area with some old and stately oaks. The second half of the hike loops over for a return along the coastal sage, meadows and hillsides of Bell Canyon trail. This is a good loop for those with children or limited time. On hot days the Oak trail offers good shade and a bench near the junction with Starr Rise.
Oso Meadow (dayhike)	Moderate	4.7 miles
Synopsis: This is a nice hike with a lot of variety that takes you to a fairly intact example of a native bunch-grass meadow. There aren't a lot of these habitats left, and even though there has been significant intrusion of invasive plants the meadow is still very nice, especially early or late in the day.
Pinhead Peak  (dayhike)	Easy-Moderate	1.9 miles
Synopsis: A fun hike to a less traveled part of the park. You cross creek bed a couple of times and climbs through sage scrub. There is some steep and tricky descent from the peak (trekking poles are helpful) but the views from the top are worth the effort.
Pinhead Peak / East Flats (dayhike)	Easy-Moderate	2.9 miles
Synopsis: A fun hike and scramble to a less traveled part of the park. Crosses creek bed a couple of times and climbs through sage scrub. There is some steep and tricky descent from the peak (trekking poles are helpful) and a short bushwhack from the base of the peak to pick up East Flats trail. Be mindful of rattlesnakes and watch where you step - squirrel holes can be covered by brush and will turn an unwary ankle.
Ridges Figure 8 (dayhike)	Moderate	6.2 miles
Synopsis: For the hiker who may not come back to Caspers and wants to get a good sense of the park, this is an excellent six mile walk through several different kinds of habitat and along both of the main ridge lines. Pick a mild-temperature day with clear skies and you'll have a terrific hike. As always in Caspers, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and remain aware that this is mountain lion country.
Two Ridges (dayhike)	Moderate	4.9 miles
Synopsis: This hike winds through oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub, some riparian areas and a little bit of chaparral. Travel is mostly on fire roads. Stay alert for rattlesnakes and keep small children close; this is mountain lion country. Great views of Saddleback and the ocean on clear days. Colorful sycamores in fall, wildflowers in spring. It can be hot in the summer so bring water.
Two Ridges - long (dayhike)	Moderate	6.9 miles
Synopsis: Taking in half of West Ridge, half of Bell Canyon and most of East Ridge, this hike exposes you to three of the most popular trails in the park. There are views and breezes on the ridges, oak woodlands in the canyons, and great wildflowers in the spring. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, and, as always in Caspers, bring plenty of water when it's hot.
West Ridge (dayhike)	Moderate	4.2 miles
Synopsis: Oak woodlands and coastal sage habitat along Bell Canyon, turning to chaparral after climbing Starr Rise to the ridge. Nice views from the ridge (ocean on clear days). Some houses mar the panorama, but they're easily ignored. The route down Dick Loskorn trail is an interesting descent past limestone cliffs, eventually moving through oaks once again before returning to the parking lot (though not the same trailhead).
West Ridge - long (dayhike)	Moderate	7.1 miles
Synopsis: Oak woodlands and coastal sage habitat along Bell Canyon, turning to chaparral after climbing Starr Rise to the ridge. Nice views from the ridge (ocean on clear days). Some houses mar the panorama, but they're easily ignored. The route first takes you to the northwestern corner of the park, then down Dick Loskorn trail on an interesting descent past limestone cliffs, eventually moving through oaks once again before returning to the parking lot (though not the same trailhead).
West Ridge - short (dayhike)	Easy-Moderate	3.6 miles
Synopsis: A relatively straightforward loop that includes a climb to a normally breezy ridge with nice views toward the ocean and inland to the Santa Ana Mountains. This hike offers some interesting ecological variety as it travels through riparian, oak forest, and coastal sage habitats.
East Ridge trailhead
East Flats / East Ridge (dayhike)	Easy	2 miles
Synopsis: This is a quick, easy hike that takes you through a meadow, then climbs to a ridge with excellent views. There's often a nice breeze on East Ridge, but most of this hike is exposed, so it's not the best choice on a hot day.
East Flats / Nature Trail (dayhike)	Easy	2.8 miles
Synopsis: An easy hike that gets the hiker up on a terrace for some nice views, travels across canyon and creek, pads through oak woodlands and returns by looping past some of the park's campgrounds. This is a good hike for poking around in the creekbed and checking out possible campsites. A nice introduction to the park for new campers and kids.
East Ridge (dayhike)	Easy-Moderate	5 miles
Synopsis: East Ridge give the hiker perhaps the best views for the least amount of effort in Caspers Park. For two and a half miles it's a lovely hike due north with views to Saddleback and the Santa Ana's to the east. It is an exposed trail so a hot day might push up the difficulty level, but it is also a wonderful hike for early morning or late evening when the light is low.
East Ridge / Oak Trail / Pinhead Peak (dayhike)	Moderate	6 miles
Synopsis: As with so many hikes in Caspers, this trip offers a diverse selection of habitats, including coastal sage, riparian, and oak woodlands. Meadows, ridges, creek beds, this one has it all, with the bonus of excellent views.
East Ridge / Oso / Pinhead Pk. trail (dayhike)	Moderate-Difficult	7.8 miles
Synopsis: Traveling along Bell Canyon's adjoining ridges (and a bit in Bell Canyon itself), this hike offers good views and a nice selection of different habitats, making it an excellent Bell Canyon, and Caspers, overview.
East Ridge / Sunrise / East Flats - (dayhike)	Easy-Moderate	4.6 miles
Synopsis: This hike heads up and follows a ridge line, then descends a somewhat steep and sandy spur to a return along shaded sage-scrub and woodlands. The final section travels East Flats, an exposed, single-track trail through more coastal sage habitat just below East Ridge. A nice hike for evening breezes and fine views of the Santa Ana Mountains. As usual when in Caspers, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and know what to do if you spot a mountain lion.
Cold Springs Canyon
Cold Springs Canyon loop (dayhike)	Moderate	4.7 miles
Synopsis: Not many people see this part of Caspers Wilderness Park, but hiking past the hot springs and through partly riparian Cold Springs Canyon can be a nice change of pace. Done clockwise, you first work your way along open hillsides next to Ortega Hwy before connecting with Oso trail. Then you ascend through some sparse woodlands up onto ridges before heading back down through the cool and shade of Cold Springs Canyon.
Cold Springs Canyon / Bell Canyon (dayhike)	Moderate-Difficult	7 miles
Synopsis: Not many people see this part of Caspers Wilderness Park, but hiking past the hot springs and through Cold Springs Canyon is nice change of pace. Riparian areas enhance the first part of the hike as you cross both Hot Springs Creek and Cold Springs Creek. Soon, though, you ascend onto familiar chaparral covered hillsides and ridges. The trail passes the highest point in Caspers just before it reaches the Gazebo. Leaving the ridge brings you down into the familiar meadows and oaks of Bell Canyon.
Cold Springs Canyon / Juaneño (dayhike)	Moderate-Difficult	8.2 miles
Synopsis: This is a point to point hike, so it does demand a bit of planning, but it's a fun variation on a theme. Traveling through the unique Cold Springs Canyon habitat, stopping at the Gazebo, then finishing by way of the Juaneño Trail offers a different cross-section of Caspers environments than the usual Bell Canyon fare.
Gazebo loop - Cold Springs (dayhike)	Moderate	7.1 miles
Synopsis: If you've grown tired of the more popular Caspers fare, getting out onto the trails in the northern part of the park offers new sights, great views, and a few different types of habitat. You'll also see many fewer people (if any), and, if you're lucky, a bit more wildlife (we were lucky enough to see a female fox and here two cubs once). This hike exposes you to some of this less visited terrain while also visiting a popular view and rest spot - the Gazebo.
San Juan Creek / Juaneño shuttle (dayhike)	Moderate	5.4 miles
Synopsis: Riparian areas enhance the first part of the hike as you cross both Hot Springs Creek and Cold Springs Creek. Soon, though you ascend onto familiar chaparral covered hillsides before dropping to creek level, where you essentially parallel Ortega Highway for much of the way. Some relief from the road is gained by taking the shady and more interesting Juaneño trail for the last three miles rather than staying with San Juan Creek trail to the end.
San Juan Canyon
Gazebo loop - Oso (dayhike)	Difficult	12 miles
Synopsis: Take this hike, which leads you on a tour to some of the less traveled and more scenic parts of the park, only on a day that is not particularly hot. There is a nice place for lunch, plenty of excellent views and about a mile of noisy, but mostly level, hiking along a busy road. If you've got the stamina, this is a terrific circuit of the park.
Juaneño / Mesa Loop (dayhike)	Easy	3.5 miles
Synopsis: A mostly level hike through riparian woodlands, creek bed, and exposed, mesa meadows. Shady along the Juaneño trail but could get hot in summer up on the Mesa loop section. Good views up the canyon and of Caspers' East Ridge cliffs.
San Juan Creek / Juaneño (dayhike)	Moderate	6.1 miles
Synopsis: A mostly level hike through riparian woodlands, creek bed, and fire roads next to Ortega Hwy. Shady through parts of the Juaneno trail but can get quite hot along exposed sections of the loop. Good views up the canyon and of Caspers' East Ridge cliffs. Best taken on a week day (because of traffic along the road).
San Juan Creek / Oso / Juaneño (dayhike)	Moderate-Difficult	11.3 miles
Synopsis: For those seeking a leg-stretcher, this hike offers a good workout along with some travel through the lesser visited environs of Caspers Wilderness Park. If taken in the spring after some good rains the upper reaches of Oso trail will often provide excellent wildflowers.
Visitor Center
Vista Ridge Trail (P.O.I.)	Easy	0.1 miles
Synopsis: A quick, informative and very easy trail just across the parking lot from the Caspers visitor center. There are interpretive signs that introduce the patron to many of the plants to be found in the park. There are also very good views up and down Ortega Canyon. A good spot for small children.

All photos and video by Laura or Bob Camp unless otherwise indicated. Use without permission is not cool.