Trip Date: 5/23/2012

Location: Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

Permit/Pass: Day use ($5), O.C. Parks Annual Pass ($55)

Trails: OC Parks Map, GTN Mileage Map

Directions: From Interstate 5 in San Juan Capistrano take the Ortega Hwy (CA 74) exit east. Drive just under eight miles to the park entrance on the left (north) side of the road. After passing through the entrance follow the street past several side roads to a stop sign. Turn right and continue until the road dead ends at the Bell Canyon trailhead parking lot. The trail begins next to the sign-board.

Trail sequence: Bell Canyon / Quail Run / East Ridge / Sunrise / Bell Canyon

Type: Loop

Distance: 3.1 miles

Elevation: Min. - 308', Max. - 803'

Profile:

Rating: Easy (factors: heat)

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 / Sunrise / Bell Canyon - Caspers WP

Turn by Turn:

   -- - Head north up the trail. After just a few yards turn right (east) onto Quail Run. If you blink you might miss this turn so pay attention.

   -- Follow Quail Run as it switchbacks along single-track toward the eastern ridgeline.

   -- At a junction with East Flats trail stay straight (east) to continue on Quail Run as it again switchbacks gently to the ridge.

   -- Upon reaching the ridge you junction with East Ridge trail (really a fire-road, like many of the park’s trails). Turn left (north) to continue the hike.

   -- After about a mile reach a junction where you’ll Sunrise trail to the left (west). Turn left on Sunrise.

   -- Follow the sometimes steeply descending trail past a junction with Cougar Pass on the right. Soon you'll come to a split in the trail. Take the left fork which meets Bell Canyon in just a few yards. Turn left on Bell Canyon.

   -- Follow Bell Canyon back to the trailhead (a little over a mile).