Trip Date: 11/24/2013
Location: Cleveland National Forest (Trabuco District)
Permit/Pass: Display Day Pass ($5), Forest Adventure Pass or National Parks Pass in car.
Directions: From Interstate 5 in San Juan Capistrano take Hwy 74 (Ortega Highway) east 23.2 miles to just before the junction with South Main Divide Rd. where, on the right you'll turn into the parking lot for the Cleveland National Forest (Trabuca Ranger District) Visitor Center - right next to the El Cariso Fire Station. The trailhead for the Nature trail is to the right and behind the Visitor Center
Trail sequence: El Cariso Nature Trail
Type: Loop
Distance: 1.4 miles
Elevation: Min. - 2520', Max. - 2703'
Rating: Easy
Synopsis: A short but interesting jaunt along an interpretive trail (there are plaques that offer information about plants, mining etc.). Some good views to the south and east, and, as of the date of this guide, a firebreak area cut into the trailside, along with evidence of a prior burn. The trail is easy and good for kids. The Visitor Center is worth a look, and there is a Wildland Firefighters Memorial nearby.
Turn by Turn:
-- After parking in front of the Visitor Center and walking to the door, turn right to follow the gravel path around the small building. In the back you'll reach some stone steps leading up to the trailhead for the Nature Trail.
-- The trail heads up and southwest along the side of a hill. Then it turns back on itself a couple of times before working south around the rise. Soon you circle to the east then northeast before coming to a crossing of South Main Divide Rd.
-- After picking up the trail on the other side of the road you continue through the chaparral for a short while before turning back toward the west and crossing South Main Divide Rd. again.
-- About two tenths of a mile from the road you reach the Fire Station facilities. From here follow the paved lot back to the parking area in front of the Visitor Center.