Trip Date: 3/26/2013
Location: Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
Permit/Pass: Day use ($5), O.C. Parks Annual Pass ($55)
Trails: OC Park 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 kiosk follow the park road past several side roads to a stop sign. Turn right and drive a few hundred yards to the bathrooms and parking on the left. The trail begins directly across the road.
Trail sequence: East Ridge / Sunrise / Bell Canyon / Quail Run / East Flats / East Ridge
Type: Loop
Distance: 4.6 miles
Elevation: Min. - 381', Max. - 804'
Profile:
Rating: Easy-Moderate (factors: heat)
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.
East Ridge / Sunrise / East Flats - Caspers WP
Turn by Turn:
-- East Ridge trail begin directly across from the signboard and parking lot. After just a short distance this trail intersects East Flats trail. This is where you'll complete the loop, but for now stay straight (northeast) on East Ridge.
-- After ascending, then leveling out, follow the ridge trail north (passing Quail Run at just under a mile) until you reach the junction with Sunrise trail - not quite two miles. Turn left on Sunrise.
-- Follow Sunrise down to a fork. Stay left to meet Bell Canyon trail. Turn left (south) on Bell Canyon.
-- Travel a little over a mile to the junction with Quail Run on your left. Turn left onto Quail Run.
-- Quail Run ascends to the terrace across which East Flats wanders. Ascend Quail Run until it levels out on the terrace and meets East Flats at the bottom of the ridge. Turn right (south) onto East Flats.
-- Follow East Flats about 0.75 miles to the intersection with East Ridge.
-- Turn right on East Ridge to drop back down to your car.