Trip Date: 8/15/2013

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 / Qual Run / East Ridge / Cougar Pass / Oso / Bell Canyon

Type: Loop

Distance:  5.5 miles

Profile:

Elevation: Min. - 367' , Max. - 931'

Rating: Moderate (factors: some short steep sections, heat)

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/Oso/Bell Canyon - Caspers WP

Turn by Turn: 

   -- Head north up Bell Canyon 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 up toward the eastern ridgeline.

   -- After leveling out you hit 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 you come to a junction where you’ll meet Sunrise trail to the left (west). Continue straight (north) on East Ridge.

   -- East Ridge eventually turns sharply and descends to the left (west) to meet Cougar Pass.

   -- Turn right (north) onto Cougar Pass and follow it until it meets Oso trail.

   -- Turn left onto Oso and follow it as it descends into and through riparian habitat. After crossing a creek bed you eventually return to Bell Canyon trail.

   -- Turn left (south) and follow Bell the two miles back to the trailhead.