Trip Date: 7/17/2017
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.
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.
Trail sequence: East Ridge trail (out) / East Ridge (back)
Type: Out and back
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation: Min. - 390', Max. - 956'
Profile:
Rating: Easy-Moderate (factors: heat)
Notes: Though the hike begins with a sturdy climb right from the trailhead, and throws in another good ascent a few more minutes in, it is, in general, and fairly easy ridge hike.
Track: East Ridge - Caspers WP: AllTrails, GaiaGPS
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, but 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. Continue straight (north) on East Ridge.
-- After close to another mile East Ridge its high point, turns sharply and descends to the left (west). This is a good spot for a break before turning and heading back.
-- Retrace your steps and follow East Ridge all the way back to the trailhead, passing Sunrise trail and Qual Run trail respectively on the right.
Photos: Flickr