Guide: Two Ridges - (dayhike)

Route: EveryTrail

One of the nice aspects of a smaller park like Caspers, a park with an extensive interconnected trail system, is that there are many different options available to the hiker who would like to generate trips of differing length and difficulty.

Two distinct hiking destinations in Caspers are the ridges that run north-south on either side of Bell Canyon, the main artery of the park. These are called East Ridge and West Ridge. Both have trails that run their length (for the most part) and each is an excellent, if a bit short, out and back hike in and of itself. But the many connector trails allow a slightly more intrepid hiker to hit a couple of high points in the park and work up a little more of a sweat.

As a shorthand I’ve come to call this hike “Two Ridges.” Taken in either direction it involves climbing up a single-track trail one of the ridges, heading north about a mile before dropping down into Bell Canyon, finding and following the connector trail leading to the opposite ridge, then hiking south and back to the Bell Canyon parking lot. The hike profile is pretty much the same regardless of starting direction, so feel free to reverse the itinerary if desired.

There are a lot of interesting habitat zones in Caspers, including riparian, oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, and even some chaparral. So for botanists and plant enthusiasts there is a lot of native flora to enjoy, especially after a wet winter when the park can be quite colorful. Of course, we last took this hike during thanksgiving so I’d be remiss in not mentioning that the sycamores can put on a good show in the fall as well.

The ridges offer nice views, especially on clear days, of the ocean and the Santa Ana Mountains and there is usually a decent breeze up there when the canyons get warm. We’ve seen plenty of deer on these trails, as well as skunks and lizards and snakes. A reminder; there are three species of rattlesnakes in this park and all deserve your respect. Keep an eye out, especially during morning and evening hours.

Caspers is mountain lion country, and if you know the park’s history you’ll understand why there are warnings posted at nearly every sign-board. But don’t let this deter you. Hike with a partner, and keep small children close. There is a lot of natural beauty and inspiration to be found in Caspers Wilderness Park. There’s a reason the ecosystem includes a good amount of plant and animal diversity, and if you’re like me, it’s the reason you go hiking in the first place.

Info: Distance - 4.9miles. Elevation - net gain of ~375’, but this has to be gained, lost and then regained. Rating - moderate. 

Full Photo Set: Flickr