MARY’S TRAIL TO BARBARA’S LAKE
MARY’S TRAIL TO
BARBARA’S LAKE
This combination of two flat,
well-maintained trails is ideal for
an unplugged afternoon activity.
Located in the Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park, the trailhead is
based just outside the Nix Nature
Center—a facility complete with
restrooms, water, maps and
friendly rangers.
Mary’s Trail marks the
beginning of the adventure with
a half-mile loop that weaves in
and around the foliage. Signs are
planted at several stops along the
way, pointing out interesting facts
about the surrounding land and
resident creatures to keep curious
kids entertained. Suitable for the
whole family, the hiking-only trail
even accommodates strollerbound babies.
From Mary’s Trail, break off
onto Barbara’s Lake Trail, which
takes you under Laguna Canyon
Road via tunnel and onto a lush
trail for a quarter-mile until
you catch a glimpse of Orange
County’s only natural lake before
turning back.
WEST RIDGE TRAIL
The West Ridge Trail at Alta
Laguna Park is an out-and-back
hike with varying difficulties,
perfect for an intro to mountain
biking. Park near Top of the World
and tackle the short distance
to the trailhead, or stop at the
lookout point for clear views of
the coast from Long Beach to
San Diego. From here, it’s 2 miles
of rolling hills with intermittent
WEST RIDGE TRAIL
DISTANCE: 1 MILE
USES: HIKING
DIFFICULTY: NOVICE
PARKING: $3
LOOK FOR: COYOTES, DEER AND
WATER-DWELLING CREATURES
views of the coast, cholla cactus
and shrubbery.
The way out is a steady downhill from 1,036 to 700 feet, which
makes for a nice beginners ride.
To increase the difficulty, take
Lynx Trail to Cholla Trail, then head
down Wood Creek Trail through a
sycamore grove that connects to
Coyote Run Trail and loops back
via Car Wreck Trail. This tacks on
an extra 1.5 miles but offers a visit
to the infamous wrecked car relic.
DISTANCE: 4 TO 5.5 MILES
USES: HIKING, BIKING, EQUESTRIAN
DIFFICULTY: BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE
PARKING: FREE
LOOK FOR: COYOTES AND DEER
Expanding
Horizons
COOL DOWN FROM
YOUR HIKE WITH ONE
OF LAGUNA’S MANY
AQUATIC ACTIVITIES.
BY SHARAEL KOLBERG
Skimboarding: The steep
beaches and onshore break
make Laguna Beach one of
the top places to skimboard.
Tex Haines, owner of Victoria
Skimboards, recommends
Bluebird, Thalia, Main or
Crescent beaches for beginners, and West and 10th
Street beaches for experts.
Stand-up paddleboarding:
Choose a day with zero wind
and minimal swell to partake
in a peaceful paddle on the
Pacific Ocean. For an easy
launch, head out during
high tide at Fisherman’s
Cove off Cliff Drive or ease
out through the channel at
Brooks Street Beach.
Scuba diving: Typical dives
in Laguna range from 60 to
130 feet in 65-degree water.
Robb Evans of Beach Cities
Scuba suggests novices
start at Shaw’s Cove for
its low surf and almost
nonexistent current.
SUMMER 2014 CITY GUIDE 19
LBCG_SUM2014_Trails-eV2-e.indd 19
6/16/14 10:59 AM