Hiking In Laguna Beach & Laguna Hiking Trails

​While Laguna Beach is definitely a "beach" town, its geography also offers rolling hills and vertical climbs for hiking at all levels.

Laguna Beach's open space is made up of three parks that make up what we call the "Laguna Green Belt." The Green Belt added together consists of nearly 20,000 acres of open space. To explore the Green Belt first begin with exploring the wilderness parks:

• Laguna Coast Wilderness Parks
• Aliso and Wood's Canyon Parks
• Crystal Cove State Park

When you’re looking to get outside and hike, then get to know these popular places to hike in Laguna Beach.

1. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Home to more than 40 trails across 7,000 acres of coastal wilderness preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is a “must” for outdoors enthusiasts. Park highlights include Laurel Canyon Trail and The Willow Staging Area. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings of several rare and endangered species. Springtime visitors will also be rewarded with gorgeous wildflower blooms too!

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Maps & Information

• Park Map
• Park Brochure
• Parking Information

Park Hours

• 8:00am - 5:00pm

2. Crystal Cove State Park

Explore Crystal Cove State Park’s 2,400 acres of land, including 3.2 miles of beaches and tide pools.  Crystal Cove is popular for hiking and also horseback riding, mountain biking, and even scuba diving in the offshore waters. The five mile El Moro Canyon Loop Trail will take you up more than 800 feet in elevation for some of the most beautiful coastline views in the park.

Crystal Cove State Park Maps & Information

• Moro Canyon Trail Map
• Crystal Cove Area Map
• Crystal Cove Trail Descriptions

Park Hours 

• 6:00am - sunset

3. Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

Discover more than 4,500 acres of open space and wilderness shaded by mature trees and cooled by two year-round streams. There are more than 30 miles of trails throughout Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park to explore.

Aliso and Woods Canyons Wilderness Park Maps & Information

• Trail Map
• Park Information

Park Hours

• 7:00am - 9:00pm

4. Top of The World

One of the most spectacular hikes begins at the "Top of the World" parking area within adjacent Alta Laguna Park. From Top of The World, you will see panoramic views of the stunning hills rolling out to the Pacific Ocean. To experience the trails, simply park at Alta Laguna or on the street in this north side Laguna neighborhood, and try the numerous trails that take you down into Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness, Laguna Beach, and even neighboring towns. 

Aliso and Woods Canyons Wilderness Park Maps & Information 

• Trail Map 
• Park Information

Park Hours

• 7:00am - sunset

5. Valido Trail

Another great option is the Valido Trail in South Laguna Beach, which features some steep climbs but rewards hikers with a gift at the end - panoramic ocean views.

Aliso and Woods Canyons Wilderness Park Maps & Information 

• Trail Map
• Park Information

 Park Hours 

•  7:00am - sunset

In many cases, you will be hiking well-groomed fire trails where you will meet other hikers and bikers. In Laguna Beach, you will also come across treasure trove finds - paths and narrower trails that are clearly delineated as hiking trails but steeper in nature. As with all hiking endeavors, bring a hiking buddy with you, stay hydrated, respect the trails and leave no trace, and check for dog (on leash) allowances before you begin.

To learn more about how to get involved with conservation and sustainability in Laguna Beach's greenbelt:

• Laguna Canyon Foundation
• Orange County Parks Volunteers
• How Laguna Beach resident saved The Canyon