Caspers is one of the
county's largest parks and offers lots of room to roam. But it gets hot so
bring a hat, snacks, drinks and sunscreen.
Distance: 9.5 miles up and back Difficulty: Easy to moderate hikes, exhilarating rides When to go: Best Oct.-June Location: Caspers Wilderness Park Elevation Gain: 350 ft. Phone: 949-923-2210 Dogs: Not allowed Directions: Exit Interstate 5 at Ortega Highway and drive inland 7.5
miles. Parking is $2 per vehicle. Check out the Visitors Center (currently
undergoing remodel) for info about recent animal sightings, future nature
walks with rangers and educational programs for all ages.
Trail Information
Campers Note: Open fires are not permitted during fire season. This
means no open fires or barbecue pits, charcoal, or open stoves. Propane,
butane gas camp stoves are permitted. Call the number at the right for more
details.
Remarks: At the park entrance, obtain a map and go to the Bell Canyon
Trail. Park in an adjacent area. The trail is a comfortable and easy ride or
walk through the initial 1.1 miles to the Star Rise Trail. All the trails in
this park are well maintained. The canopy of sycamores and oaks weaves along
several streams and canyons that contribute to Bell Canyon, and eventually
travel downstream into San Juan Creek.
Star Rise cuts left — just past Sun Rise Trail — across a creek bottom, and
wastes no time going up to the West Ridge Trail. Enjoy the canopy for
200-300 feet up the rise, until suddenly you're looking across the treetops.
Watch for the lookout viewpoint about half way up. It's on your right and
out a narrow footpath to the lip of a cliff that's right in the middle of it
all.
After pushing upwards to the West Ridge Trail, turn right. You can peak
through the brush at several points and see the roofs of Coto de Caza on
your left. But the pristine, protected nature of Bell Canyon on the right is
more enjoyable.
About 1.5 miles north is a gate to an area formerly known as the "Old Coto
Hunt Club." The trail glides down through the sage and underbrush of an open
space populated by a variety of birds often not found elsewhere in Orange
County.
When the trail raises back up to West Ridge, you will encounter a gate and
step-through to the famous Starr Ranch Preserve. Recently, the County of
Orange negotiated a one-mile access easement with the National Audubon
Society that allows public trail access through this privately owned nature
preserve and scientific study area. Absolutely no dogs are allowed and you
must stay on the established trail.
The "north entry gate" of the Audubon provides a stunning view up and down
Bell Canyon. The trail continues north to the Dove Canyon Country Club
Planned Community rest stop.
The trail wanders north to the Dove Canyon Private Community gates and to
Plano Trabuco Road. Ultimately, you will be able to follow the trail
northerly through the Robinson Ranch to a connection with O'Neill Regional
Park at the Arroyo Trabuco. But for now you'll want to turn around and
retrace your steps.
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If
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