I love the beach. As a surfer maybe even more than most. It has been so crowded lately. Everytime I would show up there was a line to get a parking space. What better way to escape all that, than to go hiking.
Top of the World
I parked at Top of the World in Laguna Beach. It was a Monday morning, which meant there would be even less crowds here. I was also able to find parking easily, and it is free. The trailhead to the West Ridge trail is where I would start.
This is one of the most popular hiking areas. It has ocean views, and is great for sunset photos, along with sticking around for a little stargazing, since there is a bit less light pollution up here on the ridge too.
The West Ridge
I would be hiking down the West Ridge, then making a right on Mathis Canyon.
I would then make a left down Coyote Run and explore Wood Canyon, before heading up a trail called Rock it. This would be a 6 mile hike and great for conditioning.
October in California
It was October and a classic fall day in California, which means it was warm, and dry. I had only taken a few short 3 mile hikes around my town recently. There have been wildfires, and a lot of smoke in the air, which I was trying to avoid.
Although late in the game, I had just purchased a tripod and selfie stick that is foldable. I would be testing it out today.
Car Wreck Trail
On the way down Mathis Canyon, I passed by Car Wreck Trail. It is known as one of the steepest trails, and the bane of hikers. I have a history with this trail. The first time I hiked up that thing, I ended up sitting down half way up. I was on my first group hike, with a group I had just joined. I was one of the younger people in the group. I thought I would be just fine, since we were only going 6 miles to Dripping Cave and up Car Wreck. So everything was fine, and then came Car Wreck. I made it halfway, and then just sat down, exhausted.
Over My Head
I still remember a hiker in her 70’s passing me by, gawking at me with a concerned look, as other hikers fished in their pockets for something to help me up, like jelly beans. They were concerned, and so was I. I did not yet having the hiking legs I needed to hike Car Wreck in one shot. Eventually I recovered enough, to drag myself up Car Wreck, and back to my car. I got the slowest hiker award that day. Fortunately they refused to leave me behind, even though they should have.
We All Start Somewhere
We all get in over our heads sometimes. We all have to start somewhere, and the same goes for hiking. Challenges keep you motivated. It’s good to gradually push yourself a little more with each hike. Sometimes we push ourselves to the limit. That’s where the saying hike your own hike comes in. You are not hiking this persons hike, or that persons, only yours. Your conditioning and preparedness are all you have to get you where you need to go. One day, I would be ready to hike up Car Wreck, perhaps without stopping.
Wood Canyon
Once in the canyon, at the foot of Mathis Canyon, I was right near where Car Wreck began. It felt like too beautiful a morning to simply overexert myself with Car Wreck. I wanted to do a bit of exploring in the beautiful Wood Canyon first. So I decided to take a left on Nature Loop, and take that on to Coyote Run.
Natural Caves
There are many natural “caves” in the rocks. Bees were buzzing everywhere, and there were still some wildflowers blooming, late in the season. I was surrounded by oak woodlands, but remained mostly in the beating sun, exposed.
This is the trail through the canyon. It’s wide, and flat, shared with mountain bikers.
I had brought with me 2 liters of water, and would consume most of it.
I was listening for a whizzing sound on Rock it. The trail has been packed down by thousands of tires rolling over it every day.
Rock It
It’s a rocky uneven trail, hence the name, along with being steep. I noticed a water tower in the distance. I was almost back up to the West Ridge. There are amazing views of the whole canyon from here. I could see Soka University on the other side.
There was a lingering smoky haze today. I hoped the fires California was having, would be over soon.
I was not expecting to find these tiny butterflies. They must be rare, since I had never seen them before.
The West Ridge is a fire road. It’s probably the most popular hiking trail in Laguna Beach, and can be crowded.
Be especially aware of mountain bikers on the West Ridge. A mountain biker whooshed by me within inches, before coming within a foot of a small dog on a leash, at about 50 mph. They had no bell, and there was no warning. So be careful out here.
It’s a very wide trail, and perfect to get away from it all, or at least feel like you have. It was incredibly hot by 10 am and close to 80 degrees out. I would skip hiking mid-day next time. I have never been a fan of being baked in the sun.
Trail Map to Wood Canyon can be found here.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2021 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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