When you head south into Orange County on the 5 Freeway, you will notice the terrain is much hillier than in north county. As you head towards the beaches, several ridge lines hover gracefully above the sea, around San Clemente, and Dana Point.
A Less Traveled Trail
Forester Ranch Ridgeline Trail is not one of the most popular trails. Most people don’t even know it exists. So it tends to be popular mostly with the locals. It’s not quite as long as the popular Rollercoaster Ridge, or Patriot Trail. I like it for days when I just want a quick workout, on dirt, close to home. In spring it becomes filled with wildflowers briefly, before becoming barren, and dry for the remainder of the year.
Accessibility
This trail can be accessed two ways, from the parking area at Camino Del Rio and Avenida La Pata, or from Costero Risco and Camino Vera Cruz. It connects with other trails in the area, so you can extend your hike, if you want to. If you have just an hour, or even 30 minutes to hike, this trail is one to consider. Today I was short on time, so would be hiking just a 3 mile section of the trail.
Nice Views
There are some great views of Saddleback mountain, and the Pacific Ocean in the distance. As you hike along you have Talega on one side, and the neighborhood of Forester Ranch on the other.
A 3 Mile Hike
I would be hiking down toward to the intersection, and back up. Along the way, there is an interesting sundial, and point of interest, at “Compass Point.” The best thing about this trail, is you get away from it all, without being too away from it all, since you’re still relatively near civilization.
Wildlife
I will note I have seen a coyote wandering on this trail, and during mustard season, there can be a ton of bees. I even spotted a giant Asian Hornet, which causes me to backtrack once.
The Seasons
During the dry late summer and fall, your most likley to hear a lot of snap, crackle, and pop as paper thin dry brush moves with the wind. This brush attracts many species of birds, and the it tends to amplify the scurry of the native critters within in. The dried brush is all there is to see in terms of vegetation most of the year here. But amongst this monotonous brown landscape, I still manage to find peace and tranquility.
December on Trail
This December, it’s bone dry, and much cooler than normal. Winter hiking is generally devoid of bugs, as a plus. Is it ever really winter in California? It depends on the elevation.
Maps
Here is the Map of the San Clemente Trails you can enjoy in the area, including the Forester Ridgeline, which is 4.2 miles long, or 8.4 miles roundtrip, if you were to hike all sections of it.
Hike on Your Own Terms
- It’s your hike, and its not a competition.
- Hike as slow or fast as you want.
- Do a whole trail, half or one, or a quarter of one, whatever you feel up to.
- Enjoy hiking in your own way, slow or fast.
- Hike Your Own Hike
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit 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 2020 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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