I wanted to take on the “mentally sensitive,” trail for a long time. Part of the trail travels along Meadows Trail, and the rest of it is called Sheep Run. But aside from feeling a little mentally sensitive, I would be adding part of Wood Canyon, and Car Wreck, for a 9.65 mile hike. The name of the trail was changed on alltrails from Mentally Sensitive , and is now called Meadows and Aswut Trail Loop.
The trail begins at Moulton Meadows Park in the Alta Vista neighborhood of Laguna Beach, California. This park has grassy fields, a dog park, and restrooms. There is street parking all along Balboa Road, adjoining the park.
To reach Meadows Trail, you hike north along the paved Aswut Trail, which follows the coastal ridge, where you can smell the ocean breeze. There are amazing views along this trail, all the way to Saddleback Mountain to the east, and Catalina island to the west.
After a quarter mile walk, I made a right down Meadows Trail. It’s a popular mountain biking trail as well, so turn on your listening ears to avoid getting in a collision. I advise taking out the earbuds so you can hear bells, and the sounds of gears spinning, in absence of a bell. I am happy to share the trail with mountain bikers, and I do my best to give them room. We can all share these beautiful trails, if we try.
This trail quickly descends into the valley, and some parts of it were a bit steep.
The valley was so green, since it was springtime, and wildflowers were just beginning to emerge.
As I reached the valley floor, I continued onward, along Meadows Trail, heading toward Wood Canyon.
I decided I would first hike into Wood Canyon, before heading up Car Wreck Trail.
This trail could not have been more meadow-like than it was right now.
It is a single-track trail through the canyon, and there is a service road also running on through, alongside of it.
I noticed these California Sun Cups in bloom along the way.
Once I reached Wood Canyon, the landscape became more woodsy. I made a left down the trail to the famous Car Wreck, passing through a shady grove of oaks, and sycamores.
Nobody knows for sure how this car got here, but here it stands. Was it driven off a cliff on purpose or for a prank? Perhaps a storm washed it down the mountainside. Nobody seems to know for sure, the actual story of how it came to rest here, at the foot of this steep trail in Wood Canyon.
Further on up the ultra steep and strenuous Car Wreck Trail, I happened to spot a bunch of purplish blue wildflowers in bloom. These are called Blue Dicks, and I have seen them growing on most of the trails around here, during the springtime.
After making it to the top of Car Wreck, I proceeded to head down Mathis Canyon Trail. Off in the distance, were the rolling green foothills of South Orange County.
The peaks of the San Gabriels were covered in snow, which contrasted highly with the trails here, where it felt like summer.
I headed back up Meadows Trail toward Sheep Run. There have been mountain lions spotted here in this area of the canyon, so be vigilant. It is their home too, and even if you think you are alone here, you probably are not.
Heading on up Sheep Run, the trail was beginning to get overgrown, since it was Early March. The best time to hike these trails is from December until March, when new spring growth emerges, just before it gets thick, and brushy. Around April, the baby snakes begin to emerge. During a wet year, snakes can be active, even earlier in the season.
There were even more varieties of wildflowers heading up Sheep Run. Parry’s Phacelia tends to come into bloom earlier in the season, than other wildflowers.
I enjoyed my long hike through this canyon, which came in just under 10 miles.
A Long Hike
How do you define a long hike? I took my time on this hike, and it ended up being a total of 4 hours. That is a good solid amount of hiking for me personally. I like to get in at least one longer hike like this every week or 4-5 hours if I can. Otherwise my hikes and trail runs are about 1-2 hours per day. But I will not hesitate to get in 30 minutes of running or walking, if that is all I have time for. Rain or shine, I love to get outside every day.
Elevation Gain
But as you can see, it was also a great workout, with plenty of gain. Where else can you get in 1698 feet of gain in 10 miles around here? If you want a challenge, I highly recommend trying this loop.
I even created this video on my youtube channel, to give your an overview of this beautiful trail during the peak of spring.
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 2023 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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