With spring in full swing, the hills are alive, simply bursting with wildflowers at every turn. Invasive Wild Mustard is here to stay, turning everything golden. I love nature hikes, and fortunately some of the best trails, are in my backyard, in South Orange County.
The Cerro Rebal Trail, also called the Rollercoaster, begins just off Camino De Los Mares in San Clemente. I took the trail up a somewhat steep incline to the ridge, and along the way was surrounded by wildflowers.
At the ridge you have a decision to make. You could take the trail left, along past the Prima Desecha landfill. Crows will sometimes circle above it, by the hundreds. But if that’s not your cup of tea, there are even more options.
Hiking past landfills are not exactly my thing, so I chose to make a left, traveling further uphill toward the coast, and the flagpole, towards Patriot Trail.
Along the way I noticed an overgrown, un-named trail leading into San Juan Capistrano. There are all sorts of added social trails here, created by mountain bikers. I have explored a few of them during the last few months leading into spring. But come April, I tend to avoid them, since I also like to avoid snakes.
Amongst all this gold, are not treasures, but baby rattlesnakes, so be forewarned, should you consider wading around in all this for a few photos.
This flagpole was erected by a local Boy Scouts troop in honor of our heroes, who made it possible to have all the freedom we get to enjoy today.
Patriot Trail
I continued on to the flagpole on Patriot Trail, before heading back the way I came, veering to the right, heading to the high point of these trails, a small un-named hill, with a small Oak tree planted. I still don’t know who planted it, but I like to give it a drink, upon every visit, from my water bottle.
There is a water tank off to the right, and a road leading up to it. The location of the water tank, probably utilizes gravity, to aid in transporting the water to the taps, in neighboring homes.
It was all yellow, as the song goes. Bush Sunflowers were intermingling with Wild Mustard, at every turn.
Harbor View Trail
The sun was setting as I made a right on up Harbor View, to get in just a bit more mileage.
As I headed on up Harbor View, I noticed someone had taken the time to arrange these rocks, to form a cross. Possibly it was in remembrance, and maybe it was just to say, thank you Jesus, for all of this beauty. I headed back to Camino De Los Mares, down Harbor View Trail, back along Cerro Rebal Trail to my car. It was a peaceful and meaningful ending, to another beautiful day on the trail.
Stats
Todays hike was 1.5 hours, 5.35 miles long, with 1,041 feet of gain. That’s another reason I love this rollercoaster of a trail, is it is a great workout, with plenty of gain, without a lot of time invested. It’s the perfect combination of cardio, an nature therapy, rolled into one. That’s because my favorite gym is always going to be outside.
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!
Follow my Journey…
Be sure to Like and Subscribe to My Youtube Channel where I post videos!
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.
Serafina Hikes 