Annie’s Canyon and the San Elijo Lagoon

I have known of Annie's Canyon a few years, yet strayed away from visiting it, placing my efforts more on long strenuous climbs, challenging myself. I did not think this would be challenging, and I knew it was a very crowded popular spot, so I kept putting off visiting here. The trail through the San Elijo Ecological Reserve leading toward Annie’s Canyon, has several different options to accessing the canyon. I ended up choosing the trailhead located at the end of North Rios Avenue, also referred to on maps as the Gemma Parks Interpretive Trail. The San Elijo Lagoon is an estuary, surrounded by a series of winding trails throughout the marsh.

Hiking 12.5 miles to a waterfall, an Old Ranch House, over bridges and streams

I had hiked through Los Penasquitos Canyon once before, and was here for a second time. I was here a few years ago and this long, yet not so strenuous hike served as training for my solo thru hike backpacking the Trans Catalina Trail over 3 days.

Bolsa Chica Wetlands

Follow along as I hike through Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. I will share where to park, the costs involved, and helpful tips for a successful visit to this unique travel destination in Orange County, California.

Doheny TidePooling

Doheny State Beach is a popular beach in summer with surfers, since it tends to offer more favorable conditions for surfers during predominant south winds. It has fire pits, bbq areas, and volleyball nets, along with a cafe. The calm waves make it popular with families, near the north jetty in summer. It’s also a prime spot for tidepooling.