Leader: Laura Rickoff

Location: Aliso Wood Canyons starting at the West Ridge Trailhead (at the top of Cholla trail) near 63 or 66 Hollyleaf in Aliso Viejo). NOTE: No restrooms at the start.

Directions: From Irvine, go south on the 5, exit Lake Forest. Go right at the end of the ramp, left on Moulton Pkwy, and then follow a GPS to the address shown above.

About the Run: Mostly loop course, 9 to 11.5 miles on mainly dirt trails. Bring water and consider trail shoes.

Follow the ridge trail at the top of the hill, past the intersections with Cholla, Lynx, Rock-It and Mathis trails to Top to the World and Alta Laguna park (2.3 miles). There are restrooms and a water fountain at the park. Continue straight on Alta Laguna Blvd for 1.2 miles until the road ends, and take trailhead on the right. Run behind the houses on the trail, until it comes to the partially-paved ridge trail and go right (there will be beautiful ocean views if it is not foggy). In 0.3 miles, go left on Meadows Trail. This is a steep downhill section with lots of switchbacks. At the bottom of the trail, turn left for the 9 mile loop or go right towards the water treatment plant (mostly on the road), out for 1.25 miles and then turn back. For both routes, turn left at Woods Canyon Trail (at the outhouses) which are 0.4 miles from the bottom of Meadows Trail (when going left at the bottom of Meadows). Follow Woods Canyon Trail for 3 miles, and make a left on Cholla trail which will take us back to our cars.

After the Run: Lupe’s Mexican Eatery (2.2 miles away), in Aliso Viejo Town Center, 26541 Aliso Creek Rd.