Whiting Ranch/Red Rock Canyon

This hidden gem is so awesome! Right outside of Lake Forest, located in Foothill Ranch. The Red Rock Canyon is one of a kind and makes you feel out of this world. Park at the parking lot with the pay station off of Glenn Ranch Rd., or near the Wahoo's Fish Taco right down the street. Here you go underneath Portola Pkwy. and connect to the trails. Many bikers and hikers park here, so it's pretty safe and easy to find your way. It's around 8-miles from the free parking area to Red Rock Canyon and back. A decent hike which takes me about 2/2.5-hours. This is not including exploration of the canyon, which as of January 2020, part of the rock area at the end are roped off...but IF you want, could go right around it.

A few years back, before the rope, I went exploring up on the rocks and noticed how slippery the loose gravel/rock makes it. And yes, I did end up slipping and falling right onto my butt. REMEMBER to BE CAREFUL if you decide to hike on the red rock area, it's not stable and can slip easily and is not permitted. There are many other trails to explore in this area to make the hike longer, or shorter. But I always go to the canyon because it makes me really appreciate nature and just take it all in. Only about a mile or two in, you will encounter Dreaded Hill. This hill is a pain in the ass, hence the name, but is well worth it. It is roughly 1-1.25 miles long of consistent incline. Once you've conquered this it is basically all downhill to the canyon. Directions are a bit weird and would be a pain to try and type it all up, so please email me and I will gladly go over this with you. No dogs allowed, pack sunscreen and water as it's mostly uncovered. Gets really hot in the summer and can be a real dehydrator. A MUST DO for people in Orange County.