View Finder: Weekenders Hit the Trail in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

A hiking grandmother, daughter and son observed a rattlesnake in the weeds. A sauntering family stopped to watch a darkling beetle. And a man riding an off-road unicycle caught a glimpse of a mule deer. Outdoor enthusiasts were out in force at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park on Saturday, enjoying all there was to see and do on a spring day.

Comprised of almost 4,000 acres, the wilderness and open space land of the canyon is home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects. There are over 30 miles of trails running through the park. Some of the trails run along two creeks that run year-round. An interesting rock formation known as Dripping Cave or Robbers' Cave was used for robbing stagecoaches long ago.

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is located a 28373 Alicia Parkway in Laguna Niguel. The entrance to the park is on Alicia Parkway about one-fourth mile south of Aliso Creek Road. There is a pay parking lot which costs $3. Contact the park at 949-923-2200 or by email at alisowood@ocparks.com.