Spectacular Canyon and Ocean Vistas in All Directions at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Posted on March 29, 2012 by lesleycarter

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park‘s entrance is along Laguna Canyon Road and is open to visitors from 8am to 4pm with a cost of $3 for parking.

As Darren and I strolled, and sometimes struggled, past oak and sycamore woodlands, onto ridges with expansive scenery, and through rocky bluffs that tower above the canyon trails, we felt as if we was seeing California as it has existed for thousands of years.

From the top of the park, there are several trails to explore and the views are incredible. Temple Hill, also known as Top of the World, is the high point of the coastal hills surrounding Laguna Beach and it is just a glimpse of the many views the park has to offer.

Inland views looking up Laguna Canyon toward the distant mountains, as well as those looking back down and out toward the Pacific Ocean, make this climb worthwhile and rewarding.

The top of the canyon is the perfect place to find rest and relaxation before making the return journey. The panoramic views of Orange County are a crystal clear reminder of why we moved to California in the first place.

63 thoughts on “Spectacular Canyon and Ocean Vistas in All Directions at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park”

thesweetkitten on March 29, 2012 at 9:29 am said:

Wow! I have to admit we don’t have such landscapes in Belgium 🙂

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- lesleycarter on March 29, 2012 at 9:50 am said:
  
  Every place had its own unique beauty. California does have it all though; that’s why we moved here.
  
  🙂
  
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  - thesweetkitten on March 29, 2012 at 9:56 am said:
    
    All? So, can I find Belgian beers there? 😀
    
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Cloches & Lavender on March 29, 2012 at 9:33 am said:

Wow! Beautiful!!

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- lesleycarter on March 29, 2012 at 9:51 am said:
  
  I still find it hard to believe that this is just down the street from me. I’ll never get tired of California.
  
  🙂
  
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allinthedayofme on March 29, 2012 at 9:38 am said:

Indescribable! Thanks for sharing!

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zestybeandog on March 29, 2012 at 9:40 am said:

Beautiful! I’m going to Denver in 2 weeks and cannot wait! 🙂

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- lesleycarter on March 29, 2012 at 9:51 am said:
  
  Enjoy your trip to Denver. I’m sure you will have a great time.
  
  Send some pictures this way or a link when you return. I’d love to see them.
  
  🙂
  
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annewoodman on March 29, 2012 at 9:43 am said:

Gorgeous photos! I’m thinking the state of CA should hire you to do PR. ; )

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- lesleycarter on March 29, 2012 at 9:52 am said:
  
  That sounds good to me. 🙂
  
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ucfmat on March 29, 2012 at 9:43 am said:

Great pics! Love that first tree.

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Holly Michael on March 29, 2012 at 9:52 am said:

Beautiful!

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PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER on March 29, 2012 at 9:52 am said:

Great Post my friend, thanks for sharing. May God continue to bless you and all that you do.

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Thomas L. Tribby on March 29, 2012 at 10:21 am said:

I spent many years in various parts of California. There are so many beautiful places. Yours is one of them.

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SKEdazzles ~ A Lifestyle/Photo/Travel Blog on March 29, 2012 at 10:21 am said:

I love the whole Laguna Canyon and Beach area. Your images and the quality of them are beautiful.

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doug.s on March 29, 2012 at 10:23 am said:

I bring my little ones to Crystal Cove for tide pooling. Watch out critters!

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- lesleycarter on March 29, 2012 at 11:32 am said:
  
  I hear a lot of people talk about Crystal Cove. I’ll have to check it out! With motherhood fast approaching, I’ll need to consider more relaxed beaches and hikes.
  
  🙂
  
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ibdesignsusa on March 29, 2012 at 10:25 am said:

Love the pictures and the scenery. Does look like a beautiful place to live!

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sallykwitt on March 29, 2012 at 10:33 am said:

Just lovely post! I used to live in Irvine, and felt that it was heavenly.

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- lesleycarter on March 30, 2012 at 1:22 am said:
  
  We lived in Irvine when we first moved here and everything from the streets to the grass and the plants are so well groomed. It was absolutely amazing.
  
  Are you from California?
  
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Jasmine Pahl on March 29, 2012 at 10:36 am said:

Great post! This is on my ‘must walk’ list for sure!

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finally_write on March 29, 2012 at 10:49 am said:

Nice! I just hiked for 4 hours yesterday (2 in daylight, 2 in the dark) in the mountains just west of San Fernando Valley. Really nice trails and always fun to get to a high point and spot the Pacific Ocean on the horizon. We took the meticulous trails to the top and watched a beautiful sunset, then hiked back down in the dark (with headband lights) along the fire-road. I never hiked in the dark, so it was pretty amazing to take in the moon and stars that seemed just an arm’s reach away, while being serenaded by a few hoot owls. Definitely will do it again! 🙂

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- lesleycarter on March 30, 2012 at 1:23 am said:
  
  Are there any animals that you need to fear in the dark?
  
  I worry about the coyotes around here.
  
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  - finally_write on March 30, 2012 at 8:20 am said:
    
    Could’ve been coyotes, but we didn’t run into any that night. We actually passed three bicyclists on the path about half-way back, so maybe the critters are aware of the occasional tourist and don’t bother? Nothing a big can of pepper spray couldn’t handle. ;^)
    
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dhphotosite on March 29, 2012 at 10:54 am said:

WOW I could hang out there for a while!!!

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Catharine Cooper on March 29, 2012 at 11:18 am said:

i love my backyard!

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- lesleycarter on March 30, 2012 at 1:26 am said:
  
  Catharine,
  
  Are you in California? I thought I remember reading your posts about Mexico; I might be confused.
  
  I’ll have to check back with your site and read up on your adventures anyway. This gives me another reason to return.
  
  🙂
  
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Don Maker on March 29, 2012 at 11:21 am said:

Again, fantastic pics, and a great description. Southern Cal doesn’t have the same variety and splendor as NorCal, but it has a beauty all its own. Thanks for showing it!

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- lesleycarter on March 30, 2012 at 1:27 am said:
  
  I’m not sure about the variety in northern Cal, but I sure know that our weather is just about as perfect as it gets. 😉
  
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  - Don Maker on March 30, 2012 at 1:20 pm said:
    
    Some people actually like snow and muggy heat! Go figure… As to the variety, Yosemite, the “real” mountains, the Redwood Forest, etc., are all wonderful. I grew up in San Diego, but I quite like it up here. Each to their own!
    
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cravesadventure on March 29, 2012 at 11:40 am said:

What a beautiful place – thanks for sharing!

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LadiesGoFirst on March 29, 2012 at 11:42 am said:

This place is right by my house and I’ve never been!! That’s crazy! I definitely need to check out this place soon 😉 Thanks for the heads up!

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- lesleycarter on March 30, 2012 at 1:28 am said:
  
  I knew you lived in SoCal but I had no idea you were so close. We should get together sometime 🙂
  
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  - LadiesGoFirst on March 30, 2012 at 11:51 am said:
    
    I totally gave myself away with that comment 😉 That would be fun!! Maybe a hike?
    
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Arlene on March 29, 2012 at 11:48 am said:

Quite awesome landscape wonderful views, lucky you, Thanks for dropping by and ‘liking’ my blog

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The Blissful Adventurer on March 29, 2012 at 11:49 am said:

These shots are lovely and so if the model 🙂 Cheers!

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sillyfrogsusan on March 29, 2012 at 12:13 pm said:

You views are awe inspiring! Thanks. 🙂

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magsx2 on March 29, 2012 at 1:02 pm said:

Hi,
Great photos and beautiful scenery. 🙂

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2 Rivers Photos on March 29, 2012 at 1:04 pm said:

I like the sun flare shot… very nice 🙂

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granbee on March 29, 2012 at 2:42 pm said:

The light through the cactus leaves, your upraised arms of celebrating the beauty, your open-armed embrace of the entire scene just made this post extra special for me, Lesley– I am learning more all the time what a generous and joyous and loving heart you have. Bless you!

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- lesleycarter on March 29, 2012 at 4:33 pm said:
  
  You are so kind. Your continued support and words of encouragement are greatly appreciated.
  
  🙂
  
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a BUMP to the HEAD on March 29, 2012 at 3:17 pm said:

WOW, spectacular spectacular 🙂

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wordsfromanneli on March 29, 2012 at 3:23 pm said:

I can feel the warmth of the climate. Nice pics.

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nenskei on March 29, 2012 at 4:26 pm said:

Hey lesley… Can I be with you? Forever, just keep me in your pocket like Mr.Bean do to his Teddy 😛
I love everywhere you are in world! 😀

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Sandra on March 29, 2012 at 6:11 pm said:

Beautiful!

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The Rev. Deirdre Whitfield on March 29, 2012 at 6:35 pm said:

Wow. your posts are quite adventurous. Kind of like a quick vacation for me so I’ll be back. Thanks for liking my post.

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MN on March 29, 2012 at 6:42 pm said:

amazing pics!!!

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Let's CUT the Crap! on March 29, 2012 at 7:09 pm said:

Too delicious for words. Thank you!

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Hendraarkan on March 29, 2012 at 8:30 pm said:

its my firts time to see your blog, and i love your photos!! its awesome!

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Acep Aprilyana on March 29, 2012 at 9:50 pm said:

WOW,,,
that is great view….

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Janine on March 29, 2012 at 9:51 pm said:

My boyfriend and I often hike through Crystal Cove State Park starting at the end of Ridge Park Road all the way down to PCH. We’ve only done the hike down so far because he’s not ready for the hike up, but going down takes us about three hours without any breaks AND we get to enjoy a view of the ocean the whole time. What we like to do is head to Javier’s after and enjoying mango and strawberry margaritas with seafood enchiladas or seafood chimichangas. Mmm! What a way to finish off a great workout, right? 😛 I definitely want to check out Laguna Coast. It looks just as beautiful.

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Rebecca on March 30, 2012 at 6:17 am said:

I love Old California – it’s so enchanting and it is easy to imagine what it would have been like for those intrepid explorers and Native Americans who first discovered its beauty.

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YAduhYAduH on March 30, 2012 at 8:51 am said:

The picture on top of the canyon really inspires me to start hiking!

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abundleofcreativity on March 30, 2012 at 9:45 am said:

Hey, what a great blog! This will help and inspire me to start hiking again 🙂 Thanks!

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rommel on March 30, 2012 at 3:16 pm said:

I had my first trail recently, and I’m now looking for more trails to go to. Thanks for this. Coming from you, this oughtta be a must.

Hooray SoCal!

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Madhu on March 31, 2012 at 4:04 am said:

Fabulous pictures! Don’t have landscapes like that here either!

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overmanwarrior on April 1, 2012 at 8:30 am said:

Wonderful job. That is a place I’ve wanted to visit, now I feel like I’ve been there.

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queenoffamilosity on April 1, 2012 at 8:06 pm said:

Lesley,

Love your photos and POV. It brings back wonderful memories of living in Laguan Niguel.
Thank you so much.

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Ben Leib on April 4, 2012 at 8:27 am said:

Beautiful pics.

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Arizona girl on April 4, 2012 at 9:50 am said:

The pictures are amazing – they make me want to escape to the wilderness just to breathe fresh air. I love a great hike!

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creativeboys on April 5, 2012 at 6:33 am said:

This is a great, i should try and go for it soon! I am sure the hike is worth indeed! Thanks for sharing! 😉

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Stan Shillingburg on April 8, 2012 at 3:29 pm said:

Most enjoyable visit! Thank you so very much for your travels though my blog…an honor I don’t take lightly. I truly enjoy your blog and will keep returning for more ideas and inspiration for articles. Stay safe out there and keep squezing every once of life out of everything you do! Awesome work!
Stan

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