Outbound Collective logo

Aliso Viejo, California

Aliso Viejo, California is a great place for activities and attractions. It's home to some of the best trails and adventures. Popular attractions in and near the area include the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, the Aliso Viejo Town Center, and the Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center. For a scenic experience, visitors should check out the Aliso Beach Park, which offers views of the ocean. The nearby Laguna Beach is also a must-visit, with its beaches and nightlife. For a more adventurous experience, head to the nearby San Juan Capistrano to explore the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. No matter what your interests are, Aliso Viejo, California has something for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Aliso Viejo

  • Arcadia, California

    Hermit Falls Trail

    4.8
    2.49 mi / 1014 ft gain
    Note: Hermit Falls is Temporarily Closed From Roberts Camp, many hikers will head to Sturtevant Falls, which is an amazing 60-foot waterfall. But, if you choose to head in the opposite direction on First Water Trail, you’ll be rewarded with a fresh water swimming hole at this 35-foot tumbling wa...
    Read more
  • Lytle Creek, California

    Old CC Spur Trail via Big Tree Cucamonga Rd

    5.11 mi / 1138 ft gain
    Old CC Spur Trail via Big Tree Cucamonga Rd is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Fontana, California.
    Read more
  • Arcadia, California

    Sturtevant Falls

    4.6
    1.61 mi / 423 ft gain
    This trail is currently closed. Visit the Forest Service website for updates.  As you head down to Roberts Camp, a historic set of historic cabins, you’ll head out on a steep, paved road for approximately 0.6 miles. Once you reach the camp, head over the bridge and keep an eye out for the sign f...
    Read more
  • Arcadia, California

    Mt. Wilson Loop from Chantry Flat

    5.0
    12.74 mi / 4852 ft gain
    Mt. Wilson is one of the more difficult mountains in the San Gabriel to hike, making this adventure Intermediate. While 5,700 feet doesn't seem that tall, the mountain has a prominence of almost 5,300 feet, meaning that hike is steeper and longer than some of the other popular mountains that star...
    Read more
  • Solana Beach, California

    Annie’s Canyon Trailhead

    4.7
    2 mi / 100 ft gain
    If you're looking for a super short hike, this 10 minute flat walk couldn't be more ideal. Start at 840 N Rios Avenue, Solana beach and walk east towards the FWY 5 where you will see Annie’s Canyon on your right. There is only one way to go up the canyons and it gets pretty tight in places, but y...
    Read more
  • Los Angeles, California

    Baxter Steps

    4.5
    0.16 mi / 108 ft gain
    This set of stairs near Dodger Stadium is Los Angeles is a great way to get a workout and stretch your legs. Unfortunately it is not dog-friendly. Keep in mind the best time to go here is during the week, so you can avoid crowds.  Be sure to bring extra water with you as it can get very hot!
    Read more
  • Pasadena, California

    Lower Arroyo Seco Loop

    4.0
    2.88 mi / 230 ft gain
    Nestled next to the CA-134, this trail presents a relaxing atmosphere while only a 30 minute drive from Downtown Los Angeles and a 5 minute drive from Old Town Pasadena. From bird-watching to archery, this trail provides a peaceful atmosphere with no lapse in beauty. The trail which is around 1....
    Read more
  • Escondido, California

    Lake Hodges Overlook

    4.6
    6.73 mi / 1407 ft gain
    Elfin Forest is one of the most beautiful and unique trails in all of San Diego, CA. The parking is free as well as the overflow parking area. There is an Interpretive Center located in the staging area where you can speak to park rangers, learn about the wildlife and trail locations. The parking...
    Read more
  • Altadena, California

    Eaton Canyon to Idlehour Trail Camp

    4.5
    10.99 mi / 3291 ft gain
    Idlehour is nestled deep in the Angeles National Forest, so it feels like you're in the heart of some untapped wilderness instead of six miles away from a bustling metropolis. The trail camp is accessible by foot through a variety of locations, but the most popular route is through Eaton Canyon, ...
    Read more
  • Pasadena, California

    Eaton Canyon Falls via Eaton Canyon Trailhead

    4.2
    3.54 mi / 528 ft gain
    The hidden forty-foot-tall Eaton Canyon Falls fills an amphitheater at the top of Eaton Canyon Trail, tumbling into a wide pool that you can rest alongside or wade in. Normally the water is waist deep, but during this recent trip, we found the water only to stop at our ankles as it tends to fluct...
    Read more
  • Los Angeles, California

    Three Stooges Stairs

    4.0
    0.07 mi / 43 ft gain
    The stairs are about 147 steps. Located at Fair Oak View Terrace and Edendale Place in the Silver Lake, a district of Los Angeles. They are famous for where the Three Stooges short "An Ache In Every Stake" was filmed in 1941. It is a classic scene of where they have to deliver a block of ice all ...
    Read more
  • Mount Baldy, California

    Cedar Glen Camp

    4.88 mi / 1650 ft gain
    Cedar Glen Camp is a great beginner backpacking trip just outside of Los Angeles, California. Starting from the Icehouse Trailhead (also used for Cucamonga Peak), head out on the Icehouse Canyon Trail from the parking area. The trail will intersect with the Chapman Trail, at which point, you'll t...
    Read more
  • Mount Baldy, California

    Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon

    4.6
    11.13 mi / 4157 ft gain
    Start hiking early, before the sun rises so you can maximize the day out of the heat and to give yourself plenty of time for the hike. As you get to higher elevations, it will be a little cooler and there might be snow on the ground, so be sure to pack layers. This hike requires a permit. If yo...
    Read more
  • Mount Baldy, California

    Icehouse Saddle via Icehouse Canyon Trail

    3.8
    6.62 mi / 2562 ft gain
    The hike is accessible in all seasons, but in winter there can be snow and ice so special equipment may be useful, but not required. In mid-January there were patches of ice on the trail but were easily crossed in boots and trainers. You can take the trail and end at Ice house Saddle or continue ...
    Read more
  • Mount Baldy, California

    Ontario Peak and Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon Trailhead

    16.22 mi / 5610 ft gain
    We started out at 8am on a Sunday, usually parking at Ice House Saddle can be tricky, I would advise going earlier. We headed out on our journey hiking up to the saddle, when you reach the switchbacks there is a fresh water spring, it's the last place you can get water...so stock up! We pressed o...
    Read more
  • Pasadena, California

    Arroyo Terrace Trail

    5.0
    1.54 mi / 194 ft gain
    Arroyo Terrace Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Pasadena, California.
    Read more