Just a short drive from Anaheim is sprawling Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, located at 27901 Glenn Ranch Rd, Trabuco Canyon. Explore 17 miles of equestrian, biking, and hiking trails amidst stunning canyons and rock formations. Recent changes have made the park accessible via a trail at Glenn Ranch Road.
Open from 7 a.m. to sunset daily, weather permitting, you can expect a $3 daily parking fee. Please note that if it rains, the trails may be closed for up to three days for safety. However, you’ll still have 2,500 acres to explore including rolling hilly grasslands, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral covering steep slopes, oak-covered woodlands, and riparian canyons. The highlight is the Red Rock Canyon.
Outdoor Explorations
Three streams including the Borrego, Serrano and Aliso Creek give you a chance to cool off—and spot local wildlife. You’ll spot glimpses of the old cattle ranching days, even though most of the park burned during the 2007 Santiago Fire. Although the park is in recovery, it bounced back beautifully thanks to local conservation efforts.
As you explore any of the 23 trails, keep in mind that Red Rock Canyon and Billy Goat trails are just for hikers. You’ll be connected to OC Park Regional Trails, and might even spot a horseback rider or two. Ranches located nearby offer guided tours and/or horse rentals, which is one of the best ways to fall in love with the Southern California outdoors.
