The 26-facility county parks system includes the Irvine Ranch Open Space, comprising Limestone Canyon, Weir Canyon and Fremont Canyon nature preserves, as well as Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park.
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Description
Approximately 4,500 acres of wilderness and natural open space land. Originally, part of the Juaneno or Acajchemem tribal land, it later was owned by Don Juan Avila, Louis Moulton, The Mission Viejo Company and now is under the jurisdiction of OC Parks. Within the park lands are mature oaks, sycamores, and elderberry trees, two year round streams and more than 30 miles of official trails. Many rare and endangered plants and animals make this park their home. This park is designated as a wildlife sanctuary.
Useful Links
History
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park makes a great outdoor classroom for students of all ages, featuring many interesting geological formations and archaeological and paleontological sites. Perhaps the best example of marine fossils in south Orange County lies within the northeastern section of the park. Scientific studies are often conducted within the park by many colleges and universities taking advantage of the park’s diverse resources.
The park’s natural features are rich in human history. Aliso Creek formed the boundary line between two modern day Native American tribes, the Acajchemem (Juaneno Mission) and the Tongva (Gabrieleno Mission). Some of the park trails are given native Juaneno names such as Aswut (golden eagle), Toovet (brush rabbit), Alwut (crow) and Hunwut (black bear). The Acajchemem people were hunter-gatherers and made up many small family groups related by marriage and language. Their annual migration from the coast in winter to the Santa Ana Mountains in summer kept them close to plentiful food sources and fresh water.
Another historic landmark is Dripping Cave. It is also known as “Robbers” cave and is the park’s largest rock-shelter. It was once used as a temporary refuge by Native American hunter-gatherers, and later the shelter was reportedly used by the infamous Juan Flores “gang” as a hide-out from which to rob the San Diego and Los Angeles stagecoach. Nowadays the shelter gets its name from rainwater dripping from the upper lip of the sandstone rock.
First viewed by Europeans of the Portola expedition, this land was incorporated into the 1842 Rancho Niguel Mexican land grant and served as a sheep and cattle ranch. Ownership of the ranch changed several times during the early 1900s. Portions of the ranch were sold in the 1960s and are now part of Leisure World, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel and Aliso Viejo communities. Various land purchases and other major dedications contributed to an additional 1,800 acres that make up the park’s current expansive area.
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is part of the 19,000-acre Laguna Coast Greenbelt and the 38,000-acre National Nature Preserve of Orange County.
Upcoming Activities
Join us at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
Join OC Parks Naturalists and bring your young ones (infant to age three) to explore Aliso’s wild backyard. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and to the creek. We will see bugs, plants, and birds while exploring! OC Parks...
Aliso Creek is one of the best riparian birding sites in Orange County and gives access for a lovely morning hike. OC Parks staff and Volunteers will lead an easy, 3-mile loop with a 50-foot elevation gain on uneven terrain....
The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural...