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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a rougher route to Red Rock Canyon than the Borrego Trail. You'll go up some steep sections and then down the steep Billy Goat Trail which is choked in chapparral and treacherous in spots where the knifeblade sandstone ridges have eroded. The Billy Goat Trail itself is closed to bikers. Watch for loose rock on the ridge leading into the elfin forest. Be on watch for mountain lions, particularly in the elfin forest and areas of thick brush. Like all Whiting Ranch hikes, it is best avoided during the summer months when temperatures can reach the low hundreds. There is little shade along this route except at the very bottom of Mustard Road. Wear a hat in all seasons. Trailhead: Concourse Park Trailhead: From Interstate 5, take the El Toro Road exit in Lake Forest. Head North/Northeast up El Toro Road towards the mountains. At the last stoplight before El Toro Road splits at Cook's Corner, turn left on Ridgeline. Turn left at the top of the hill, which is Saddleback Ranch Road. Proceed one block to Concourse Park. (Lat:33.688 Lon:-117.629) Trail Guides for Billy Goat Loop, Whiting Wilderness: Afoot & Afield in Orange County by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, (949) 589-4729 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joel Sax, who has posted 51 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by eddyizm on 3/14/2010 very very nice, a good work out with large group, lots of people on most of the trail, have to watch out for bikers. the concourse park has no markers for the trail - you have to walk around to the right side and down to the trail head. a bit confusing for a first time visitor to the whiting ranch wilderness area. lots of interweaving trails make this a great spot to have a full day of hiking for those so inclined. the burnt trees were a stark and ominous contrast to the lush green vegetation! photos : http://www.flickr.com/photos/eddyizm/sets/72157623490247297/
Reviewed by Zach on 6/28/2009 Trail was fantastic, but some climbs were brutally steep! Thank god for the H2O halfway! The flowers and foliage are beautiful, too bad the fire destroyed many of the trees along the Billygoat trail.
Reviewed by DJS on 8/3/2008 Walked the loop and continued on to Redrock, which adds just over a mile. Once you have a map you can see there are many variations you can do on the fly. On parts of the trail you have the usual number of MTB flying past, they often thank you for jumping off the trail. Free parking, no dogs. Water about half way in at 4 corners.
Reviewed by halohiker on 8/2/2008 The park is open again! Grab a new map when you get there, as some trails have changed.
Reviewed by Jennifer on 10/30/2007 Trails Closed to All Users Wilderness areas of Orange County are not accessible to mountain bikes, hikers, equestrians or any use until further notice. The Public is asked to cooperate with the County of Orange in staying out of open space areas and off the trails during the extreme fire hazard conditions and even after the immediate danger is controlled. http://www.ocparks.com/newsroom/default.asp?Show=1001549&subshow=N for updates.
Reviewed by DM on 5/13/2006 Billy Goat is a great practice trail if you want to train for an out of town hike such as Mt. Baldy or Yosemite. Most residents of Orange County would be surprised that a challaning hike like the Billy Goat trail exists.
Reviewed by Gordon A. on 12/30/2005 My wife, who hikes this park often, brought us up this trail last weekend. It was cool and overcast which was just the ticket for this great up and down hike. Grab the map at the gate and follow the well marked trails leading to and from the Billy Goat Trail. Good exercise and a nice view. Don't miss Red Rock Canyon. If you squint and imagine the air being MUCH dryer, you could almost be in Zion. 
Reviewed by EV on 5/1/2005 Went on this hike today... many of the trails were closed and the ones that weren't closed were poorly, if at all labeled. You must have a map of the trail, otherwise you will not know where you are going. There are many criss-crossing trails in the area. Finally with all of the distribution centers and tract homes, I can't say that this is a particularly beautiful hike either. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Orange County Hiking, Orange County Trails, Orange County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||