Welcome! I'm so glad you are here, but if you are doing your part it means you are staying at home. Keep doing what you are supposed to be doing for the good of public health! Always adhere to official guidelines.
My family and I recently explored Riley Wilderness Park near the entrance to Coto de Caza at the east end of Oso Parkway. We didn’t know we’d find such a peaceful spot. The wind whipped through our hair and the dry grass rustled as we hiked the ridge viewing the surrounding mountains. I liked visiting on a June gloom day. The clouds were breaking up in the afternoon and it was cool enough to be enjoyable.
Directions to Riley Wilderness Park: Exit Interstate 5 at Oso Parkway and head east following the signs to Riley Wilderness Park. Don’t miss the right turn (before the Wagon Wheel entrance sign) to enter the park. It’s a short drive on a dirt road to the parking area on your left. There are signs posted warning the park can be closed for up to three days after a rain – you’ll discover the reason as you drive over a big dip/creekbed. [Address: 30952 Oso Parkway, Coto de Caza] MAP TO RILEY WILDERNESS PARK
Highlights:
- Riley Wilderness Park provides easy hiking trails for kids
- Beautiful butterfly garden with kid-friendly exhibits (bridges to climb over, an artificial tree stump to climb in, a fountain visited by ravens, bunnies jumping through the underbrush).
- Small, but educational visitor center filled with activities for kids. Lots of items for touching and close examination.
- I’m still amazed at the projects scouts created for the enjoyment of all.
- Super nice rangers who sent us on our way with maps and information.
Be Aware:
- I’m guessing it’s SUPER hot here in the summer (still, there’s a nice shady grove of oaks, shade at the visitor center, and shade along some parts of the trails)
- Definitely a wildlife setting. Be aware. Talk to the rangers about precautions at the given time and day you visit.
- Bring water and basic first aid out on the trails.
Checklist:
- Parking in a dirt parking lot. I highly recommend getting an OCParks parking pass (see OCParks.com fees) or pay $3-$5 at the yellow automated kiosk
- Portable toilets in the parking lot
- Drinking fountain in butterfly garden and near parking lot
- Shade from sycamores and oaks
- Official Riley Wilderness Park website by OCParks.com
Michele-Play Parks says
My favorites are always ones with ocean views – so you can check the categories on the left and choose from "with ocean view" for a good selection. You are on the right track with Laguna Beach. https://funorangecountyparks.com/search/label/with%20ocean%20view
Jen says
Looks awesome! Hey Michele – what would be your number one pick for most scenic park in OC? Looking for a fun park to take a family picnic this weekend for Father's Day. I was thinking of Bluebird Park in Laguna? Any others stand out???