Dripping Cave in the Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness

28373 Alicia Parkway, CA
4.4
5 Reviews
Dripping Cave in the Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness
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Details

Distance
7.68 miles
Elevation Gain
889 ft
Route Type
Loop

Features

Groups
Wildflowers
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
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About this place

Added by Josiah Roe

Beautiful hike through a tourist-free coastal canyon, just a mile from Laguna Beach, to a hidden cave that Juan Flores and his outlaw gang used as a hideout during the 1850's.

Dripping Cave sits tucked away in a corner of Wood Canyon, part of the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, and the trail to the cave, while short, requires *at least* a 2.25 mile hike in from the nearest trailhead (West Ridge Trail to Mathis Canyon), though this is less than ideal as that route is 1,000' of decent on trails primarily used by mountain-bikers.

The most straightforward approach is to begin at the vehicle parking area just off Alicia Parkway and to take Aliso Creek Trail 1.5 miles to Wood Canyon Trail. From there go .3 miles to Dripping Cave trail. Follow the clear signs about .4 miles to the cave. 

There are numerous side trails and other loops you can do through the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness, even connecting into the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, so grab a map and have fun!

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Randolfo Castro
3/6/2022
Great family Hike.
When out with some family, friends and the kiddos. Nice easy hike. Would be nice if the maps marked some of sights like Dripping Cave.
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Sol Araujo
7/8/2020
Great family friendly hike
Took 4 kids out for a day hike picnic (ages 11-13) and had a great time. The weather was perfect, not too hot little ...
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Kayla Jump
5/13/2018
Simple, but sweet
This hike was very simple and super easy. Very busy and highly trafficked. This would maybe be a better area for a run or ...
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World Traveler Blog
9/24/2017
Great Flat And Short One
It takes around 2.5 hours with a stop; continue on the trail after the cave to do a tiny loop. Do get a map ...
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Douglas Hall
2/5/2017
Rad Little Hike!!
I love this hike, Aliso Woods is an awesome area to explore in South Orange County. While you are out there I would recommend ...
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