Читать книгу Afoot & Afield: Orange County. A Comprehensive Hiking Guide онлайн

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At 4.2 miles from the start, you arrive at a place where the trail curls sharply downward and a 20-foot-tall waterfall lies to the right. More like a “dry” fall in most years, it comes alive only with sustained heavy rains. This is a good spot to take a break, and afterward return the way you came. The remaining half-mile down to and back from the secure fence at the edge of Laguna Beach is worth exploring only if you have energy to spare.

trip 4.4 Big Bend Loop

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Distance 3.9 miles (loop)

Hiking Time 2½ hours

Elevation Gain 1,100’

Difficulty Moderate

Trail Use Hiking only

Best Times November–May

Agency OC Parks: LCWP

Permit OC Parks parking fee required

DIRECTIONS Park at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park’s Big Bend parking lot on the west side of Laguna Canyon Road, 2 miles north of Laguna Beach and 2 miles south of the 73 Toll Road.

Both the beginning section on Big Bend Trail and the ending section on Laguna Ridge Trail will test the mettle of any hiker due to their combination of steepness and roughness. Although mountain bikes are technically allowed on the route, much of your effort would go into slinging your bike over your shoulder and slip-sliding down the steepest grades. You might as well walk!