This beautiful feature is a true hidden gem right here in Orange County, located in Whiting Ranch, Red Rock Canyon is tucked away and hidden so to get here, you'll need to make a turn on a certain trail that will take you right to it. There are two access points to park and start your hike from, Portola Pkwy or Santiago Canyon Road which is the back way with less people. In this wilderness area, you may encounter all types of wildlife small and large, it is also a more common place to see mountain lions and if you do come across one, PLEASE DO NOT report the sighting the park officials, let it be and give it space.

Hiking Directions:

From the main parking lot off Portola Pkwy near the Ralphs Shopping Center, take Borrego Trail for about 1.5 miles until you get to Red Rock Trail where you will also see a picnic bench under a nice shade tree, make a left onto Red Rock Trail, the trail will take you about a half mile and dead end into Red Rock Canyon, this trail gets more narrow and can sometimes be hard to follow but you will be following the creek bed up.