Laguna Beach’s Top of the World where trails meet amazing views – Orange County Register

Editor’s Note: This launches a monthly feature on notable regional parks in Orange County, which is rich with places to get outside and have fun with the family and explore nature.

At the point where Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park and Alta Laguna Park meet at Laguna Beach’s Top of the World awaits a range of outdoor activities for all ages.

From hiking or biking on some 30 miles of trails in the wilderness park to pickleball courts or a playground in the neighborhood park, the area offers all kinds of amenities for getting outside. And, from Top of the World’s Carolyn Wood Knoll, the highest point in Laguna Beach, you’ll find awe-inspiring views.

The Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park trail system can be accessed via the park entrance near Laguna Nigel Regional Park, where parking will cost $3 per day. But from there, the hike to Top of the World will be a long one, especially with kids.

The most time-efficient route to the knoll will be to enter from Laguna Beach. There is parking at Alta Laguna Park and street parking near the end of Alta Laguna Boulevard. From this point, you can continue on to the wilderness park’s trails or visit Alta Laguna Park, or both.

For non-hikers or families, Alta Laguna Park provides a great opportunity for a variety of activities with a children’s playground, pickleball/tennis courts, picnic tables, a half basketball court, a baseball/soccer field, paved walkways and a restroom.

Nearly every location in the park will provide visitors with a view of the Saddleback Valley and much of Orange County.

If your interests are hiking or cycling, you can enter the 4,500-acre Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park through two gates at Alta Laguna Park, one off the parking lot and the other behind the playground. All entrances will connect you to a network of trails and maps are posted on information boards. The wilderness park features running streams, a variety of mature trees and rare and endangered plants and animals.

A short, easy walk along the trail at the end of Alta Laguna Boulevard will take you to the most breathtaking views from more than 1,000 feet above sea level. This trail takes you on the west side of Top of the World with incredible views of Laguna Beach and the Pacific Ocean.

The trail ends at the Carolyn Wood Knoll, where a large flat area provides a 360-degree panorama of Orange County. Looking west you see the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island, north you see Laguna Canyon and looking east you see Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Saddleback Valley and beyond.