Why am I so obsessed with Red Rocks? I loved them when I saw them in Southern Utah and became obsessed when I found out Southern California has them, too.
There is a hike in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park in Trabuco Canyon, California that leads to Red Rocks. The area dates back to 20 – 40 million years ago. The hike is easy and perfect for an after work walk. There are bathrooms at the entrance. I saw hikers and mountain bikers headed to the trails. It is very easy to get to, not a far drive into a forest or anything like that. The parking lot is right by the trail entrance. When I went, there were very few people around, which is always my favorite.
The trail is beautiful, though that can be said about every trail. As you get within view of the rocks, the excitement creeps in. You can walk right up to them.
The area is mountain lion territory. I have never run into one out in the wilderness and am really happy about that. The only wildlife I saw were birds and bunnies.
In Laguna Nigel, there is an area called “Badlands” that used to be a part of the beach millions of years ago, but now is a mini Dakota. It is by a private residence enclave that has a security gate, but there is free street parking and the park is open to the public. It has a boardwalk so you can walk around and is right by the ocean, so the view is spectacular.
Both activities can easily be done in one day. There really is a lot of very cool and pretty scenery in Orange County.
Red Rocks: Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, 27901 Glenn Ranch Rd, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679
Badlands: 31671 Isle Vista, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Dart and Map 
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