Ancient Trails

The historical site marker reads: ”This trail is the remnant of a private ranch road that ran east to local canyons. According to legend, the notorious 19th Century Outlaw Joaquin Murieta used the Sycamore tree near the road for a hiding place.” Wilderness Glen Ranch Road parallels the north side of busy Los Alisos Blvd., access is near the intersection of busier Trabuco Road. 

The trail is mostly covered by a canopy of oak and sycamore trees. A creek is visible on the north side of the trail and was streaming storm drain runoff when I visited in late October of 2021. Though the trail runs along a busy street, it is below road grade and pleasantly secluded.

Visitors should beware; even though this trail cuts through a suburban area, wildlife abounds. There was a coyote napping in the sun at the bottom of the little canyon formed by the creek. Two people have been bitten by coyotes recently in an open space trail in Mission Viejo. It is not unreasonable to see bats, birds of prey, bobcats, coyotes, ducks, mountain lions, opossums, rabbits, lizards and rattlesnakes on or near trails in Orange County.

Parking is available at any one of the three shopping centers at the intersection of Trabuco and Los Alisos or at nearby Glen Yermo Elementary School. There is a Taco Bell nearby but given the choice I’d dine at Taco Mesa across the street—where your tastebuds will discover the most delicious blackened chicken tacos ever!