Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park: History and Use

1700s: Juaneno Indians live in Bell and San Juan canyons.

1841: Under Spanish rule, the land is granted to Augustin Olvera, who immediately sells it to Juan Forster.

1882: San Francisco businessmen Richard O’Neill and James Flood purchase the land.

1941: The O’Neill family, now sole owner, sells a 10,152 parcel to cattle ranchers Eugene and Applin Starr.

1971: Ranch is deeded to the Starr Foundation.

1974: Board of Supervisors, under the direction of Ronald W. Caspers, votes to purchase the southern 5,500 acres of Starr Ranch. Two months later, Caspers dies. Supervisors vote to name new park in his honor.

1984: An additional 2,100 acres is acquired from the O’Neill Ranch, bringing the park’s total acreage to 7,600.

Facilities: The park has 30 miles of hiking trails with year-round overnight camping, restrooms, showers and barbecue pits. Day use hours 7 a.m. to sunset. Activities include nature walks, equestrian trails, slide shows, films, astronomy seminars and Saturday evening campfire programs.

Source: Orange County Department of Harbors, Beaches and Parks