Notes about your surroundings

Ocean Views--If you’d rather look at the Pacific Ocean than swim in it, here are some trails for both beginning and experienced hikers. These trails are also open to mountain bikers and equestrians.

As always, wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. And it’s hot in the canyons, so take along sunscreen, plenty of drinking water and a hat. And, please, dispose of cigarette butts and matches responsibly.

Aliso-Wood Canyon: Start in Alta Laguna Park. The terrain is barren but the view is great. After about 1.5 miles, the trail leads into Aliso Canyon. This portion is hilly, but the work pays off as the trail crosses a creek and heads along shady sycamore stands and oak woodlands.

For a side trip, explore Dripping Cave trail and Cave Rock. Wood Canyon loops back to the trail head. All told, the loop is 5.5 miles. If hiking, plan on taking about four hours with some strenuous uphill sections.

To get there, take Park Avenue, in downtown Laguna Beach, two miles to the parking lot at Alta Laguna Park.

El Moro Canyon: Great mountain biking here. The first mile is uphill to about 800 feet. The ridges ride like a roller coaster for a couple of miles, then dive into El Moro Canyon.

To get there, take the Coast Highway to Crystal Cove State Park. Access to El Moro Canyon is easiest if accessed from the inland parking lot.

Jim Dilley Preserve: This Laguna Beach trail leads to the county’s only natural lake. Hikers and bikers should be ready for some moderate climbs and easy downhill sections. There is plenty of shade along the trail. Loop is four miles and should take around two hours on foot.

To get there, take Laguna Canyon Road to the corridor construction area and park near the big sycamore tree. The trail head is marked.