Willow Staging Area — Attraction in Laguna Beach

Temperatures in 80s with pleasant breezes Definitely recommend wearing closed shoes as ther are numerous red ants on the trails! The terrain varies and offers wonderful views I took the LAKE BARBARA TRAIL which is one of the few NATURAL lakes in The OC and ventured up to the top RIDGE TRAIL that takes you all the way around the perimeter and back down to where you begin at the WILDERNESS LODGE, if that's where you park to begin your trek. Plenty of water fowl at the lake to observe and birds in the trees and bushes. Some squirrels and that's it for fawna this visit. Trails were not crowded as this was midmorning and midday on a warm day. For those that love having the place to yourself, it's perfect! Quite the mix of vegetation from very green and new to the extremely dry and brown. The maple trees looked regent against the hills. There were some oaks along the lake and acorns on the ground. Well formed and traveled trails and some are steep on the way down as the trail traverses but with some rocks to act as stoppers it helps those who need to be more cautious. Loved the red dirt as the trail gains altitude. The staff at the lodge are very helpful and friendly! Bradley was helpful with change for the $3 parking station if you don't have your membership card. Laura is very knowledgeable and engaging to chat with especially! She renewed my card as well. $50 for Seniors like me for OC...

Nature area with a ton of hiking/biking trails. There are various trails for different fitness levels, and the maps indicate the level of difficulty. We took the Willow trail to the Bommer trail to Laurel Ridge trail for a large loop that was approximately 5.7 miles. The trails do have steep climbs at certain parts, but are moderate for the most part. The trails are mostly exposed with very little shade. The paths are wide enough for groups to exercise together, and I did note quite a few families with small children. You can see the ocean off in the distance and the breeze can be quite pleasant. The ground is very compact, although note that the Laurel Ridge trail coming down can be a bit technical.

Parking lots are available but they fill up quickly; it’s likely that you’ll need to wait for someone to leave or to try a different lot if you arrive past 9am on a weekend. Otherwise, you can park across the street on the highway, but he sure to read the posted signs. Credit cards are accepted at the pay station ($3 for parking). Porta-potties are available with foot pump sinks. Overall, this place provides lots of opportunities to explore nature and get...

Tucked within the stunning coastal area of Laguna Beach is the Willow Staging area and trail, but be careful, if you blink as you drive down Laguna Canyon Road, you may miss it! As avid nature enthusiasts, it was an absolute pleasure to explore this serene area.

The Willow staging area offers parking (limited) and the trailhead exudes an air of anticipation inviting, hikers, runners, bike riders and nature lovers to embark on an exploration journey. The trail has a diverse tapestry of landscapes and shows off Laguna Beach's unique geography. There are oak groves, native flora, well marked paths and some nice inclines that will get your heart racing - making it a great spot for a wide range of fitness levels. There are areas on the vistas where you can see the shimmering of the Pacific Ocean and areas that are so peaceful where it's just you and the sound of nature.

This truly is a hidden gem that will remind you of the profound beauty that exists beyond the...