Badlands Park Has Soaring Views of All Laguna Beach's Coastline

LAGUNA BEACH, CA—Badlands Park sits high on the ridge that backs Laguna Beach. The County of Orange owns the park, and the South Laguna Ridge Trail passes right through. Take the trail north for sweeping views of Laguna's entire curving coastline. On a clear day, it's possible to see massive container ships waiting to unload at the Port of Long Beach. You can make out a hawk that patrols the steep gulleys down to the sea and the houses above in the photo below.

The well-maintained South Laguna Ridge Trail is part of Aliso and Woods Canyon Wilderness Park and is an easy hike in this direction. But be sure your footwear has a firm grip for the southern trek, for beyond an ancient beach and the badlands, there's a steep, curving descent. But it's well worth it for the view that awaits.

The park's geographic history goes all the way back to the Pliocene era, about 10 million years ago, when it was a sandy beach. Earth's uplift and seismic shifts over millennia moved the beach up from sea level to nearly 800 feet. Early Orange County builders stripped the vegetation and topsoil, then hauled away the sand to make concrete. Finally, wind and rain carved the sandstone slope into the badlands that remain.

Access the badlands via a wooden staircase with handrails, and step onto the deep sand for a stroll back in time. It feels just like walking on a beach.

At the end of the sandy trail stands a haunting grove of trees. From there, you can rejoin the South Laguna Ridge Trail for a curving descent southward. As you get gradually closer to sea level, breaking waves are visible from a spot hidden from drivers on Coast Highway. When a green-tiled backyard pool comes into view, get ready for another magnificent view.

Salt Creek and Strands beaches, the Headlands, and San Clemente's shoreline stretch toward the hills. Dana Point Harbor is obscured because of the big bend of Coast Highway around the Headlands. Gaze east, and Saddleback Mountain looms in the distance. From far above, this extraordinary seascape looks much wilder and less developed than when you're driving in the midst of it.

Retrace your steps to the park's entrance and enjoy some shade at the picnic tables. During the week, you'll see dogs with their humans, a runner or two, the hawk, maybe a roadrunner, and other hikers enjoying themselves. Weekends can be busy.

It's a little tricky to find the park, but here's the gist: From Coast Highway, take Crown Valley Parkway. Make a left on Pacific Island, another left on Ocean Way, one more left on Isle Vista. Park parallel, then head to the Badlands entrance near the end of the street.