Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

Orange County's largest wilderness park, sprawling across thousands of acres of oak canyons and sandstone ridges along the Ortega Highway. Over 30 miles of hiking, equestrian, and family trails, a small nature center, and campgrounds make it a genuine backcountry escape barely 30 minutes from the coast.

Practical: no dogs are permitted anywhere in the park. Mountain lions are present, so keep children close and read the posted guidance.