Hikers, Bikers, Riders Gain Ground as Trail Reopens

Against a backdrop of spring blossoms, a stretch of a scenic South County trail reopened Thursday for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

A 3-mile segment of Tijeras Creek Trail, the 6-mile unpaved pathway that meanders along the stream and through stands of trees in O’Neill Regional Park, had been closed three years for construction of the Foothill toll road. With its reopening, outdoor enthusiasts have access to an unbroken 11-mile route through a V-shaped wilderness area east of Mission Viejo.

Mike Boudreaux of Dana Point said he will be “giving the trail a spin” this weekend on his mountain bike. “It’s nice just to get out of the urban rush,” the 50-year-old architect said.

Tijeras Creek Trail is just one link in what planners hope eventually will be 350 miles of connected trail spanning the county.

“Someday, you’ll be able to get on a horse or a bike or hike from Anaheim Hills to San Clemente, and you’ll never have to get on a street,” said Tim Miller, manager of the county’s harbors, beaches and parks division.

Public demand for outdoor recreation areas is soaring, Miller said, with an estimated 3 million people using Orange County’s public parks each year.

“Trail use is one of the fastest-growing and most popular types of recreation,” Miller said.

Still, he said, “there are many who don’t even know this is in their backyard. It’s incredible. You think you’re out in the middle of the wilderness.”

Since 1990, Miller said, the county has opened six wilderness parks, among them Aliso and Wood Canyons in Laguna Niguel, Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park in Foothill Ranch and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

The new parks have resulted from a concerted effort by developers and city, county and federal agencies to set the land aside, said Jim Meyer, a member of a county advisory board for trail development.

“The Tijeras Creek is a vital link,” he said. “Any trails that open up are really exciting for us.”

Entrance to the Tijeras Creek Trail is near Coto de Caza Drive at Antonio Parkway. Access is free, but parking is limited. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset. No dogs are allowed. Information: (949) 858-9365.

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Happy Trails Again

All 6-miles of Tijeras Creek Trail in O’Neill Regional Park completely reopened Thursday, linking some 50 miles of tree-lined and creek side pathway together between Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita.

Three-miles of the trail--popular with bikers, hikers, walkers and equestrians alike--was closed for safety during the 3-year construction of Highway 241 which links Oso Parkway to the 91 Freeway.

The reopening is just a link in the county’s overall plan to provide some 500-miles of interconnected pathway as demand for wilderness parks and hiking trails increase countywide.