Want to get outside? Looking for fun ways to spend time with your kids outdoors, but not sure where to go? We decided to take out kids to the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park to check out the Dripping Caves. The park covers over 4,500 acres of wilderness and natural open space in Aliso Viejo and Laguna Beach. A lot of people choose to ride their bikes in the Wilderness Park, but we choose to take our kids on a hike to the Dripping Caves. Don’t get me wrong we will be back for a family bike ride, but this post will cover our hike to the Dripping Caves.
Be sure to enter and exit the Awma Road parking lot via Alicia Parkway. Note there is a parking fee of $3 daily. Once you park be sure you have plenty of water and snacks for the kids.
The hike took about an hour and 15 minutes on the way to the caves, with about a 10 minute rest break. Half of the hike will be on concrete and then the second half of the hike will be on dirt/sand as shown in the photo above. Take Aliso Creek Trail 1.5 miles to Wood Canyon Trail. From there go .3 miles to Dripping Cave trail. Follow the clear signs about .4 miles to the cave. Be sure your kids are aware of the many bikers also using the trail. We were always walking on the right or left side of the trail, depending on which way we were walking to ensure we didn’t get hit by a bike.
As the sign states, once you hit the Dripping Caves trail it is an out and back trail. So for groups with bikes or scooters you can leave your equipment at this point and continue on foot. Once you see a wooden bridge you have arrived.
The caves are fun for the kids to climb up into and slide down. You will also notice a sign for better understanding exactly what the caves were used for and why you might see holes in the ceiling of the caves. Don’t worry I won’t spoil it. But it is very interesting to know that Juan Flores and his outlaw gang used the caves as a hideout during the 1850’s.
Clearly there are some spots for the kids to climb around on the surround rocks, be sure to keep a close eye on them.
On our way back we stopped and checked out the Cave Rock trail. My kids were pretty tried at this point, so we didn’t walk up the entire trail. But we did stop at the first cave rock and snapped a cute photo. From this point, my kids were ready to head back and that is exactly what we did.
On your way out be sure to check the Current Park information board for activities and additional park information. Enjoy your hike!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dripping Caves Hiking Trail
1) Are dogs allowed on Dripping Cave trail? Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed.
2) How long is the dripping cave hike? It does depend on where you start, but from Aliso Creek Trail it is 1.5 miles to Wood Canyon Trail. From there you go .3 miles to Dripping Cave trail. Follow the clear signs about .4 miles to the cave.
3) Is the dripping cave hike family friendly? Absolutely, you can even ride bikes on the Aliso Creek Trail portion of the hike and then lock up your bikes and walk in the rest of the way. There will be a bike rack to lock up your bikes.
Want to get outside? Looking for fun ways to spend time with your kids outdoors,
