Colinas Ridge Trail (Colinas Bluff Trail)

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You can start this trail from whichever end/section is more convenient. This trail has rolling hills with several fun singletrack trails stemming from it.

If you start at the south end, there is parking at the "Dog Park". To find the trailhead after parking, follow the "Salt Creek" sign and go through the tunnel under Golden Lantern. Keep following the paved path until it turns to dirt, to the side of the water pumping station. You'll find a sign that says "Feeder to Colinas Ridge Trail".

From there, you start the incline but there are a few trails intersecting it so it can be confusing. You basically follow the main trail until it forks between what looks like the continuation of the main trail and a singletrack. If you turn right on the singletrack, follow the trail up to a cul-de-sac and find the continuation of it on the left up a small hill. You'll be rewarded with a stunning view of the ocean and Saddleback Valley.

Back at the fork, keep going straight, you'll miss that particular hill. However, there are two more hilltops to climb beyond this point, all offering great views, but none as good as the southernmost hill.

Note that San Juan Capistrano calls its section of the trail "Colinas Ridge Trail" while Laguna Niguel signs it as "Colinas Bluff Trail". The southern section of the trail, especially the southernmost hill, is very rutted.