RR: O'Neill Open Space/Arroyo Trabuco

[genusmtbkr5]

I wanted a change of pace so I thought I'd ride something different for a change. I went to O'Neill park to ride the Open Space area. I wanted to ride the Tijeras Creek and Arroyo Trabuco loop, but due to some construction at the park, I was unable to make my way to the trail head for Tijeras Creek. Instead we just did an out and back on Arroyo Trabuco. This ride has nice scenery, creek crossings and lots of single track. It's basically flat, no long climbs or even short ones, but fun going through the wooded section. It's cost $3.00 for day use parking and $5.00 on weekends. If you have an annual pass for Orange Co beaches and parks, it's free.
Here is some info on parking fees;

Annual Day Use Pass and Beach Decal

Regional Parks (Wilderness Park Decal Included):
Which includes: Aliso, Whiting, LCWP

Park Entry Pass $55.00


Beach Parking Decals:

Beach Parking Decal $55.00
(Handicapped persons displaying a specially designed DMV handicap placard/license/decal are not required to purchase a beach parking decal for Aliso Beach Park, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point Harbor Puerto Place - 2 lots, and Salt Creek Beach. For more details on these locations, download the listing of purchase sites or call 714-973-6865.)

Note:
Passes valid Jan. 1 - Dec. 31 of the calendar year issued. The two-digit number in italics on the front of the pass and decal designates the year.


All annual passes purchased between Aug. 1 and Dec. 31 will be discounted 50%.

Combo Pass Park and Beach Decal Purchase:


Park Entry Pass and Beach Decal $80

Here are the pics of our ride through O'Neill and watch out for what's in the last photo, lots of those around!

The Trail Head/Arroyo Trabuco

[Waldo]

Nice RR & pics, plus that was a nice touch including info on parking passes. I've barely scratched the surface of O'Neill, but found some fun trails. Thanks for some inspiration to keep exploring!

[genusmtbkr5]

Originally Posted by Waldo

plus that was a nice touch including info on parking passes.

The price for the combo parks and beaches is worth $80.00 for the year if you go to those places. I go to Aliso or Whiting about 3 to 4 times a week. That doesn't even count the beaches like Salt Creek and Aliso beach that I go to. The pass would pay for it self by mid year. I'll probably buy the mid year for $40.

[dstepper]

Thanks for the RR, I have not been out there for awhile...I like the bamboo and vegetation tunnels. I have rode from O'Neil all the way out to a subdivision along side Highway 5 in Capo Beach. Some steep rolling hills as you can close to Hwy5.

Dean

[Jordansrealm]

Im so glad someone posted pics I ride this route once a week and love it. The overgrown jungle area has named this trail "The Jungle Cruise" for me and a couple friends. Its not a tough ride but very fun. The only thing that stinks is that because they are doing so much construction in Oneil park they are dumping all the extra dirt on the mtb trail which means big whoop section that should sound like fun but really they arent.

Did you go left and up towards the homes and connect with the Tijeras Creek Trail? Or did you go straight and under the bridge at Crown Valley Pkwy and continue up the hill through the Arroyo Trabuco Trail? If you go either way it can turn into a 16-20 mile ride and be a pretty good workout.

As for parking a day pass to park your car in Oneil Park is $3. If you want to avoid that you can park above Oneil in the homes off Via Serena (where I live) and ride into the park from the top. This is where I start and you also get some more dirt trails and a new downhill short section they just built.

Jordan

[genusmtbkr5]

Originally Posted by Jordansrealm

Did you go left and up towards the homes and connect with the Tijeras Creek Trail? Or did you go straight and under the bridge at Crown Valley Pkwy and continue up the hill through the Arroyo Trabuco Trail? If you go either way it can turn into a 16-20 mile ride and be a pretty good workout.
Jordan

No, we started at O'neill day use area and just headed to Arroyo/Trabuco trailhead. The construction kinda block the little switchback climb that takes you to the subdivision above the park. We continued on Arroyo/Trabuco through under all the bridges RSM, Oso, Crown Valley, allthe way to Antonio Pkwy and then turn back. My friend had to get back and I wasn't sure how long it would take going back on Tijeras Creek. We'll have to hook up so you can show me the loop. I did it once with the Warriors Society during the "thanks ride" a few weeks ago, but I wasn't paying much attention as to where I was.

[Jordansrealm]

Originally Posted by genusmtbkr5

No, we started at O'neill day use area and just headed to Arroyo/Trabuco trailhead. The construction kinda block the little switchback climb that takes you to the subdivision above the park. We continued on Arroyo/Trabuco through under all the bridges RSM, Oso, Crown Valley, allthe way to Antonio Pkwy and then turn back. My friend had to get back and I wasn't sure how long it would take going back on Tijeras Creek. We'll have to hook up so you can show me the loop. I did it once with the Warriors Society during the "thanks ride" a few weeks ago, but I wasn't paying much attention as to where I was.

Sounds good are you local to this area? I am always looking for someone to ride this route with me as I do it alot but hate riding solo. You can continue down Arroyo all the way until you are under the Crown Valley Pkwy bridge. You can keep going but usually I go up the steep climb just past the bridge and then start making my way back on a dirt trail behind some homes. You spend a couple miles on the pavement getting back to the Tijeras part and then you take it back towards RSM which I usually end at Coto de Casa or you can take it to the Tour of RSM route thats on geoladders up and through the hills.

[genusmtbkr5]

Ya, I live in Mission Viejo and ride Aliso, Whiting, LCWD, STT/luge/Old Camp, Saddleback, etc..., We'll have to ride soon. I want to know the O'Neill Trails just as well as I know Aliso or Whiting.