Extra Sweet Hike

A Relaxing Hike in Caspers Wilderness Park in Orange County

A weekend adventure along the Ortega Highway feels like a romantic road trip, even if you aren’t driving far. The road twists and turns and reveals breathtaking views and charming stops as you head toward a hike in Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park in the Santa Ana Mountains. Put on awesome tunes, roll the windows down, and head out for the most unique Valentine’s Day yet!

To make your outing extra sweet, stop at the Ortega Country Cottage Candy Store & Gift Shoppe, 12 miles east of the park. The handmade candies are delicious. Pro tip: If you call ahead, they will custom-make your sweets and write the name of your sweetie on the candy of your choice!

Caspers Park is filled with miles of hiking and equestrian trails that wind through groves of oaks and sycamores, ending with panoramic views of the Santa Ana Mountains and Orange County. For great variety on a relaxing stroll, try the Nature Trail Loop and the Quail Run Trail, for roughly 2 miles of hiking. There's plenty of picnic areas throughout the park ... maybe that’s where you surprise your paramour with personalized sweets ...  you big sweetheart.

The Ortega Hwy. (CA-74) connects Lake Elsinore on the I-15 with San Juan Capistrano on the I-5. The Ortega Country Cottage Candy Store & Gift Shoppe is 12 miles west of I-15 and 19 miles east of I-5. Call the store at 888-816-5833 if you want to order custom candies. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is 24.5 miles west of I-15 and 7.5 miles east of I-5. The park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset. Vehicle entry fee is $3 on weekdays, $5 on weekends. No dogs allowed in the park.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View