Right on Target!

Orange County Archery and a Hike in Whiting Ranch

Grip, aim, draw, release: That’s all there is to archery! Not really, but a visit to Orange County Archery in Mission Viejo before or after a nearby hike will put you in a zen-of-archery mood, and maybe recall some summer camp exploits. Your admission fee covers an hour and a half of shooting time, including all equipment. Forgotten the basics? No worries. The staff is very helpful and is more than willing to give you a quick tutorial to get you started. If you want to acquire skills to rival Katniss Everdeen, group lessons are available for the same price as the open shoot.

For an extra dose of summer camp fun, head to Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, just a few minutes from the archery range. The Borrego Canyon to Vista Outlook Trail is a perfect choice. The 4.6-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike gains 764 feet in elevation as it leaves civilization and winds through riparian and oak woodlands on the outskirts of Cleveland National Forest before reaching the overlook and panoramic views of Orange County. The first 1.3 miles are very pleasant—mostly flat, plenty of shade, and the sounds of a babbling creek fill the air as you hike through the sandstone Red Rock Canyon. Take the left fork toward Mustard Road when the trail ends, and that’s where things start to get more challenging.

It’s all uphill from there, with zero shade, and most of the elevation gain is packed into the final mile before the overlook. Keep your eyes open for snakes as the trail switches back and forth along the coastal sage scrub and chaparral-lined hillside. The last push up the Vista Outlook Trail is short and fast, offering up hints of the amazing views to come as you approach the top. At the overlook, a glance over one side shows the impressive canyon you just hiked through, and the other side has views of Irvine and south Orange County all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Worth the climb? Absolutely.

Orange County Archery is located at 25782 Obrero Dr., Mission Viejo. From the I-5, take Exit 90 onto Alicia Pkwy., and head east toward Lake Mission, Mission Viejo. Turn left onto Via Fabricante, followed by a right onto Obrero Dr. Orange County Archery will be on your right. Open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends; closed on Monday. Reservations recommended.

To get to Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park take Exit 92 from the I-5 onto Bake Pkwy. and head east. Turn left onto Rue de Fortuna, then left onto Viaggio Ln., followed by a right onto Tessera Ave. The parking area is on your immediate left. Open from 7 a.m. to sunset daily.

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