West ridge trail to top of the world

West Ridge Trail is a hike trail suitable for hiking, running, or mountain biking. The trail starts at Top of the World Park in Laguna Beach and ends at the Canyon Acres Trailhead. You'll see beautiful canyon views and panoramic ocean vistas. The primary trail is a wide fire road with frequent changes in elevation, which will get your heart pumping!





This is the trailhead gate at Top of the World Park.




As you hike along the canyon, you'll find great views of Laguna Canyon!









The way West Ridge Trail winds around the hills, you can often see the trail ahead as it ascends the landscape that you'll soon encounter!





These are some more of the views of the hiking trail from farther up the hill!









With a wide variety of hills West Ridge Trail is great for Mountain Biking!





The wildlife is abundant on the trails around the Laguna Wilderness Park. Here I tried to catch a photo of a hawk soaring above me looking for lunch!









These are some of my favorite old trees that you'll pass at the base of the hill leading up to Mathis Trail.






Hiking Routes to Top of the World Laguna Beach, California


Last updated on May 16th, 2021 at 08:27 pm

One of the best hikes in Laguna Beach is to the beautiful Top of the World. It is exactly what it sounds like – you’ll get an amazing 360-degree view over the Laguna Beach coastline and Orange County’s Saddleback Mountain. On a clear day you can also see Catalina Island!

Depending on your limitations, you can take the easy route and just drive to Top of the World, or you can work for those views by hiking. This post is all about the different hiking routes to Top of the World!

Read my guide for a list of the best easy hikes in Orange County (with an amazing view)!




Which route should I hike to Top of the World in Laguna Beach?


There are several hiking routes to Top of the World which range from easy to difficult. 


Option #1: The Easy Route


The easiest option is an out-and-back hike using West Ridge Trail to Top of the World. Out and back means you hike in and out using the same trail. 

You’ll be able to start your hike from Top of the World if you’re already in Laguna, or from a park in Aliso Viejo for those of you who a

West Ridge Trail via Loveland Pass


You will feel as though you are on top of the world as when you summit the Continental Divide. The West Ridge Trail via Loveland Pass hike is a wonderfully manageable hike up the Divide that the whole family can experience. Albeit, it will still be extremely chilly and windy, but you won’t have to scramble up technical terrain to ascend the ridge.


Route Description for West Ridge Trail via Loveland Pass

Shockingly enough, there is a Continental Divide summit hike that even most children can complete. The West Ridge Trail via Loveland Pass adventure is short and sweet with gradual elevation gain. Make sure you are acclimated to the high altitude of the area prior to setting out, but hikers of most skill-levels should be able to manage this hike. Note that it will be extremely windy and cold as you climb, so wear plenty of layers and pack some water for the climb. As always, we recommend checking the weather prior to setting out to mitigate the chances of getting caught in an afternoon storm.

Begin your adventure up the West Ridge Trail via Loveland Pass from the West Ridge Trailhead. Begin climbing southwest up the exposed path. Notice the


You may have heard about Laguna Beach, California. Located in Orange County, it’s one of the most famous areas in the state. Thanks to its beautiful views and laid-back vibes, Laguna is visited by 3 million tourists per year, and the number is only growing. Outdoor lovers come there to relax on the beach, surf, camp, and of course, enjoy the hiking trails.  You are also not far from some of the best tide pools in the USA.



One of the most well-known hiking trails in the area is Top of the World, which is just adjacent to Alta Laguna Park and boasts both views of the hills and ocean. This trail is only a 56-minute drive from downtown LA, and you can get there by public transport with a train ride that will take just over an hour. It’ll be perfect for a short weekend getaway from the busy city!

In this post, we’ll look at the Top Of The World hike, and why you’ll need to put this place on your bucket list!

What Do You Need To Know About the Top of the World Hike?



How Can You Get There?

Getting here is pretty easy. You can catch a train to Laguna or choose to drive. If you are driving here, you can park your car in Aliso Viejo’s Canyon View Park or at the end of Canyon Acre