Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail

San Clemente, CA is famous for its small-​town vibe, scenic beaches, and its epic surf spot, Trestles. However, this quaint beach town also boasts some premier hiking trails, especially in the Rancho San Clemente area. About 2 miles inland from the beach, the Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail is a 3.5-mile paved path that allows for pedestrians, bicycles, and dogs on leashes. It offers vast views of the San Clemente and Dana Point coastlines. This hike has several steep grades, but the majority of it is easy, long grades — perfect for new hikers!
Where to Park: We started this hiking trail near the San Clemente Dog Park and Skate Park at 301 Avenida La Plata. There’s a free parking lot, and the trail can be found behind the Dog Park. Once you climb the steep upgrade, you can either go left or right on this hiking trail. The right-​side offers more trees.
When to Go: Year-​round. This hike is perfect year-​around. Winter months can offer both cool temperatures and very clear skies to enjoy the ocean views. During the summer months, we recommend doing this hike in the early morning to avoid high temperatures. During the spring, the trail is most lush.
Dog Friendly: Yes!

So, paved paths are my favorite find considering I have to tote my 18 month around in a stroller & I easily get bored with sticking to the beach trail/​seeing the same view every day.
There are definitely some not so very stroller friendly parts of this trail unless you’re looking for a hardcore leg workout! We ended up ditching the stroller at the bottom of the hill with the benches so we could get up the steep incline to absorb the view. My 18 month old did better than I did walking up this monster… good lord I am out of shape. Beautiful view though all around though! It’s a nice little getaway from city life while being able to observe the city below you.
Don’t follow the vague directions listed on the SoCal hiking website that say to park at the end of Calle Cordillera unless you like being confused, worried about all of no trespassing signs, & lost like me.
However, if you’re like me & you’re already frustrated trying to find a trailhead after following the above directions: pass the gates clearly marked private property/​utility access road (you daredevil) and FOLLOW the winding paved road all the way up. You will come across an «intersection» of the trail going through this utility road. You should see a water tower standing in front of you as well. If you make a right, it’s a short hike to the top where the benches are. If you make a left, I’m assuming there are more trail options.
Looking at google maps, it seems you can park at the end of La Pata around the Richard Steed Park and reach it from there as well. Oh and don’t forget to say hi to the friendly people and their dogs! I got a nice little doggie kiss from a friendly Golden Retriever this morning

It is just under 3 miles to the bench at the bottom. Hiking the whole trail you will net climb about 600ft of elevation. It is a great 6 mile round trip walk or jog. Beautiful views, fresh air and peacefulness.

Great trail, good views, fun to run on.
The downside is the other trail users– lots of dog owners let their dogs run all over off leash (illegal), and sometimes kids ride dirt bikes on the trail (also illegal).

The official trailhead begins at Avenue San Pablo near Calle Ameno in the Rancho San Clemente neighborhood.
I’ve taken 11 or more great hikes here without ever completing the entire trail system, so there are a lot of good options depending on where you start your hike.
I’ve always brought my dogs along this hike too so I’m always considering what it’s like to have dogs along. The pro’s are that there are a number of open spaces and vacant lots that are VERY remote where you can let your dogs run free, I have done this often and they totally enjoyed it!
Ok it’s now time for a quick disclaimer:
Of course in any rural area you want to be careful wildlife such as coyotes (especially, early morning and nighttime) and rattlesnakes (worst in summer). Also, ticks are very prevalent at all times of year, so BE CERTAIN you’ve given your pets Advantix or a similar tick preventative.
That said, I’ve NEVER had an encounter with wild animals (besides my dogs ;) and a few squirrels and lizards here and there when I go hiking in the mid-​morning to late afternoon. I wouldn’t hike there outside of those hours, that would just be stupid really. There is plenty of time during the day for great hikes and you WILL have a great hike if you link up with any of the RSC Ridgeline trails.