Ortega Mountain Guide
Hiking
In the Cleveland National Forest
Quick hike with a huge reward! Be prepared to scramble over rocks and wear good shoes. Dog Friendly. Falls are seasonal depending on the rain. Ask me if the falls are running.
Still a fun and easy hike with awesome boulders and views whether wet or dry. Driving distance about 2 miles.
9 locals recommend
Ortega Falls
32806 Ortega HwyQuick hike with a huge reward! Be prepared to scramble over rocks and wear good shoes. Dog Friendly. Falls are seasonal depending on the rain. Ask me if the falls are running.
Still a fun and easy hike with awesome boulders and views whether wet or dry. Driving distance about 2 miles.
Walk to the BCLT trailhead from Ortega 74 Candy Store!
1/2 mile drive to the Candy Store from our farm, or ask us for the shortcut if you'd like to walk from our farm.
Bear Canyon Loop Trail
Bear Canyon Loop TrailWalk to the BCLT trailhead from Ortega 74 Candy Store!
1/2 mile drive to the Candy Store from our farm, or ask us for the shortcut if you'd like to walk from our farm.
El Cariso Visitor Information
32353 Ortega HwyWe love our local Wildland firefighters!
The long way to Ortega Falls (~8 miles roundtrip), this nearby trailhead is walking distance from the farm. Worth it for shorter hikes too.
San Juan Loop Trailhead
34950 CA-74The long way to Ortega Falls (~8 miles roundtrip), this nearby trailhead is walking distance from the farm. Worth it for shorter hikes too.
PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH before attempting this hike! I have not done it myself, but many have and photo-journalized about their experience. An old relic of a never-famous hot springs town from a bygone era.
Hotsprings Trailhead
Hot Spring Canyon RoadPLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH before attempting this hike! I have not done it myself, but many have and photo-journalized about their experience. An old relic of a never-famous hot springs town from a bygone era.
Local Food
Mountaintop Ma and Pop's
The hub of our happy neighborhood! Trail maps, adventure passes and local tips. Homemade sweets and treats galore. Deli Sandwiches. Iced Coffee & Tea. Puppy Ice Cream. Pies, Cakes and the best hospitality in town.
Thanks to owner Shannon for sharing her love with this little gem!
Ortega Oaks Candy Store & Goods
34950 Ortega HwyThe hub of our happy neighborhood! Trail maps, adventure passes and local tips. Homemade sweets and treats galore. Deli Sandwiches. Iced Coffee & Tea. Puppy Ice Cream. Pies, Cakes and the best hospitality in town.
Thanks to owner Shannon for sharing her love with this little gem!
Located in El Cariso Village. The best homemade pizza and BBQ specials in town! Also a General Store with jerky, gifts and goods. Patio seating & beer garden.
Driving distance from farm: approx 3 miles East
Hafey Farms Mountain Market
32692 Ortega HwyLocated in El Cariso Village. The best homemade pizza and BBQ specials in town! Also a General Store with jerky, gifts and goods. Patio seating & beer garden.
Driving distance from farm: approx 3 miles East
Top o' the world views from this cliffside relic. Look up the history if you dare. Favorite stop for bikers and photo opps - only for the daring!
Lookout Roadhouse
32107 Ortega HwyTop o' the world views from this cliffside relic. Look up the history if you dare. Favorite stop for bikers and photo opps - only for the daring!
Nearby Towns
Our farm is about 30 mins from the best of Orange County and Southern California!
Westbound Ortega Highway takes you into the heart of colonial mission town and home to the Swallow's Day Parade, March 19. Brimming with equestrian life and upscale dining & shopping.
62 locals recommend
San Juan Capistrano
Westbound Ortega Highway takes you into the heart of colonial mission town and home to the Swallow's Day Parade, March 19. Brimming with equestrian life and upscale dining & shopping.
Down the mountain to the East - it's Southern CA's largest natural lake. This is the harshest part of the drive on Ortega Highway 74, yet there are breathtaking skyline views for the daring.
Boating and recreation at lakefront Launch.
And that's about it ;)
38 locals recommend
Lake Elsinore
Down the mountain to the East - it's Southern CA's largest natural lake. This is the harshest part of the drive on Ortega Highway 74, yet there are breathtaking skyline views for the daring.
Boating and recreation at lakefront Launch.
And that's about it ;)
Home of legendary "Killer Dana" waves. Now a charming harbor, marina and seaside community that you will love to visit.
88 locals recommend
Dana Point
Home of legendary "Killer Dana" waves. Now a charming harbor, marina and seaside community that you will love to visit.
Delightful artsy beach town lining the cliffs of Pacific Coast Highway. Galleries, culture, fine and casual dining, most beautiful beaches and all kinds of exploring abound here.
845 locals recommend
Laguna Beach
Delightful artsy beach town lining the cliffs of Pacific Coast Highway. Galleries, culture, fine and casual dining, most beautiful beaches and all kinds of exploring abound here.
GO WEST ~ Dining Down the Mountain
17 miles westbound from our farm leads to the heart of San Juan Capistrano. Here are our favorite local spots.
Cedar Creek Inn
26860 Ortega HwyLovely dining in downtown San Juan Capistrano.
Heritage Barbecue
31721 Camino CapistranoSidewalk BBQ Street Food. Allow extra time for the line!
Hidden House Coffee
31791 Los Rios StJust one of the many jewels of Los Rios Historic District.
PUBlic 74
27211 Ortega HighwayPub tucked away off the main drag, with delicious menu and patio seating.
Across from the beach on El Camino Real, Capistrano Beach.
13 locals recommend
Olamendi's Mexican Restaurant
34660 Pacific Coast HwyAcross from the beach on El Camino Real, Capistrano Beach.
Adventure
Early reservations recommended! Check here for guided trail rides.
45 mins to an hour drive from our farm.
Country Trails & Riding School
1 Irvine Park RdEarly reservations recommended! Check here for guided trail rides.
45 mins to an hour drive from our farm.
Swimming in the lake is not recommended due to runoff pollution. However, if lake recreating is your thing, then start here.
9 locals recommend
Launch Pointe Recreation Destination & RV Park
32040 Riverside DrSwimming in the lake is not recommended due to runoff pollution. However, if lake recreating is your thing, then start here.
Wildomar OHV
Los Alamos Truck TrailOff road 4 Wheeling nearby!
San Juan Trail Cocktail Rock
San Juan TrailFavorite local MTB spot