Borrego Canyon

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park has 2,500 acres of riparian and oak woodland canyons, rolling grassland hills, and steep slopes of coastal sage scrub and chaparral. The land was historically part of the Rancho Cañada de Los Alisos which was granted in 1842 and later owned by Dwight Whiting in the 1880s.  The park is highlighted by scenic rock formations, including the beautiful Red Rock Canyon and it has three intermittent streams : Borrego, Serrano and Aliso Creek which meander through the wilderness and attract abundant wildlife. Remnants of the former cattle ranching days can be seen throughout the park but today the wilderness includes 17 miles of graded roads and single-track trails – spread over about 23 different trails.

The Borrego Canyon Trail is located in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park and it is accessible by the parking area off Portola Parkway.  The trail is described as easy at the start as it gradually winds through the oak-covered canyon floor before ascending to Borrego Canyon.  Much of the early portion of the trail passes through oak woodland, which offers plenty of shade in the first mile.  Toward the end of the trail you reach more open, exposed terrain where there are views but much less canopy.  On this hike, we started at the Borrego parking lot and followed the Borrego Canyon Trail which is also shared with mountain bikers. At the junction of Mustard Road you have the option of continuing on to Red Rock Canyon – or you can backtrack to the trailhead.  Parking can fill up quickly here, so hike early in the day for the easiest access.