Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
A view of Aliso Canyon and the Pacific Ocean, looking westward. San Clemente and Santa Catalina islands are visible in the distance.
Location of Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park in California
Location	Orange County, California, United States
Nearest city	Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel
Coordinates	33°32′28″N 117°44′13″W / 33.54111°N 117.73694°W / 33.54111; -117.73694
Area	4,500 acres (18 km2)
Max. elevation	Temple Hill 33°33′18″N 117°45′29″W / 33.55500°N 117.75806°W / 33.55500; -117.75806 1,036 ft (316 m)
Min. elevation	Aliso Creek 14 ft (4.3 m)
Established	1990
Operator	OC Parks
Website	OC Parks

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is a major regional park in the San Joaquin Hills of Orange County, California in the United States. Comprising 4,500 acres (1,800 ha) of rugged coastal canyons, open grassland, and riparian woodland, the park borders the suburban cities of Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel and lies within a portion of the ancestral homeland of the indigenous Acjachemen people.^[1]

Aliso and Wood Canyons is part of a larger park complex known as the South Coast Wilderness. Surrounded by heavy suburban development and the Pacific Ocean, it is an important regional wildlife preserve. The park includes trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding; a greenbelt and bikeway along Aliso Creek; and various geological features such as caves, springs, and exposed marine fossil beds. The park is administered by the County of Orange under the OC Parks Department.

The name Aliso originated in the 18th century when Spanish explorers named Aliso Creek, probably for the Alnus rhombifolia (white alder) tree native to the area.^[2] Wood Canyon was likely named for the groves of California live oak and sycamores that are found in the canyon.^[3] In 2021, the park was designated by the Old Growth Forest Network for its old live oak and sycamore trees.^[4]