O'Neill's Ocean Vista Point Loop w/Laurie Ann

Meeting Spot http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd61/laurie848/03020001.jpg http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/6/7/6/event_2585750.jpeg ORGANIZER: Laurie Ann DEPARTURE TIME: 2:30 PM Sharp. Please show up 10 minutes early for introductions. ABOUT THE HIKE: First we descend down a road and cross the dry Trabuco Creek. Pass the Arroyo Trabuco trailhead. Continue to Live Oak Trail leading us through a forested canyon, heading up along the west canyon ridge to Ocean Vista Point. This 1492' bump overlook has a panoramic view from the upper reaches of the Santa Ana Mountains all the way to the ocean. Often visible above the layer of low haze or smog are San Clemente and Santa Catalina islands, plus the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Then we'll follow a windy steep but short Valley Vista Trail. We'll avoid the road and pick up on the Right Hoffman Homestead Trail and make our way back through the canyon to the oak and sycamore groves. Dog friendly. DISTANCE: Apprx 5 miles. Plan on 2 hours. NOTES: Choose trail shoes. There is plenty of loose sand, rocks and gravel. Bring water & binoculars. If windy - remember your windbreaker. Rain Cancels. For questionable closure call Park Ranger 949-858-9365. DIRECTIONS: El Camino Montana & Danta; Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 for map. From 241 Southbound toll road exit Santa Margarita Pkwy and turn Right (0.5m). Left Las Flores. Quick first Left on Via Con Dios/Via Serrano. Follow around to the Right and another Right which then becomes El Camino Montana. You will see the Park Gate on the Left side. There are two gates. Continue to the second gate with all the Park signage and bench. Park on the street and meet inside the gate. Restroom available while we wait. P.S. Use mapquest if you want to avoid the toll road. http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=El+Camino+Montana+%26+Danta%3B+Rancho+Santa+Margarita,+CA&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=33.64417,-117.598429&spn=0.025473,0.03283&z=15&iwloc=addr