The new year has come around, and it’s a great time to get some exercise and go outdoors. A great way that I enjoy getting outdoors and getting some exercise is by going on hikes as well as going camping. There are many great spots to camp and hike in Orange County, so here are a few ones that I would recommend to start out your new year on a positive note.

1. O’Neill Park

One of the best places in Orange County for outdoor activities is O’Neill Park. It is located in Trabuco Canyon near the foothills of the Saddleback Mountains and it has great nature and scenery. It is very easy to access and it has many great spots for camping, as well as a large variety of trails and hikes for all skill levels and ages. I personally would recommend bringing water and a snack for the longer hikes, and to try the flat trails first if you are a beginner.

2. Carbon Canyon

Another great spot for hiking and camping is in Carbon Canyon in northeastern Orange County, about 40 minutes from Mission Viejo. It is very beautiful and has a large grove of redwood trees, the only redwood trees in Southern California. It also has several good lakes for fishing, as well as great views. I would recommend the scenic nature trails in the park which are great for beginners. The park has guided hikes and many other events as well.

3. Aliso Wood Canyon Park

Aliso Wood Canyon Park is also a great place to visit. It is near Laguna Beach and it has many miles of well-maintained trails that are great even for beginners. It also has great views of the ocean and has a variety of plants and wildlife. A hike that I would suggest is to Dripping Cave, a large natural cave in the area. The hike is very flat and largely paved, and is great for everyone. Another great hike is the Top of the World hike, which is also fairly easy and has great views and scenery, however, it often gets hot especially in the summertime, so I would recommend bringing a water bottle.

4. Niguel Botanical Preserve

The Niguel Botanical Preserve, an 18-acre botanical garden in Laguna Niguel, is also a great spot for your outdoor adventures. It has an enormous variety of beautiful, well-kept plants, and it is a good place for taking a walk. It is a very short and easy walk and is very accessible and not very remote. I also saw a variety of wildlife and the preserve overall is a great spot for nature. The preserve is located on a small hill, and I would recommend hiking to the top as it has a great view. It also has many other features, such as a butterfly and rose garden and a vista overlooking the preserve. It also has a variety of rare and interesting plants and is a great activity for everyone.

These are a few of the best options for outdoor activities in Orange County for anyone who is interested in hiking or camping to start the new year. So be sure to try these fun hikes, campgrounds, and outdoor activities for yourself to kick off your new year!