This past Friday, I got out for a version of the Big Loop at Aliso/Woods Canyon Wilderness with a friend. We attacked this ("small") version of the Big Loop clockwise. Generally, I do the Big Loop counterclockwise being that I have time to warm up and the climb is more gradual in this direction. Going clockwise means getting most of the climbing done relatively soon and going UP Meadows which is a struggle (but well worth it!).
The weather was absolutely perfect and the scenery was gorgeous (it always is gorgeous but on this particular day it was more gorgeous than normal. As you can see from below (I know -- too many pictures! Alas, it is my sickness.)
Once again, there was lots of good medicine to be had out there on the trails!
Miles: 9.3 with 1,319' of elevation gain. Route: AlisoCyn / WoodCyn / Meadows / Top of the World / West Ridge / Mathis / WoodCyn / AlisoCyn
View of Saddleback Mountains from Meadows Trail
Almost to the top of Meadows Trail
Finally, the Meadows climb comes to an end!
Pacific Ocean from top of Meadows Trail
View of Top of the World from Meadows Trail
Lupin at the top of Meadows Trail
More gorgeous views (leaving the park to re-enter at Alta Laguna Park, near West Ridge Trail)
View of Saddleback Mtns (once again!) from West Ridge
On Mathis (I think!)
