Countywide : O’Neill Park Unveiling New Wilderness Trail

By 3 p.m. Friday, an armada of cars and recreational vehicles was snaking its way toward the wooded entrance of O’Neill Regional Park, where today marks one of the most significant turning points in the history of this 47-year-old wilderness enclave in the heart of south Orange County.

At 10 a.m., bicyclists, joggers, hikers and horseback riders by the thousands are expected to descend on the Trabuco Canyon park for the opening of a 6.2-mile trail previously off-limits to the public. The Arroyo Natural Wilderness Trail will double the size of the park to more than 2,000 acres.

The trail will begin near the Ranger station on Trabuco Canyon Road and meander in a southerly direction along Trabuco Canyon Creek. Free from housing developments and freeway congestion, the trail lies between towering groves of coastal live oak, eucalyptus and sycamore trees.

The arroyo where the trail lies has long been home to deer, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, possums, bobcats, and, according to posted warning signs, a mountain lion or two. But supervising park ranger Cliff Cawood can’t remember the last official sighting of a mountain lion.

“I can’t tell you how great this is,” said Martha Vidales, 50, of Huntington Beach, who often seeks refuge in the park. “I so look forward to the chance to come here for hiking and horseback riding. We actually live near the beach, but I love coming here more than anything.”

Jim Arn, 51, of Irvine calls the park his oasis, and for Orange County, a much-needed sanctuary.

“It couldn’t come at a better time,” Arn said of the trail opening. “Civilization just keeps encroaching. . . . It’s happening everywhere you look around here. This offers some of the last remnants of old California. I think it’s terrific they’ve preserved it.”