Caspers Wilderness Park And Other Weekend Adventures

Caspes Wilderness Park
Caspers Wilderness Park

We sure had a much needed weekend right? It was a great weekend for hiking because we had such wonderful spring time weather. My friends, “G”, and I went to the  Caspers Wilderness Park which is a protected wilderness preserve in San Juan Capistrano. Here’s an interactive map of the park if you’re interested in checking it out!

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Cactus sunbathing
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Every turn was a perfect place for a pic
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Long road ahead
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Ton of cactus
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Shaded spot coming up

On the trail, bushes are rustling from birds and bunnies roaming about, butterflies flying across the distance, lizards doing their push ups, squirrels popping up from the ground, deer tracks, and many variety of plants. It’s a great place for many different hikes from easy to difficult. We hiked a 6 mile moderate trail and was just right. Don’t be intimidated by the steep incline you see in front of you because it’s really not that bad.

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Dirt trail

And for a great weekend getaway from the city, there are spots to camp here and it’s not too far from home.

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Cactus flower
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Beautiful scenery

We were prepared with lots of snacks and water this around.  Our last hike at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park helped prep us. I was so happy to try out my new Columbia outfit perfect for the heat. I also used my awesome sun blocking umbrella from GoLite.

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Mountains in the back

There are lots of rocks and trails damaged from the rain so I suggest you wear your hiking boots with good ankle support as you don’t want to sprain it.

The parking fee is $3 during the week and $5 on weekends.  There is ample parking inside the park. The entrance to the park is off of Ortega Highway.

Where is Caspers Wilderness Park? Caspers Wilderness Park located at 33401 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.

Casper’s Visitor’s Center

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Casper’s Wilderness Visitor’s Center
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List of butterflies in the park on wooden poles

Be sure to check out the visitor’s center where you will see taxidermy of the wildlife in Casper’s Wilderness, see the different egg sizes of the bird species, display of bugs around the area, and so much more. This will be a hit with the young ones so make sure you bring the kids along too! Take notice of the different plants near the center which has mini signs of the name of it and the types of birds and butterflies that roam the area.

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Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
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Top view from visitor center

When you walk up the stairs of the visitor’s center, you will get a great overview of the area and there’s even a telescope you can use.

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Showy penstemon
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Deer taxidermy
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Display of beetles and bugs
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Fawn taxidermy
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Different avian eggs
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Mining cart
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Bird feed

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Weekend Adventures & Eats

Starbucks cappuccino
Starbucks cappuccino

We went to Cabazon to do some shopping at the outlets. Colunbia is one of our favorite outdoor store but Under Armor and GOLITE is awesome too. It was a great weekend filled with plenty to do.

Cabazon outlets
Cabazon outlets
Columbia
Columbia and GOLITE
Del taco chili cheese fries
Del taco chili cheese fries

After all the shopping and walking, we wanted to drop by our favorite Crazy Coyotes Taco but unfortunately they were closed. So instead we went to Del Taco…yes we went there. But it was tasty since we rarely have it.


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