To view the 360 degree panoramic photograph above, you need Quicktime
and the Quicktime Plugin from Apple Computers. To install Quicktime,
simply follow the easy instructions that come with it. To use the QuickTime
Plugin, remove it from the Quicktime folder and drop it in your web browser's
"Plug-ins" folder and restart. Quicktime is available for Apple
and Windows based computers. The panoramic photo above was taken in the
West Area of O'Neill Regional Park, Trabuco Canyon, California.
O'Neill Regional Park Brochure
O'Neill Regional Park and much of Orange County owe a great part of their
heritage to the ranching empires of the 1800's. This park was once part
of Rancho Trabuco, granted to Santiago Arguello in 1841 by the Mexican Governor
Alvarado. The land eventually became the property of James Flood, a wealthy
San Francisco businessman, and Richard O'Neill Sr., a former butcher and
packing house owner. Both had immigrated to California during the gold rush.
Flood and O'Neill were also co-owners of other lands including Rancho Santa
Margarita y las Flores in San Diego county and Rancho Mission Viejo in Orange
county. O'Neill worked the property into a successful ranching enterprise.
Upon his death, the land was divided among his children. The family still
owns a good portion of these ranch holdings today.
What started as a 278 acre land donation in 1948, by the O'Neill family,
O'Neill Regional Park today encompasses over 3,100 acres of lush shade trees
and shrub covered hills. The park is a rare blend of oak/sycamore woodlands,
grassy meadows, riparian, chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats. Being
located in the foothills, of the Santa Ana Mountains, provides O'Neill Park
with fresh running streams and a variety of abundant wildlife. With the
picnic facilities of an urban setting, and the recreational opportunities
of a wilderness area, O'Neill Regional Park offers a unique day or night
experience that's close to home.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding on miles
of park trails. O'Neill Park is a great place to spend the day. Take a chance
and enjoy the wildlife, bird watching, or a Spring hike to our abundant
wildflowers. On a clear day, see the ocean from the West Area's Vista Point,
enjoy a long peaceful stroll along the Arroyo Trabuco trail, or check out
our newly acquired land, Chiquita Ridge. Visit the Ranger Station at the
park's entrance for trail maps and information
on these and nearby Holy Jim Falls!
O'Neill Park offers a wide array of special events and programs. From
our campfire shows and weekend hikes, to special group and school tours.
Or, if you have a desire to get involved in the park, inquire about our
Volunteer programs. Become part of our team to preserve and protect the
park and it's resources. All program and event information can be obtained
from the park office at (949) 858-9365.
There are a variety of day use areas within the park. The Oak Grove offers
plenty of shade, a turf area, and a playground for kids. The cool and relaxing
Featherly Area stretches along Trabuco Creek, our seasonal waterway that
flows from the mountains to the ocean. The mile long Mesa Area includes
view points of beautiful Trabuco Canyon below. The West Area presents a
great source of scenic wilderness trails. In each area facilities include
picnic tables, BBQ's, water faucets and restrooms.
Individual tent and RV camping is available year round along Trabuco
Creek in our Main Campground. There are 90 sites to choose from, all on
a first come, first served basis. Each campsite contains one picnic table,
a BBQ, and fire ring. Water is located throughout the campground as well
as in three Restroom buildings furnishing hot showers. As a family recreational
area, we strongly enforce adult supervision of children and a maximum 15
day stay limit per month.
O'Neill Regional Park is a popular spot for overnight Group Camping.
We have a wide range of sites available to accommodate groups of 15 to 300
people. Reservations are required at least 15 days in advance with a reservation
fee of $10.00 for Youth Groups and a $25.00 fee for Adult Group Camping.
No alcohol or other intoxicants are allowed in the park.
No person under the age of 18 is permitted in the campground unless accompanied
by their parent or legal guardian. Exception: Youth Group Camp - designated
sponsor acceptable.
Dogs shall be on a 6 foot leash, maximum, at all times.
Park in designated parking areas only.
Wood gathering is prohibited, fires are to be contained within BBQ's and
fire rings only.
Firearms are not permitted within the park boundaries.
Quiet time is 10:00 pm
Checkout time is 2:00 pm
O'Neill Regional Park Trail Maps
click here to download a 345k gif map This is a large 150 dpi file, use a good word processing program to print it.
The West Area trail system reaches an elevation of almost 1500 feet. On a clear day you can see the Pacific Ocean from the top of the "Vista Trail". There are moderate hikes along the "Hoffman Homestead Trail" and the "Edna Spaulding Trail". For mountain bikers the "Live Oak Trail" offers the best workout, and the trail connects to the popular "Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park".
click here to download a 200k gif map This is a large 150 dpi file, use a good word processing program to print it.
The Arroyo Trabuco trail offers the most scenic creek side hiking O'Neill Regional Park has to offer. The trail starts in the Day Use area of the park, behind a large storage trailer. The Arroyo Trabuco trail runs about six miles down along Trabuco Creek, where bobcat and mule deer tracks are common. The creek itself runs from about late January through early July. O'Neill Park's most recent acquisition is the "Las Flores, Chiquita Ridge Area".This area offers moderate hiking along the ridge line separating Rancho Santa Margarita and Coto de Caza. Currently, the Las Flores, Chiquita Ridge Area is closed until completion of the 241 Toll Road, which will run directly through this open space.
Note: During and for two days after moderate to heavy rains all O'Neill Regional Park trails are closed. This action is very important in helping to maintain the integrity of our trails.
Links of Interest
©1999 Wilson Multimedia, reproduction by permission only.
