Alison Shea | Opinion Editor
March 18, 2015
As citizens of San Clemente, we often times take for granted the beautiful place in which we live. Our city ranges from mountain tops to beach shores and whether you are up high or down low the views are nothing less than spectacular.
Whether it’s night or day, the beauty of San Clemente remains – but beware of the wildlife that comes out when the sun goes down!
If you’re an adventure junkie and you love being on your feet and keeping active, hiking is just the thing for you. Cristianitos Regional Trail or otherwise known as the San Clemente Summit will give you ample time to unwind, get deep, or just simply let loose and savor the sights. So grab your hiking boots and take an adventure, you don’t need to go very far.
Description: If you want to experience hiking at its best right here in your hometown, this is the trail for you. It’s considered one of the best hiking hot-spots along coastal Orange County. Depending on where you get started on the trail, it is either all uphill or all downhill as it winds its way through the Talega development all the way to the water tower. When you look out into the north and the east while you are on the trail you will see California wilderness in its rawest form as well as secluded canyons and stands of native oak. But it doesn’t end there. Many people are unaware that the trail continues on after the water tower up a steep switch back and onto a narrow ridge where you then witness some of the most breathtaking views that Orange County has to offer. This back trail overlooks the Cristianitos watershed along with the steep scarfs of Talega canyon. This is where the trail reaches its end but from here you can see a number of single tracks that are a part of the regional trail, which is still a work in progress. The highest point in San Clemente, the San Clemente Summit, is located on the northern portion of the Cristianitos Trail and has an elevation of 1,008 feet! In just one day you could go from sea level to 1, 0008 feet. This trail will take you to new heights and it will show you just how beautiful nature is in all of its ruggedness.
“I am always hiking the Cristianitos Trail with my family and friends,” said sophomore Ricardo Ashe. “It’s a fun and easy way to get outside and workout.”
Location:
The two main entrances are at the top and at the bottom only. The top entrance is really hard to get to though because of all the winding residential streets so I would suggest starting from the bottom up. So first, get on the I-5 freeway and head inland on Pico until it ends. Then you’ll see the trail head on the inland side and that’s it, you’re there. It’s open to hikers, bikers, and yes, even horses. You’ll also see a trail head on the seaward side which is the Prima Deschecha Regional Trail.
Even if you’ve never hiked a day in your life, don’t cross this trail off of your to-do list. Honestly, it should be a requirement for all San Clemente citizens just because it gives you a new kind of appreciation for nature and the place in which you live. So show your home-town pride and go on an adventure that costs absolutely nothing. All you need is your body and a clear mind and you’re set to go.
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