Art Meets Nature at Oso Creek Trail

It has been years since I have been on the Oso Creek Trail in Mission Viejo. As part of my commitment to being healthier in the New Year, I have been spending more time walking along some of our popular OC trails. I left home a couple of hours before having to pick the kids up from school and was immersed in a world surrounded by art, waterfalls and nature galore.

I parked in the parking lot of the Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, walked past Oso Viejo Community Park, and walked down the hill where I began the two-mile walk along Oso Creek Trail. I first stopped at the celebration garden where I admired the beautiful art sculptures. The garden path was constructed with recycled city sidewalks and was created by hundreds of volunteers to leave an artistic legacy for the community, now and for years to come.

The next stop was the butterfly garden. While I didn’t spot any butterflies in the garden on this day, I did see many other butterflies along the trail. There were hundreds upon hundreds of bright yellow butterflies flying above me.

Then I found my inner chi while sitting on the bench inside of the plant maze. It is one of the most peaceful places on Earth and is just a different experience visiting it without my children.

I then continued walking along the nature trail to stop and admire the peace obelisk before walking through the community oak grove. It is so calm and peaceful when walking through the Oak Grove, and it’s one of my favorite places to take pictures.

As the trail began to loop around, there is access to Pavion Park through the giant tunnel or families can make their way back to the community center. On my way back to the community center, I enjoyed listening to the water flowing in the creek and stopped to look over the edge of the cliff to see many small waterfalls.

Before returning to the community center, I stopped at the Rotary Club Garden, Festival Murals and the famous wave wall. Never have I seen so much art along a nature path before in my life.

The Oso Creek Trail takes about an hour (2 miles) all around the loop. It is perfect for kids of all ages and is not too strenuous. Once you’re done walking along the trail, stop and play at the Oso Community Park or Pavion Park (if you go through the tunnel). I recommend bringing a picnic lunch, bottled water, and wear plenty of sunscreens. (There are drinking fountains along the trail)

The trail is best accessed from the Norman P. Murray Center at 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA 92692.