Mary’s Trail at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Yesterday, we shared details about our visit to the NIX Nature Center in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. After my kids were done learning all about the history of the land where they are growing up, we went right outside the doors for a short walk on Mary’s Trail. This trail is dedicated to Mary Fegraus, the founding executive director of Laguna Canyon Foundation.

This trail is the best trail I have found so far for young children. It’s flat and smooth all the way around the trail. It is even level and wide enough for parents to bring along a stroller or wagon!!

Before starting on the trail, the OC Park rangers gave the children a scavenger hunt to use while on the trail. Throughout the trail there were beautiful educational markers for children to learn about the birds, plants, and wildlife that live along the trail. Nature guided my children throughout this educational trail, and they did not even notice when it started to rain.

While walking along the trail we were treated to a symphony of singing birds, the scents of coastal sage scrub, and a cache of clues near the sycamore glen. My children cannot wait to return for another adventure along Mary’s Trail.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park at Little Sycamore Canyon on SR 133, north of the 73 Tollroad and 3.5 miles south of the I-405 and SR 133 interchange. Once your family is done exploring the NIX Nature Center and walking along Mary’s Trail, enjoy taking a longer hike over to explore the only natural lake in Orange County – Barbara’s Lake.

Parking: Lot open 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; $3