Thanks...
for the info - not worried about the climbing, just wanted to know how you get into the park from that direction since I can ride down Laguna Canyon from Irvine. Aliso Viejo has grown up so much that it's not an attractive option to go all the way around anymore.
Last time I was riding in that area (there actually used to be a time when you could ride there and not see another soul all day), there were trails off the west side of the ridge, but there was some discussion as to whether or not they were legal back then. However, I see mtbrs riding up the canyon all the time when I'm taking my daughter to school, and it's obvious they're heading into the park, but I never see where they turn to get in. I thought there might be an entrance closer to El Toro Rd - maybe that's the stair steps? Or, maybe that's a not-so-legal entrance.