Top of the World is situated at the intersection of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park near the summit of 1036-foot Temple Hill. This is a worthwhile destination for hikers looking for a work-out and wishing to explore the coastal chaparral ecosystem. The trail climbing from Laguna Canyon is one of the more strenuous short hikes in the area, gaining almost 900 feet in about a mile.
The Trailhead at the End of Canyon Acres Drive Leads to a Great Hike
The trailhead for this hike is located at the end of Canyon Acres Drive, which is one mile inland from Pacific Coast Highway on Laguna Canyon Road. The trail, which is a dirt fire road for most of the way, begins from a chain blocking the road at the far end of Canyon Acres Drive’s cul-de-sac. The trail immediately crosses a bridge and then turns back to the left where there is a gate and trail marker.
The foundations evident here are the remnants of homes that burned in the 1993 Laguna Beach fires, which destroyed many of the houses along Canyon Acres Drive.
The Canyon Acres Trail Loop is a Short, Popular Side Trail
The trail ascends, steeply at times, north-northwest as it gains the ridge separating Canyon Acres from Big Bend. There is an obvious trail junction on the left at about one-quarter of a mile up the trail. Turning left here would take the hiker on the popular Canyon Acres Trail, which simply circles the highpoint of land to the northwest and then rejoins the main trail in less than an eighth of a mile.
Outstanding Canyon Views of Bommer Ridge and Laguna Ridge
Continuing straight on the main trail, the hiker will shortly gain the ridge crest where the Canyon Acres Trail rejoins the main trail. The view up Laguna Canyon from this point is particularly stunning in the early morning. Looking straight across Laguna Canyon, the hiker can clearly make out Bommer Ridge and the highpoint of land (912 feet) where the Bommer Ridge Road trail and the Laguna Ridge trail meet.
Ascending the Backside of Laguna Beach's Famous Big Bend Landmark
Turning right (northeast), the hiker now begins to climb in earnest up the ridgeline which forms the dramatic backdrop to the famous Laguna Beach landmark known as Big Bend. Off to the left, the Big Bend Trail and the Big Bend staging area are visible on the far side of Laguna Canyon Road.
The Summit of Temple Hill offers Views of Channel Islands and Inland Mountains
The trail continues to climb through chaparral and prickly pair cacti, eventually ascending above the 700-foot ridge to the south and providing broad panorama views of the Pacific Ocean and, on a clear day, the Channel Islands. As it begins to back off a bit, the trail reaches another major junction. Either way will lead the hiker to the summit of Temple Hill (and the buried Richard Jahraus-Top of The World Reservoir) where there are signs identifying the inland mountain ranges and impressive (not to mention well-deserved) views.
Climbing Into Civilization at Top of the World
The hiker who has climbed from Laguna Canyon to the summit of Temple Hill has the unusual experience of climbing toward civilization, as opposed to away from it. The trailhead at Top of the World (Gate 10) is only a short walk down from the summit, and beyond the gate are homes, a parking lot, and a public park. The hiker will find both a water fountain and rest rooms here before beginning the descent back down the same trail or off along the popular West Ridge Trail.
Ret Talbot - Ret Talbot joined Suite 101 in December 2007, and he is now the feature writer for saltwater fish—a topic in which he is both ...
