Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park – Reynolds Bench loop from Saddleback Church
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park – Reynolds Bench loop from Saddleback Church
3.2
(23)
25
riders
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park – Reynolds Bench loop from Saddleback Church
01:01
9.85km
200m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
136 m
Portola-Glenn Ranch
Highlight • Rest Area
The map of bus lines in southern Orange County can be found on their website here: octa.net/ebusbook/routePdf/SouthCounty.pdf?n=2023.
Tip by
3.90 km
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
4.37 km
Four Corners
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
4.37 km
Reynolds Bench
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
9.85 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.41 km
2.54 km
574 m
151 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
8.95 km
594 m
286 m
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Elevation
Highest point (440 m)
Lowest point (240 m)
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Weather
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Today
Tuesday 23 June
27°C
16°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a moderate touring cycling route with unique geology in Orange County, the Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park – Reynolds Bench loop from Saddleback Church is a solid choice. This 6.1 miles (9.8 km) route, rated moderate, offers 657 feet (200 metres) of elevation gain and can be completed in about 1 hour, making it a great option for a relatively quick but rewarding ride. It's particularly well-suited for cyclists on hybrid or gravel bikes who want to explore the diverse landscapes of Whiting Ranch without tackling overly technical terrain.
What to expect on Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park – Reynolds Bench loop from Saddleback Church
This route takes you through a surprisingly varied landscape, transitioning from wooded canyons to rolling grasslands and areas of chaparral. The highlight is undoubtedly Red Rock Canyon, where you'll encounter striking red sandstone formations that feel more Arizona than Southern California. As you cycle towards Reynolds Bench, a popular resting spot and trail hub, you'll be treated to views overlooking this unique geological feature. While some trails in Whiting Ranch are challenging mountain bike terrain, this touring cycling route generally sticks to more manageable graded roads, though you should still expect a steady climb to gain that 657 feet of elevation. It's a great ride for those who appreciate scenic viewpoints and a mix of natural features.
Planning your visit
Accessing the Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park – Reynolds Bench loop from Saddleback Church is straightforward, but be aware of a daily parking fee of $3. The park is open from 7:00 AM to sunset, so plan your ride accordingly. It's always a good idea to check trail conditions before you go, as trails may close after rain. Also, keep an eye out for wildlife; mule deer are common, and mountain lions are present in the park, so stay alert.
Trail details
- Distance: 6.1 miles (9.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 657 feet (200 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 1 hours
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