Wagon Wheel Loop - Thomas F. Riley Wilderness
About This Trail
This Wilderness park has multiple trails and options (including regular stroller friendly), but the best preview of the park is the Wagon Wheel Loop (okay for off-road strollers but better for carriers). The loop consists of these trails, in order: Wagon Wheel Canyon Trail (shaded with large oak trees), Pheasant Run trail (stream crossing, followed by rolling grassy hills), Mule Deer trail (away from parking lot) to Oak Canyon trail. Along Oak Canyon trail is an optional spur to visit Horned Toad Vista (definitely worth it, though steep ascent might not work well with strollers).
This is a great area to see wildlife, especially around sunset (tons of rabbits, possible deer). Be aware of your surrounding, this is mountain lion territory.
Trail Features
| Seasons | Fall, Spring, Summer, and Winter |
|---|---|
| Surface type | Dirt |
| Elevation gain | 300 ft. |
| Stroller friendly | Yes |
| ADA accessible | No |
| Water fountains | Yes |
| Bathrooms | No |
| Cell reception | Spotty |
| Pet friendly | No |
| Nearby convenience store | Yes |
| Camping Nearby | No |
| Emergency support within 5 miles |
Yes |
Trail highlights
Wide, easy to follow trails through grassy, rolling hills with several viewpoints. Tons of rabbits around sunset hours.
Fee & Parking Details
Pay the fee at an electronic kiosk: cash, quarters, or Visa/Mastercard. Can use OC Parks Pass. Park in dirt parking lot.
Trail Contributor
My name is Nicole Dominick, and I’ve been hiking with Hike it Baby since May 2016 with my daughter. She is now 4.5 years old and has hiked over 400 miles! She has been carried for most of those miles, but we enjoy every journey. We were both born and raised in Southern CA but now live in Colorado Springs, CO.
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Trail Head
Weather
Trail Map
Getting There
From the I 5 freeway, take Oso Pkwy eastbound until just before it dead ends at an entrance of the Coto de Caza private community.
About The Guide