This easy hike to Barbara’s Lake, one of Orange County’s only naturally occurring lakes, is well worth a go. While close to suburbia, the lake lies within the James Dilley Greenbelt Preserve, an island of natural beauty where the land looks as it did hundreds of years ago. This guide will show you a pleasant loop that takes you to the lake, up a small climb, and then back along a ridge offering expansive views. You can also hike to Barbara’s Lake and turn around for a shorter experience.
Where is Barbara’s Lake?
The parking lot for the Barbara’s Lake hike can be found here, between Laguna Beach and I-405:
James Dilley Greenbelt Preserve, 350 Artisan Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651



This hike is best done in the winter and spring when the landscape is green. In the summer and fall it can get dry and brown.
Gear For the Hike
This is a very easy hike and you can do it in fitness or even casual clothing. It is exposed and can get hot in the warmer months. Bring 1L of water and some sun protection.
I waste my time with lousy hiking gear so you don’t have to. Only the winners get onto my gear page. There’s no fluff, sponsorships, or promotions. It’s just gear I personally use, have tested, and recommend. Right now I’m liking my inReach Mini 2, Garmin Epix, and Lone Peak 6 shoes.
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My August 2022 Top Gear Picks
Barbara’s Lake Trail Maps


Explore Map on CalTopoView a Printable PDF Hike MapDownload the Hike GPX File
How will you navigate this hike?
I use my Epix to record the hike, GaiaGPS to zoom around a map, and have a backup paper map.
Learn more about navigation tools that I use here.
3D Map

Hike Brief

- There are three lakes here, collectively called the Laguna Lakes. They are the only naturally occurring lakes in Orange County and are fed by groundwater. The lakes are only 5 feet deep but are still an essential area for migrating birds. Barbara’s Lake is usually the only lake that holds water year-round and occasionally goes dry when there is extreme drought.
- When the Laguna Greenbelt first purchased the lakes, they were in a sad state and relatively unknown. Cattle from Irvine Ranch had trampled the banks by using them as a watering hole. The storm-water drainage from a nearby development spilled into Barbara’s Lake, filling it with soap, fertilizer, and pesticides. It’s only through the work of the local conservation groups that these lakes have become healthy again.
- Why is the other lake called “Bubble Lake?” In 1970 a drive-through animal park called “Lion Country Safari” opened by where the Los Olivios apartments are today. In 1978, a hippo named Bubbles escaped, making its way first to Lake #1 and then settling in the lake now known as “Bubbles Lake.” It became a media circus, and Bubbles even made it onto the Tonight Show. After 19 days, Bubbles was shot with a tranquilizer dart and then died. After her death, it was discovered that Bubbles was pregnant and looking for a safe place to give birth.
Here’s Bubbles feeding on the banks of the lake.
Barbara’s Lake Hike Directions
Video Directions
Turn by Turn Directions












If you want to do the shorter out-and-back hike, just turn around here. Otherwise continue straight.
















Did something change on this hike? If so, please contact me and let me know. I'll update the guide.