Some Great Deals!! ➤ REI Cyberweek Sale

Top Of The World Hike Laguna Beach
Hikes In Orange County

Top of the World Hike (Laguna Beach)

  • 2.4 miles - Hard Effort
  • 2 Hours (Total)
  • 890 Total Feet of Climbing
  • Max Elevation of 1,020 feet
  • Leashed Dogs Allowed

what does this mean?

There are big payoffs on the short but steep Top of the World hike in Laguna Beach. You'll climb through the coastal scrub of Aliso and Wood Canyon Wilderness Park until you reach the panoramic vista at Top of the World. From there, you'll have views from Catalina Island to Mt Baldy, and there's even a bench where you can soak it all in.

In this Guide:
  • Video & Turn by Turn Hike Directions
  • How to Get to the Top of the World Hike
  • Everything You Need to Know To Prepare for the Hike
Quick Links:    Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park - NOAA Weather Report - Top Gear Picks (Nov 2022)

When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

Laguna Beach changed the trailhead parking and is now ticketing. It is not safe to park at the trailhead unless you have resident permit. Try the Car Wreck hike instead, which offers a stop at Top of the World.

If you just want to visit Top of the World without breaking a sweat, you can simply drive to Alta Laguna Park and stroll over to it. But if you want to get a short hike in too, this guide will get you there.

Where Is the Top of the World Trailhead?

Parking for the hike is at the end of Canyon Acres Drive in a residential section of Laguna Beach. The parking is limited, but the trail isn't too popular, so you can usually find a spot. Just be conscious of the no parking zones and driveways, and please be respectful of the residents. The good news is that parking is free.

Use this trailhead address:
580 Canyon Acres Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Top Of The World Hike Directions 1
There is limited parking on the side of the street.

Gear for the Hike

Don't try this hike in casual clothes. At the very least wear fitness gear with good footwear. If you can, wear hiking shoes or boots and bring trekking poles for the steep climb and descent. There is no shade on the hike and it can get very hot. Bring 1L of water and stay hydrated.

Gear 2022 8

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.
.
My November 2022 Top Gear Picks

HUUUGE!!! ➤REI Cyberweek Sale Including Big Discounts on Hiking Tech Like inReach / Garmin Watches

Top of the World Trail Maps

Overall the Canyon Acres Trail is wide and easy to follow. There are a few junctions to be aware of, but if you use this guide, you will fine.

Click Here To View

Explore Map on CalTopoView a Printable PDF Hike MapDownload the Hike GPX File

Free Nav Tools:  GaiaGPS - AllTrails (Pro Now 50% Off!)

Guides to Help You Navigate

How To Use the AllTrails App (Beginners)How To Use the AllTrails App (Beginners)
Hiking With Gaia GPS For BeginnersHiking With Gaia GPS For Beginners
How-To: Using Routes, Tracks, and Waypoints for Garmin Outdoors GPSHow-To: Using Routes, Tracks, and Waypoints for Garmin Outdoors GPS
How To Read a Topographic MapHow To Read a Topographic Map

Elevation Profile

Top Of The World Hike Elevation
Here's the one-way elevation profile, which is pretty much straight up. Toward the end you get a few respites.

3D Map

Top Of The World Hike 3d Map
Here you can see how the Canyon Acres Trail climbs straight up to Top of the World. At the top you make a little loop to reach the actual summit.

Top of the World Hike Directions

Video Directions

Turn by Turn Directions

Top Of The World Hike Directions 2
Look for the trail at the very end of Canyon Acres Drive.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 3
Head through the gate area.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 4
The trail winds around to the left. Stay on the main path and avoid any small side trails.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 5
And once around the bend you'll see this gate in front of you, which marks the official start of the trail.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 6
Right after the gate you'll find some signs and a trail marker confirming that you are on the Canyon Acres Trail. From here on out you'll be in Aliso and Wood Canyon Wilderness Park.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 7
From the gun the trail is steep. There are no switchbacks; you are pretty much going straight up.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 8
Shortly after the start you'll see a side trail to the left, which leads to a little overlook. Go straight. There will be plenty of great views when you get to the top.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 9
The side loop trail joins back in from the left. Head right up the main Canyon Acres Trail.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 10
This shot gives you an idea of how steep the climb is. You don't get a breather until higher up.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 11
But you can always stop and turn around to catch your breath. At this point you'll start getting nice views of the ocean.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 12
Avoid the side trail to the right and continue left on the main trail.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 13
And soon after that you'll see Top of the World (where the antenna is)  in front of you. Almost there.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 14
Once you're at this point the views will open up and continue to the top. Here's Saddleback Mountain.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 15
And back behind you, on a clear day, you'll be able to see Catalina Island.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 16
The trail alternates flat with steep sections allowing you to take a breather.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 17
You'll be able to see Rt 133 in the canyon down to your left.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 18
When the Canyon Acres Trail ends, make the right.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 19
You'll be rewarded with a flat section offering ocean views. Keep bearing left on the main trail, avoiding and trails to the right or small side trails in either direction. We'll be going to the top of the hill in the distance.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 20
Then the trail ends, make the hard left to hike the last stretch to the Top of the World.
Top Of The World Hike 99
The trail winds up to the left side of the hill.
Top Of The World Hike Directions 21
And here you are, Top of the World!
Top Of The World Hike Directions 22
In addition to Saddleback Mountain and Catalina, on a clear day you can see up to Mt Baldy and Angeles National Forest too.

From here you just go back down the way you came. If you need to use a bathroom, pop over to Alta Laguna Park, just a minute or two from Top of the World.

Related Guides

Crystal Cove HikeCrystal Cove Hike
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park HikeLaguna Coast Wilderness Park Hike
Car Wreck Trail (Laguna Beach)Car Wreck Trail (Laguna Beach)
Buck Gully Trail GuideBuck Gully Trail Guide
Dripping Cave Trail HikeDripping Cave Trail Hike
Hikes In Orange CountyHikes In Orange County

Popular Guides

Gifts For Hikers - 2022 / 2023Gifts For Hikers - 2022 / 2023
Backpacking For Beginners: Hiker → BackpackerBackpacking For Beginners: Hiker → Backpacker
Hiking Boots or Shoes: Do I Really Need Hiking Boots?Hiking Boots or Shoes: Do I Really Need Hiking Boots?
When to Initiate a Backcountry Rescue (with Your Garmin InReach, PLB, or SPOT)When to Initiate a Backcountry Rescue (with Your Garmin InReach, PLB, or SPOT)

This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).

Don't Miss Out

  • Monthly(ish) Email Newsletter - A list of new guides and important info for hikers.
  • YouTube - Subscribe for new video notifications. The best way to get notified every time a new guide goes up.
  • Instagram - I occasionally share pretty pictures from my hikes, broadcast live from the trail, and let you know about new guides.