The Roller Coaster Ridge Hike in San Clemente is just how it sounds – a roller coaster of steep inclines and declines! Get ready to work that booty; hikers who trek this San Clemente hiking trail will have to climb several hills, but it’s worth it! The trail overlooks both San Juan Capistrano and the Pacific Ocean, offering scenic views of Orange County for pictures.
Park at the end of Camino De Los Mares and continue past the gate. Once you enter the trail area, make a sharp left and continue up the hill (beware, it looks shorter than it really is!) From there, continue along the trail, where you’ll ultimately make a figure 8 shape. During the middle of this San Clemente hiking trail, you’ll make your way to a vista overlooking north San Clemente and Dana Point, where you’ll see a flag to your right. This is the best spot for pictures!
Length: 4.2 miles, round-trip.
The Roller Coaster Ridge Hiking Trail offers some of the best views of San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, and Dana Point. Even though it’s 4 miles in length, the hike alone is a work-out – with all of its rolling hills! We highly recommend this roller coaster ride with no tracks or engine. Get ready for this outdoor Stair Master!
Roller Coaster Ridge – San Clemente Hiking Trail Map:
View Roller Coaster Ridge – San Clemente Hiking Trail in a larger map
Directions to Roller Coaster Ridge (address for GPS): Intersection of Camino De Los Mares & Portico Del Norte in San Clemente, CA
From the San Diego Area:
- 1-5 North exit Camino De Estrella
- Take a right and follow Camino De Los Mares to the end of the street
- Park along the street (follow local street signs)
From the Orange County/ Los Angeles Area
- 1-5 South exit Camino De Estrella
- Take a left and follow Camino De Los Mares to the end of the street
- Park along the street (follow local street signs)
is a free street parking at the end of Camino De Los Mares.
What to Bring:
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| The first hill (left from the entrance) |
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| The Go Hike It team enjoying a water break |
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| Roller Coaster Ridge’s rolling hills in the background |
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| Roller Coaster Ridge – San Clemente Hike |
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| The Go Hike It Team enjoying the views from the top |
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| Harbor view trial sign (follow trail to the top) |
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| Hiking up the Harbor view trail section |
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| Las Ramblas Hiking Trail Sign |
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| Patriot Trail (this section of the trail is very steep and not necessary to complete in order to finish the hike) |
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| View of Patriot Hill from the Harbor View section of the trail |
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| Top of Harbor View Trail. The Pacific Ocean is in the distance. |
- Barry-the-Bear: “Woahhhh! This hike was an as* kicker! It took me about 2 hours to complete from start to finish, and I was sore for the next 3 days…”
- Larry-the-Lion: “We did this hike in the late morning, after the fog burned off, so that we could enjoy its amazing views. Glad we did! I got a good sweat on for about an hour and a half, and jumped in the ocean afterwards.”
- Chris-the-Cheetah: “My intention was to run this hike, but after half way, I was beat from running all the hills! I finished the hike with a fast walk, and rewarded myself with a burger at the Rider’s Club (also a San Clemente must-do!).
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