Is it Time to Open the Trail to Aliso Beach for Laguna Niguel Residents?

Recently, I rode my bike on the paved Aliso Woods Canyon "trail" in Laguna Niguel all the way to the end.

This is also the service road for the SOCWA Coastal Treatment Plant near the beginning of the canyon from Laguna Beach and signs on the trail near gate 2 say that the access road is accessible to bikes and walkers on weekends only. It is a beautiful access to the wilderness canyon. 

Several years ago as I would ride to that gate, I often wondered what was on the other side of that gate. After a bit of searching, I discovered that the gate not only stop bike and pedestrian access to the treatment plant-- but it is also a potential access point to the Aliso Creek Inn and Golf resort -- and just past that is Aliso Beach.

I thought to myself if only that "trail" went through to the beach what a benefit it would be to bikers and hikers. After a bit more searching, I learned that the golf resort had once been called Ben Brown's and that it had been sold to the owners of the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach.

I checked with Orange County Parks and Recreation to find out if a complete trail to the sea had ever been considered. It has but not for some time.   Apparently, the resort had planned an upgrade with a potential for connecting the trail but that fell through along with the economy in 2009.

I had opened two research "cases" with OC Parks on its web site in the past to look into the matter but have never gotten a response. What would it take to get such an ideal trail established. Wouldn't the opening of this trail be a big benefit to not only riders and hikers but to the resort as well?

I had heard that the resort had closed the restaurant due to lack of business. I couldn't help but think that if a good trail could be built that would skirt the golf course and keep golf balls and riders from coming into contact with each other, it could be a big benefit to the resort.

Riders and hikers along the trail from Laguna Niguel could take a relatively gentle grade slope trail all the way to the beach and it would give access to many bike and hike trails throughout Orange County to residents of Laguna Beach who are limited by geography to many county trails.

Many a tired, thirsty and hungry rider or walker could enjoy a smoothie or sandwich at a reopened hiker/biker oriented restaurant. It would be very popular. I think it's time to take a look.