Oak Canyon

As much as I would like to think I can hike at a moderate speed and traverse rocks or terrain with ease, it’s simply not true. I’m incredibly slow. Even walking on pavement I tend to stroll (or lumber, depending on who you ask.) I think life is too hard to be in a rush all the time. However, throughout my life I’ve also been paired up with friends and family who pace like they’re in the running of the bulls (I’m looking at you, Keely and Travis.) Do I wish to be faster like them? Honestly? Yeah. Will I get there eventually? Hopefully. In the meantime however, I like to do hikes that are relatively easy where I can slowly shave my time down in the hopes to eventually get to a quicker pace.

Oak Canyon trail in Mission Trails Regional Park is the perfect hike to do that. It isn’t completely flat but there is pretty mild elevation gain and loss. There’s some rock traversing you have to do but it’s tame as long as you’re mindful of where you’re stepping. I often see plenty of dogs and kids doing this trail so I would say it’s fairly easy. I would personally try and go after it rains. It might be a little muddy here or there but when you go during a period of no rain, it’s as dry and dead as a day old slice of turkey under heat lamps at a Hometown Buffet.

I went twice in the last week and the difference in the landscape was drastic. Things were alive when I went the second time, and by that I also mean fairly congested with people. I had to leg it to get around groups of what looked like field trips with children. Nothing wrong with them, I just don’t want to be stuck behind them as they talk about Paw Patrol.

I would suggest going earlier in the morning or after 3:30pm but do yourself a favor and park outside the Bushy Hill gate so your car doesn’t get locked inside for the night. It’s also a good idea to always bring a head lamp if you choose to go later in the day so you don’t eat shit while walking in the dark.

There’s something beautiful and serene about the sun setting and it bathing the surrounding mountains in a glow. I’m thankful this hike is a 10 minute drive away from my home. It’s a nice trail that has canyons, a waterfall, and some gorgeous surrounding hills, I highly suggest this for route for someone newer to hiking or someone interested in doing some trail running. I look forward to improving my time and familiarity with this trail as time goes on and maybe you will too.

Oak Canyon:
Beauty: 6/10
Difficulty: 5/10
Mileage: approx. 3.5 miles