Casta del Sol Ditch Page 1

Oso Creek Trail from Gates 1, 2 or 3

This is a well maintained by the City of Mission Viejo and it is the backbone of the Mission Viejo's trail system. It supports a variety of vegetation both native and non-native arranged to create a sense of walking through a large-scale garden including the butterfly, meadow and maze. There is an obelisk which is the city's symbol of peace inscribed in 12 languages and displays over 600 copper reliefs of peace emblems.

Much of the trail is decorated and maintained by volunteers from the community. Their pride doth shine.

From Gate #1

Start at Rec. Center #1 and walk towards Marguerite Pkwy. About 10 feet outside of the Guard Gate turn left down a short slope and continue on the path to the culvert under Jeronimo Road. At the exit of the culvert, one can either continue straight or can turn to the right. The two paths connect and can be walked as a loop. The trail to the right is more rustic, covered with wood chips while going straight ahead is paved. This tour will take the right path and return on the paved path.

If turning right, walk to the west about 50 feet and take the left fork. The path straight ahead from this junction is an interesting side trip.

From Gate #2

Exit Gate #2 and walk left to Arbolitos. Cross Jeronimo. Walk south on Arbolitos for about 50 feet to where there is a wooden fence on the right, just past the white masonry wall. This is the entrance to the Jeronimo Greenbelt that leads to the Oso Creek Trail and this is the shortest way from Casta del Sol to the Trail.

From Gate #3

Exit Gate #3 and walk about 50 feet to the right on Jeronimo to the large gray electrical box. Cross Jeronimo to the entrance of the Jeronimo Greenbelt and follow the path to the right (west). This is the secondary North Link to the Oso Creek Trail and it is about one mile to the Trail.