In the hills of Aliso Viejo a sandstone cave that once hid 1850s bandits is one of Orange County’s most fascinating hikes. (Scroll down for video)

Back then, bandit Juan Flores and his crew of stagecoach robbers stashed their loot in what’s now Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park.

The cave became known as Robbers Cave, its ceiling still marked with peg holes where the gang hung their gear and saddlebags filled with stolen loot.

The out-and-back route is about five miles round-trip, starting from Aliso & Wood Canyons trailhead.

The trail is wide, mostly flat and does not require a guide, just you, the dirt path, and a little Orange County history. We followed the directions from The Hiking Guy as it wasn’t always clear where to go.

About halfway in, keep an eye out for a small side trail called Cave Rock that leads to the first cave.

It’s a short detour worth taking, a shallow sandstone alcove filled with sculpted formations that look like frozen waves. It feels otherworldly and oddly private, my friend and I joked about moving in.

Continue down Wood Canyon and you’ll find Robbers Cave, also called Dripping Cave (although no dripping at this time of year).

This large, shaded cavern once hid Juan Flores and his gang, a crew of 1850s outlaws who robbed stagecoaches and rustled horses along the route between Los Angeles and San Juan Capistrano.

After their raids, they drove stolen livestock into these canyons and holed up in the cave with their spoils, coins, saddlebags, and gear hanging from pegs drilled into the sandstone ceiling.

Standing inside, it’s easy to imagine the flicker of firelight on the walls, the creak of leather, and the low murmur of men waiting out the law in one of Orange County’s original hideouts.

1️⃣ Who were the Flores Gang?
The Flores Gang was a group of outlaws who roamed Southern California in the 1850s, robbing travelers and ranches from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano. Their leader, Juan Flores, became infamous after ambushing and killing Los Angeles County Sheriff James Barton and his deputies in 1857.

2️⃣ What happened to Juan Flores?
Juan Flores was captured after a dramatic chase through the Santa Ana Mountains. He was later hanged in Los Angeles before a large crowd, and his execution became one of the most widely reported events of early California’s frontier justice era.

3️⃣ Where is Dripping Cave located?
It’s tucked inside Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park in Aliso Viejo. The main entrance is at 28373 Alicia Parkway, near Awma Road.

4️⃣ How long is the hike?
It’s about 5 miles round-trip, mostly flat and considered easy, with just a few gentle hills.

5️⃣ Why is it called Dripping Cave?
The cave’s sandstone ceiling naturally absorbs rainwater and groundwater from the hills above. Over time, that moisture seeps through tiny pores and cracks in the rock and slowly drips into the cave below.

Because the sandstone acts like a sponge, the dripping can continue for weeks after it rains, creating a cool, damp microclimate that feels almost otherworldly.

On quiet days, you can actually hear the rhythmic drip echoing off the stone walls—one of the reasons it’s such a peaceful spot.

6️⃣ What’s the history behind the cave?
Long before outlaws showed up, the area around Dripping Cave was home to the Acjachemen (Juaneño) people, who used the cave as natural shelter and likely a gathering spot thanks to its shade, water, and protection from the elements.

Archaeologists have found grinding stones and other artifacts throughout Aliso Canyon that point to thousands of years of Native use.

Then in the 1850s, outlaw Juan Flores and his gang used the cave as a hideout after stagecoach robberies. They hung their loot from wooden pegs in the ceiling, and you can still spot the holes today.

7️⃣ Can I bring my dog?
Sorry, dogs aren’t allowed on this trail. It’s part of a protected wilderness area managed by OC Parks.

8️⃣ Are bikes or horses allowed?
Yes, you might see mountain bikers on the main trail, and horses are allowed on some connecting routes. Just stay alert and share the trail.

9️⃣ When is the park open?
Open 7 a.m. to sunset every day. Parking is $3 per vehicle at the main lot near the visitor center.

🔟 Is the trail good for beginners?
Absolutely! It’s well-marked, scenic, and has minimal elevation gain—perfect for casual hikers or families.

1️⃣1️⃣ What’s Cave Rock?
About halfway in, look for the small side trail to Cave Rock, a hidden sandstone alcove with smooth, wave-like formations—like a mini desert cathedral.

1️⃣2️⃣ How can I access the trail?
The easiest route starts from the Aliso and Wood Canyons parking lot on Alicia Parkway. You can also enter from the Wood Canyon Trailhead off Canyon Vistas or from the Ridge Park entrance if you want a longer, more challenging loop.

1️⃣3️⃣ Is Dripping Springs the same as Dripping Cave?
No — they’re two different spots that happen to have similar names.

Dripping Cave (also called Robbers Cave) is the sandstone hideout once used by outlaws in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park.

Dripping Springs, on the other hand, is located farther east in Cleveland National Forest near Trabuco Canyon.

It’s a remote natural spring that seeps from the cliffside and was used as a water source by early settlers and Native peoples. It’s a much longer, more rugged hike that’s only accessible with a guide, so don’t mix the two up when you’re planning your adventure! Learn more about Dripping Springs.