Hike to Robbers Cave: Where Outlaws Hid Their Loot in Aliso Canyon

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

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 Trail

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.

The Hidden Detour

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.

The Main Hideout

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.

Know Before You Go

• Trailhead: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, 28373 Alicia Pkwy, Aliso Viejo

• Route: Wood Canyon Trail to Dripping Cave Trail

• Distance: ~5 miles round-trip

• Difficulty: Easy

• Parking: $3 at the trailhead lot (There’s also street parking)

• Hours: 7am–sunset

• Dogs: Not permitted