Dripping Cave Trail

Make sure to stop by th skull rock or skull cave. It's just a littl detour and we'll worth it dripping cave is nice, but not something id go back and see. Lots of pavement at th first half but there is a side trail where you can go on instead. Watch out for bikers. Restroom facilities at the nature center are well kept.

Beautiful trail, clearly marked.

About a one hour hike from the guest center. Not bad to check out one time. It's a easy path as it's all flat.

Saturday hike in Laguna. Parked up on Alta Laguna Pkwy by Alta Laguna Park. Entered the trail system by the park near Top of the world. Hiked down to Mathis Canyon Trail to the Junction where Car Wreck Trail Starts at the Top. Hiked down Car Wreck Trail to the end where it intersects back with Mathis Canyon at the Bottom. Turned right and stayed on Mathis Canyon to Woods Canyon Trail made a right turn on woods canyon trail to dripping cave trail. Took dripping cave trail to dripping cave. Dripping cave trail is an in and out only trail right now as the shortcut trail from dripping cave to Mathis canyon is closed. Went back out of dripping cave the way I came in. Made a Left back on to woods canyon. Made a Left at Mathis canyon. Then the long incline ascent up Mathis all the way back up to Top of the world. Both Car Wreck and Mathis have a degree of difficulty. Car Wreck more than Mathis. I believe this is about a 9 mile hike.

I would not recommend this particular route in either direction for beginners or novices. This is no Sunday stroll in the park. Some elements are a nice stroll, but getting to and from them are a work-out for sure, and only for the sure footed hiker. Beginners or people who aren’t used to climbing or descending steep rocky terrain or walking steep grades may struggle on this route.

*Tip: Go down Car Wreck and up Mathis instead of down Mathis and up Car Wreck if you’re not ready for a steep rocky climb up. The climb up Car Wreck is much more difficult than the climb up Mathis. If you want to up the degree of difficulty and work out harder, take these instructions and reverse them.

The trail is still closed due to fire rehabilitation. It's an easy trail and cell reception is almost constant. Bring water and sunscreen as there isn't much shade.

There are many entrances to the trail. Lots of levels of trails around here. I didn't find dripping cave trail until I was headed back. I love trails where the certain stops along the way tell a story more than anything. There was a old little cattle coral and the direct trail to dripping cave was super inspirational. The walls along and burnt top really makes you imagine how people spent time 100+ years ago.

It was a nice hike. I think it would of been better to go after it has rained.