Top of the World via Canyon Acres Trail

While it may seem like a short little hike, the Top of the World via Canyon Acres Drive does feature some steep terrain that will make you work a bit for the beautiful views. Be sure to bring plenty of water and wear proper hiking footwear for this adventure. Additionally, parking here is limited, so you might need to leave your vehicle on the opposite side of Laguna Canyon Road and hike to the trailhead along Canyon Acres Drive.

Even with its moderately steep terrain, this is an exceptional adventure to set out on whether you live near or are visiting Laguna Beach. Picturesque ocean views await from the “Top of the World”, providing a nice little reward for your efforts on the trail.

Setting out from the trailhead at the end of Canyon Acres Drive, you will make your pick up the wide track as it initially leads east, before quickly turning to the northwest. Here, you will begin climbing uphill through the undulating terrain that makes up much of the landscape around Laguna Beach.

Keeping right through the first two forks in the trail, the route will eventually turn back to the east and steepen as you make the approach to the “Top of the World.” Reaching a t-intersection in the path, you will turn right and keep left at each of the following junctions to arrive at the viewpoint.

Take your time here to rest your legs after the relatively steep climb, but also to appreciate the natural beauty of both the canyon landscape and the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean. When you are all finished admiring the scenery, simply head back downhill the way that you came. Towards the bottom of the hill, you can keep right at the junction to complete a short loop, before arriving back at the trailhead where you began your adventure to the Top of the World via Canyon Acres Trail.

Trail Highlights

Top of the World

The so-called “Top of the World” is a beautifully scenic vantage point in Laguna Beach, California that is popular with local hikers and visitors alike. From the viewpoint, hikers can take in the deep blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding canyon landscape that characterizes the area.