Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park is located in Foothill Ranch, California. Just about 20 minutes south of Disneyland. The main entrance to the trail is off Portola PKWY in a Ralphs parking lot. Most people are always amazed/suprised with what wildlife and scenery is found just at the edge of the city. Most common large mammal you will see is deer. Even mountainlions, rattlesnakes, tirantulas, bobcats, and several species of birds are found there which you never see in the near by cities. Although the parks trails are not long it is a great park to explore. If you have the energy if start from sunrise you will have time to explore all trails in a day. It is all worth it. All photos in the gallery were shot in Whiting Ranch. Although mountainlions are known to attack it is very rare and doesn't take away my respect for the wildlife out there. Always be alert for all species. Even deer are known to be more aggressive towards humans than cougars. Where ever you decide to have your picnic be sure to be alert every second. I have so missed opportunities to capture great photos of snakes due to just one second of not focusing on what is out there. Many species of snakes can be found, but the only one poisness in California is the rattlesnake. So be sure to respect them all. Rattlesnakes are very shy with people but still are known to bite. I have had many encounters with rattlesnakes and they have usually been the ones to swerve away from me before I could make another step after noticing them. Have so have my encounter at with mountainlion at other location and I respect them. It is their territory so if we decide to enter it we must respect that and allow them to try to succeed in life as well.If you don't want to have hike about 2 miles to get to trails from main entrance there is several other entrances to the park. Intersection of Glenranch and Portola PKWY across from Star Bucks is one of my favorite entrances. The trails from their to the 4 corners are where most likely to view deer and acorn woodpeckers. If you want to start your hike further from the city go up the hill of Glenranch from Portola PKWY and you'll see the dirt parking lot to your left. A great park to have your picnics is located off Saddleback Rd which runs from Glenranch to El Toro Rd. Just simply drive up Saddleback Rd. and shortly after a stop sign the park will be on your left. Free parking available there. Most other parking lots require a $3.00 fee. You can find serveral entrances from Santiago Canyon Rd near some ranches. El Toro Rd becomes Santiago Canyon RD and can get to it from the 5 FWY.