Bud Turner Trail at Laguna Lake
On the Juanita Cooke Greenbelt trail
Turner/Cooke Loop
- Location: Fullerton, on the corner of Yuma Way and Laguna Road, in the Sunny Hills neighborhood. From the 91 Freeway, take the Euclid exit and drive north for 3.3 miles. Turn right on Laguna Road (just past Rosecrans) and park on the corner of Laguna Road and Yuma Way, by the south entrance to Laguna Lake Park. From the 57 Freeway, take the Imperial Highway exit, head west for 3.6 miles and turn left on Euclid. Go 1.4 miles and turn left on to Laguna Road (just before Rosecrans.)
- Agency: City of Fullerton Parks and Recreation
- Distance: 2.3 miles
- Elevation gain: 250 feet
- Difficulty Rating: G
- Suggested time: 1 hour
- Best season: Year round
- USGS topo map: La Habra
- More information: Everytrail report here
- Rating: 2
This loop uses two of Fullerton’s neighborhood trails and a short stretch on a paved road to create a trip that provides a nice workout, convenient for before or after work (or even on a lunch break). During days when north Orange County is experiencing its notorious heat, this trip is a good way to get exercise.
From the corner of Yuma and Laguna, head north into Laguna Lake Park on the Bud Turner Trail. Follow the single-track that heads uphill, paralleling the bridle path (be careful of mountain bikers.) The trail splits a few times, but always merges back together, so you can take either way. At half a mile, you cross Clarion, and then begin a pleasant stretch along man-made Laguna Lake, a popular destination for trout fishermen.
At 0.8 miles, cross Lakeside Terrace and head right on the Juanita Cooke Greenbelt trail. This pleasant stretch of trail is largely shaded and much of the noise from the nearby streets is blocked off. You cross a railroad bridge, and soon after (1.8 miles) you arrive at Laguna Road. Head right and follow Laguna Road for a half a mile to the starting point. There is no sidewalk for most of this last stretch, so be careful of cars (although traffic isn’t too heavy here). The road makes a few twists along the way, so follow the street signs. There’s a decent sized climb before the road descends to the starting point, making you burn a few more calories before heading back to the car.
Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.
