Saddleback Valley
Saddleback Valley refers to the flat and foothill areas west-southwest of the Saddleback mountain peak of the Santa Ana Mountains and east-northeast of the hilly Crystal Cove State Park in South Orange County, California. The region primarily encompasses the cities of Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, and Rancho Santa Margarita, as well as the communities of Coto de Caza and Ladera Ranch. The cities of Aliso Viejo, Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, and Laguna Niguel, as well as some of Orange County's eastern canyon communities, partially reside within the valley. The southeastern portion of Irvine also encroaches upon the area, but the two are not typically associated with each other.
| Saddleback Valley | |
|---|---|
 Saddleback Mountain and its foothills viewed from Lake Mission Viejo, a lake in the valley | |
| Location | Orange County, California, United States |
| Coordinates | 33°37′35″N 117°40′52″W |
| Highest point – elevation – coordinates | Santiago Peak 5,689 ft (1,734 m) 33°42′38″N 117°32′03″W |
The cityscape within Saddleback Valley is suburban, a remote reach of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. The area is recently developed and on the outskirts of the Southern California megalopolis, so wildlife sightings are more common. Snakes, coyotes, and mountain lions have long inhabited the area.[1][2] Mountain lion attacks on people have happened in the outlying wilderness parks of Saddleback Valley, but they are incredibly rare.[3]
Cultural Impact
The identity of Saddleback Valley has proven to be of importance throughout the history of major civilizations in the area. Many businesses, schools, places, and other entities in the region have "Saddleback" or "Saddleback Valley" incorporated into their names. Saddleback Church, one of the largest megachurches in the world, is based in Lake Forest. Saddleback College is located in Mission Viejo and bears the name of the region, as well as an illustration of the Saddleback mountains as their logo. Saddleback Valley Unified School District, as its name suggests, serves much of the valley with public elementary, intermediate, and high schools. Several small businesses in the area have also included Saddleback in their names and branding.
Gallery
Saddleback Valley viewed from the hills of Laguna Niguel
Saddleback Mountain from Rancho Santa Margarita_02.JPG.webp)
Snow on Saddleback Mountain in 2008 viewed from Mission Viejo
Saddleback Valley as seen from Laguna Niguel
References
- "Living with wildlife". Mission Viejo. City of Mission Viejo. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
- "MOUNTAIN LION". Orange County Outdoors. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
- Forgione, Mary (October 14, 2020). "The cougar in that viral video looked scary, but experts say the runner was safe". LA Times. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
