Laguna Canyon

Laguna Canyon (also called Cañada de las Lagunas, Spanish: Lagoon Canyon) is the name of a canyon that cuts through the San Joaquin Hills in southern Orange County, California, in the United States, directly west of the city of Irvine. The canyon runs from northeast to southwest, drained on the east side by tributaries of San Diego Creek and on the west by Laguna Canyon Creek. It is deeper and more rugged on the southwestern end near Laguna Beach.

Geologically, the canyon likely originated millions of years ago as the result of San Diego Creek cutting through the San Joaquin Hills. Uplift diverted that stream to its present course, leaving Laguna Canyon as a wind gap. California State Route 133 runs the entire length of the canyon connecting Laguna Beach and Irvine, while California State Route 73 crosses it, running southeast-northwest. A majority of the canyon is located within the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park; small portions are part of Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park and the cities of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods and Aliso Viejo.