Orange Country is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places to explore in California. From mountain ranges to stunning lakes, to colorful meadows, to rugged hillsides, you will continuously be in awe of your surrounding and have an option to pick between when looking for somewhere to hike in Irvine.
Many of these incredible places can only be explored by foot, so grab your hiking gear and soak in the miraculous beauty of the outdoors.
Easy Hiking Trails in Irvine, CA
1. Quail Loop Trail
- Length: 1.8 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time Required: Approximately 40 min
If you’re in the Irvine region and are looking for something relaxing to do, hiking Quail Loop Trail is what you want. It is a fairly easy trail through wildflowers, clear skies, endless nature, and a well-tracked pathway.
All the way through, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Mother Nature and all that it has to offer. This is a great hike to do over and over again because you can walk, trail run, or even choose to bike the entire way. Regardless of how you choose to explore this trail in Irvine, it is a great one to wander slowly and take lots of pictures.
2. San Diego Creek Trail
- Length: 7.7 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time Required: Approximately 2 h 20 min
If you are looking for a stunning hike with almost no elevation gain, the San Diego Creek Trail is an awesome workout or morning stroll.
Once again, you can hike or bike this trail. It is a very popular trail for biking, so if you are planning to take your bike out this season, then this is the one to do it on. This hike is open year-round, so you can enjoy the beauty of each season and find new things to explore and appreciate. Whether you do it once or many times over, you will love it.
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3. Treehill, South Loop, and Midway Loop
- Length: 2.7 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time Required: Approximately 50 min
Another easy yet rewarding hike. If you’re chasing the feeling of being immersed in nature without stressing your body too much, this hike won’t disappoint.
With lush greenery, magnificent birds, and animal sightings all around you, you will feel like you’re in another world. Hence, this ecological reserve is truly a jewel that you cannot miss.
Even though the bird songs and cool breezes will have you thinking you’re far away from the city, you’re not. Since this hike is a gem within an urban area, you need to arrive early to get a parking spot. Highly recommend getting there early as you will have no other option but to turn around or wait if the lot is full.
4. Hicks Canyon Trail
- Length: 4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time Required: Approximately 1 h 19 min
Last option for an easy hike before we get into more challenging options. If you do these four hikes, you’ll be all warmed up and ready to move onto the next stage of your hiking journey for the season.
Since this hike is well-maintained and centrally located, it’s a great option if you’re a beginner. This is helpful as you can repeat it as many times over as you like, and it’ll help strengthen your muscles and get you pumped.
Moderate Irvine Hiking Trails
5. Turtle Rock and French Hill Loop
- Length: 4.1 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Required: Approximately 2h
This is a popular hike in the Irvine area as it is easily accessible by transit; the well-marked trail will lead you to epic views of Turtle Rock Summit neighborhood. Since it’s a very busy hike, it is highly recommended to start early.
Alternatively, it is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. If you decide to stay and watch the sun go down, please be cautious when hiking back in the dark. Bring a satellite phone and/or offline map so know where you’re going and always stay close to your group.
6. Bommer Canyon Trail
- Length: 4.6 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Required: Approximately 2h
This moderately strenuous loop through Boomer Canyon is easily accessible, yet pleasantly only gently trafficked the majority of the time. Most of the elevation gain isn’t until the last section, where it goes up a steep section, so take your time during this section by going slower and resting when needed.
When you reach the top, you will realize it was well worth it for the awe-striking views toward Saddleback Mountain and out over the twinkling Pacific and Catalina Island.
7. Shady Canyon Trail
- Length: 7.8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Required: Approximately 3h
This 7.8-mile hike, with an elevation gain of 574 feet, is a safe and stress-free way to immerse yourself into hiking without worrying about getting lost in nature. You’ll still get to experience nature while also passing through developed areas.
Therefore, if you don’t have all your hiking gear yet, but you’re ready to push yourself, this is the perfect hike. You can do this safely, while also getting the experience. You’ll be surrounded by bikers and even skaters, so you’ll definitely experience a sense of community.
8. Quail Hill to Sandy Canyon Wash Trail
- Length: 9.3 mile
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Required: Approximately 3 h
Another wonderful moderate hike in Irvine. Enjoy this scenic hike where you will get to enjoy the peacefulness of nature while also getting to see mountains from far away.
Although there are small inclines and declines throughout the hike, it is still fairly easy and very manageable on a bike. As always, don’t forget your hat and sunscreen because it can get really hot.
Strenuous Trails in Irvine, CA
9. El Moro Canyon Loop Trail
- Length: 5 mile
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time Required: Approximately 3 h 15 min
This well-maintained loop through El Moro Canyon requires you to climb an incline of 800 ft with unreal coastal views and gorgeous wildflowers. Even though this hike is mostly shadeless, you will be pleasantly surprised by the ocean breeze even on the hottest day. This will be very beneficial on the last stretch of the hike, which is the steepest part.
10. No Name Ridge to El Moro Canyon Loop Trail
- Length: 8.8 miles
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time Required: Approximately 3 h 50 min
Looking for a more advanced hike that will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery Southern California has to offer? You can add some distance to the El Moro Canyon Loop Trail listed above by starting at No Name Ridge instead. This moderate, 8.8-mile trail will take you through a variety of landscapes, from chaparral-covered hillsides to dense forests. The views are simply stunning as you’ll catch glimpse of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island as you travel along the trail.