Easy to access trail in Irvine, has some decent views and adequate parking. Its nice that there's plenty of bicycle access around the trailhead as well, such as paved sidewalks with painted lanes. It's only 1.8 miles long so I decided to give this trail a go with my mountain bike. Due to covid, you can only loop one direction and there's a clear sign at the entrance. The direction it goes begins uphill and I struggled a bit at some sections where the incline increases on the dirt path. However, the average biker should definitely be able to get through the hill if they have lower gears to switch into. The initial hill is pretty much the only hill in the direction of the loop, and then the path goes downwards for a good length until it becomes flat. Downhill can get pretty fast and one should definitely not bomb down the hill in case of pedestrians or the bumpy terrain. Overall, real easy trail to get a taste of mountain biking. read more

I wouldn't really call this a hiking trail, more a biking trail. It's all man made with partial gravel and partial paved sections. It's perfect for a bike ride! It's not really a natural area. They have an "open space" area but it's just for looking. Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) have a natural treatment site on the path. If you're adventurous like I am, you can go meander around the "fields and streams". You might see some fish or frogs swimming around the center pond. Some wading birds and phoebes, but not an abundance of wildlife. IRWD maintains the trail and area very well so I'm sure that's why there is not a surplus of wildlife. But an excellent bike trial! read more

Quail Hill Trailhead - This trail will take you past the fire station and Quail Hill Community Park. - Hiking Near Me - Irvine, California

Pretty awesome trail that has some gorgeous urban views. Parking is free and place doesn't get too crowded. The trail is pretty straightforward - you can opt for the loop (tons of grassy plain area, though really pretty with wild mustard blooms during Spring), or go the road route which is a hill up (no idea how far this extends - I made it 2 miles before turning back). Doesn't have the wilderness feel like Blackstar or Whiting, but definitely a nice place to get in some hills running or biking! read more

Fairly easy trail and lots of parking. I love that there is both a walking dirt path and a paved bike path. It was nice to get away from the busy roads and traffic. Fairly open and quiet environment as well. There is near to no shade so just make sure to bring water and sunscreen. read more

Good trail for hiking but there isn't much to look at, which makes it seem like I've been jogging forever. Went out for a 5 mile hike yesterday around noon and I ran into a few people and a few horses which was quite an experience. The trails aren't very challenging more like a long incline. If you are fairly new to the hiking experience I definitely recommend this place read more

Quite the hiking/biking trail, I believe it was designed by Goldilocks. It's not too big, not too small, but just right! It's never super crowded, so you can use it as you wish, either for a nice bike ride, a run, a walk, or even for the self-guided tour that you can access via cell phone. (Here's the # so you don't need to look it up 949-743-5943). 12-14 mile hikes or bike rides make this a nice route, you can even participate in organized groups if you need that powerful peer pressure to get you moving http://www.irlandmarks.org/Activities/?reserveArea=Quail%20Hill During the winter and early spring months, the fields are a nice, lush green, but unfortunately the lack of precipitation pretty much turns most of the area to a duddy brown. Allergy sufferers beware!!!! D= Unseen habitat maintenance is going on all of the time, if you really want to give back you can volunteer for one of the activities that they have on a regular basis http://www.irlandmarks.org/Activities/?reserveArea=Quail%20Hill The Irvine Ranch Conservancy organization also does a number of experimental plantings and tests, sometimes you can see them in the fenced off area adjacent to the dirt path. Don't go in there though!!! You surely don't want to ruin any sensitive habitat testing going on with the native and non-native plants!!! With our mild climate, Quail Hill is certainly a great asset for any outdoorsy or active individuals to enjoy pretty much year round. Check it out if you get a chance! read more

I've been hiking here for over a year, and it's a great spot. I don't do the loop, but we take the hill and go over and into Quail Hill, along the golf course, past the tennis courts to the back gate. Then we turn around and make the trek back to our cars. It's just over 4 miles, and has 2 bridges and a couple of benches. Spotting lizards, squirrels, and quail might be the highlight for me. I kinda wish for a water fountain, but am grateful for the dual trails - both dirt and paved road options. The parking lot is a little funky with some of their spots (like it's made for an RV in the middle section), but we always find spaces. There's also bathrooms next to the lot, so it's all good. read more

Great trail for walking! Its a beautiful open area, dog friendly, clean bathrooms, large parking area. If you bring your cell phone you can listed to a guided tour about the area. read more

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This is a nice place, tucked in West Irvine between 2 ball$r communities. It always great to feast your eyes on some nature in a increasingly industrial and housing suburbia. You should hike from the trailhead through the exclusive Shady Canyon community, visit their golf course, and continue hiking down Shady Canyon lane (past the gate) and you'll hit Bommer Canyon Trailhead. This just opened up a year(?) or so ago. There is very little shade though, so be aware of that and apply abundant sunblock! read more

Easy hike/trail, but lots of ticks beware if you have dogs.

Sweet! First to REVIEW! :) Well, I've gone to this trail twice now! It's a big round loop. It's easy and pretty flat in my opinion. It's great for first timers~ during the spring, they have pretty flowers and shrubs. Right now during the summer, it's pretty dry. So not so pretty at times. Another portion of this trail goes up to a bridge where you can see a lake...I think that goes toward Boomer Canyon. That's my next stop I think. Hiking has been a new interest of mine in the past year or so and I must say, I LIKE!!! ;0) read more

For runners: This is a 1.8 mile hardpack running loop right by the freeway. No shade. As you get on the loop from the parking lot, turn right. The loop starts with a slight downslope, then basically flats for a little over a mile before a moderate rise right before you finish the loop. Overall a good off pavement loop for a quick workout. Four stars for the services offered - clean bathrooms, water fountains, easy parking. Parking lot is open 6 AM to 10 PM. Dogs on-leash only. Stay on trail! read more

Great place to catch the quail trail. Free parking. Get there early. The Quail trail beginning is tough to find though read more

Did you say rattlesnakes??!!! RUN! So my friend and I did this hike/run here during a late Sunday afternoon/evening. It was my first time here. She told me to watch for snakes and to listen for them. I was scared to run by myself. There were many holes in the ground, too. I definitely didn't stop running because of it. This was definitely a good run/hike. My legs were hurting the next day. Can't wait to come back and do the tougher trail! The parking here has no lines. I was telling my friend not to park where she did because of it. She told me that's how the parking was LOL Also, the restroom toilet paper holders are very environmental friendly. It cuts you off after you pull some toilet paper. I had thought something was wrong with it because it kept stopping me from pulling more paper hahah oh man...my work definitely needs this type of TP holder. We got toilet issues... read more

Great first impression... its a rare scene to see a field of tall golden straw? grass in socal; especially so close to the city. But as you further on, the once graceful hike become dull and repetitive. A hobbyist of photography this would be a nice place for a nice portrait photo, If you're allowed on the field. Beware to trample off the trail because I believe there is a hefty fine. So its A-OK Overall difficulty: EASY read more

Cool trail, but not much to it. I actually started going the wrong way and ended up along sand canyon drive. 2 hrs later I got back here and walked the trail. It was cool, but the walk up sand canyon drive was a little nicer. Seen a coyote there but no snakes. It was super hot and keep in mind the sand canyon drive is not a loop so be prepared to turn around read more

Quail Hill Trailhead - Hiking Near Me - Irvine, California

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The trail is nice but be careful parking your car here and don't leave valuables in your car. My car was just broken into tonight. My friend also had her car broken into here. Whoever is doing this knows you're out hiking and won't be back for a while. As for the trail it's an easy hike and very beautiful right now with all the flowers. read more

Don't be deceived... One 1.6-1.8 mile loop is no joke as a run. Parking is not very good on Saturday mornings, but you can always park across the way next to the basketball court. I haven't seen any rattlesnakes or coyotes, but there are signs saying to be careful. The 3-5 times I've been here, there are other runners too, but maybe a handful or less. read more

Quail Hill Trailhead is a light path looping in a circle. Located in Irvine, California.The trail is flat and simple. Even when veering off to get to an adjacent peak it is a slow incline with a clear path to follow. A great place to watch the sunset over the city. *Free to park. Here's us on the trail: http://youtu.be/Zy6K-Zdw2P4 read more

This is literally out my front door and a great little hike with an elevation change and a great view of Irvine. As long as you don't mind seeing homes is a good little hike read more

Beautiful views above the entire city of Irvine! Go early in the morning...on a cloudy day, it feels like you're walking on top of the clouds. Don't let that first hill discourage you...it only takes a few minutes to climb it. Once you do, the hike becomes easier. On a hot day, bring lots of water. Also watch for rattlesnakes early in the morning. We always hike about 3.5 miles in and back out. Lastly, do not bring your dog(s) if you are hiking Quail Trail (not Quail Loop Trail...dogs are allowed on this trail). Not only is it not allowed, but EVERY time we have done this hike, the Irvine PD patrols the trail and tickets everyone who is on the trail with their dogs. read more

My first time here I ended up on the Quail Hill Loop Trail which is an easy 1.8 mile roundtrip natural surface trail at the foot of Quail Hill. I ended up doing it twice to get the most out it. This is great for runners too because it's less crowded on this side of the trail. There is a hilly (small) part which is uphill but overall it's very flat and quiet. The clouds in the sky were beautiful that day and generally is very open/clean and you are close to the freeway noise though for parts of this trail. However, it's great for families and for all age groups. That particular day I did not see that much wildlife other than some common birds. This trail faces the parking lot. The second trail seems to be more popular which is past the bathrooms and further down the street towards the gated community. It connects to a bunch of other trails and you can walk for ever. It's still a beginners hike but does have some incline but you cannot really feel it. The view on the way down is great and you can see the entire city of Irvine. The sunset was beautiful as well. This part is great if you want to walk for 5-6 miles though you eventually have to turn around and keep track of that. I liked it's both natural surface but also pavement. A lot of hardcore runners/bikes can be seen here but lots of families with strollers and young kids too. People are very friendly here more than some of the other places I frequent. read more

Good place for a nice walk or bike ride. Feels like you are hiking even though you are pretty much close to civilization. Get off the 405 Fwy. at Sand Canyon, go towards the ocean. You will quickly come up on a circle intersection, take a left and follow it around to your left. Take your first left and park in the parking lot. And then go for a hike or bike ride. There are a few places to eat in the small center so you can eat before or after. read more

I really enjoy the scenery and have been using this trail for almost a year now. I've seen various wildlife like deer and large birds. It's an easy trek and it's manageable for me. read more

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Hit the trail this memorial weekend. Shoot it was steamy. The trail is nicely laid out, wide path, the terrain is not severe with some inclines and declines. The view is ok with all its open space, that is if you like dry brown mountains sides. Really my only gripe is I wish they had distance markers so I could see how far I ran. I didn't have my Nike+ so don't know my distance. But it was a good run, burned some calories and got a little tan. Oh another thing about the view, not much to look at regarding the opposite sex (either preference), mostly older people. Just saying. read more

Went for the first time today. This is a simple and easy to navigate trail. Very beginner friendly :) There is only one teeny tiny hill, while the rest is pretty flat. The walking path is super clean. Bonus: dog friendly. The views could be better (mostly freeway) but overall it's great. read more

Its nice to come and take a walk . Or its good to come to get away from the city. it's all nature preserve read more

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Out of the very few hiking places in Irvine, this one is probably my favorite one. The first time my friend and I came here, we ended up going up on the wrong path and wound up all the way down Shady Canyon, which was not where the path was. There are actually two paths, one that runs right next to the visitor center on the right when you drive up to Quail Hill, and from what I understand, is about a 1 mile loop. The other trail is on the left as you drive up Quail hill, and that takes you up a somewhat steep hill and gives you a nice view of Irvine and on clear days, the ocean at Newport Beach. The view at the top at night is pretty nice, especially on a clear night when you can see both the ocean and the Santa Ana mountains. Good place to chill out and think. Parking is kind of tricky on the weekends, but one way to get closer to where the ascent starts is to park in the residential areas right below where the trail is and walk up the path to the ascent. The "hill" isn't that difficult to climb, as I normally do it in sneakers and jeans. Once you get past the hill, the rest of the hike is pretty straight with very few changes in elevation. TL;DR. If you're look for a scenic/easy place to hike, Quail Hill is definitely a trail worth checking out. read more

This is a peaceful, pleasant loop that's about 1.8 miles long. You can certainly finish it in about 30 min (walking) and 20 minutes (jogging). Parking rarely gets full, but if it does, try parking across the street at the park. I love this loop because it rarely gets packed. It's quiet and you can hardly hear the deafening noises of the 405 freeway. Need to go number 1 or 2? They'll have you covered! There is a bathroom to the left when facing the entrance of the trail. Pretty clean! While taking your brisk jaunt at Quail Loop you will find folks walking their canines, bikers bearing off the beaten path and other walkers just like you who try to avoid eye-contact. Catch rolling tumbleweeds on windy days and lovely dead black beetle carcasses. There is an incline to the left when you enter, but you can save that for last and embark your brief journey forking right. When life gets you bogged down, wallow in your own solitude and mosey off into the dusty, unpaved trail of Quail Loop. I found parts of me on this trail... You, too, just might unearth some answers! read more

Did part of the Shady Canyon Bike Trail today. Hiked 2.25 miles up & back. Plenty of beautiful indigenous California scenery, since you know, it's a desert. Some bends, a few hills, couple golf courses & the views of some really nice homes. Definitely wanna come back & run the entire Quail Hill Trailhead. read more

Quail Hill Trailhead - Beginning of the Shady Canyon Bike Trail - Hiking Near Me - Irvine, California

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This is such a beautiful and scenic trail. The only thing that I don't like is all the coyote sightings that I've seen. I have a small dog and that can be quite scary if we ever came close enough to one. But luckily we have only seen them from a distance. The views are beautiful and the trails are very well kept. It's a great form of outdoor exercise! read more

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Great walking and running space with a great a view. Not too intense but offers enough to enjoy a workout. The trail offers a great bike trail along the path of a dirt trail. Parking is free and restroom are also available. read more

Stroller friendly trail! Parking: Ample parking lot. Additional parking across the street at athletic field. Restrooms: Clean. Has water fountain. No baby changing station :( This is a mostly flat trail that is 1.8 miles loop trail. There is a slight incline when you start off (going clockwise) but the rest of the trail is flat. Has great views of the green hills. You can see the 405 fwy but luckily you can't hear the noise pollution. For extra credit, you can stroller walk the connecting Shady Canyon Trail (also stroller friendly AND includes a paved bike path that works better for strollers) which is 2 miles one way and has some good rolling hills for a decent workout. If you do this, you will have logged in a total of 6 miles!! read more

This is more of a walking / jogging trail than a true hiking trail, but it's a great way to get in a quick bit of cardio. Come just before sunset, and you can get some nice views of the sun going down over the hillside while casting orange and purple light onto the Santa Ana mountains in the distance. There is ample parking (useful for accessing Quail Trail, Shady Canyon, Bommer Canyon, and even Serrano Ridge) and a clean bathroom with water fountains that is open to the public. Just please stay on the trail - it's in a nature preserve! read more

Quail Hill Trailhead - Greenery was in full-force after rain fell on the Quail Hill Loop trail in Irvine, CA. - Hiking Near Me - Irvine, California

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Close to our home. Great location!!! Not too many people and quiet! Amazing view of Irvine. would definitely come back read more

Quail Hill Trailhead - Hiking Near Me - Irvine, California

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After all the recent rain this trailhead is beautiful with all of the tall green grass.

A nice beginners trail, 1.8 mile loop so you know you won't get carried away. Good training for my dog (whom I plan on being my hiking buddy!) to get used to hiking terrain, endurance and wearing a backpack. Quail Hill Trail is a nice get away from the city, even though its close to the freeway you can't really hear traffic at all which is nice. Definitely will be back! read more

Quail Hill Trailhead - Hiking Near Me - Irvine, California

This is awesome trail. Great for walk and bike. Pave red road and awesome views. We went with whole family and it was an awesome experience. Good trail to get minimum 4 miles out of it. read more

Fun place to hike/walk. You can venture into neighborhoods and you're never too far from a water fountain or bathroom - both of which are important to me. And the *bonus* is free parking. read more

This is one of my favorite places to hike in Irvine. There's a Starbucks right down the street which is nice to get a refreshing drink after. I love the ambience here. It has a good selection of paths that you can take whether you want to stay on relatively flat ground or take some more challenging hills. There's not a ton of trees depending on what path you take so I always take an umbrella to stay shaded. read more

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