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    Upper Newport Wilderness Preserve

    4.3 (34 reviews)

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    Lots of hiking, biking, trails. Dogs allowed. Nature center and restrooms here. 10 mile loop of trail.

    Lena K.

    I was pleasantly surprised by my visit to Upper Newport Back Bay. I didn't realize it would be so gorgeous and there would be actual hiking/biking trails. I went last Saturday on a beautiful OC summer day after June Gloom had dissipated. Parking was excellent! As the pandemic is sadly still going on, less people are inclined to be out plus we arrived around 1pm which is usually a warmer time of the day. We walked along the pretty vacant trails except for a few couples or families with kids. We had our masks on hand for whenever we passed individuals by. Some did the same, some did not. We definitely experienced some awesome nature moments while there. We saw a cool black swan/duck (not sure what it was) searching for food. He/she went down and in one instance, they caught food and we saw it in its beak/mouth. We also saw a fish jump! That was spectacular and caught it on video. We also saw a duck startled by the swan and flock away - also captured on video. We equally loved exploring the plants all around us and downloaded a very cool app where you snap a picture on your smart phone and it immediately tells you what the plant/flower is. Great to have if you're looking to see what's poisonous or not! Overall, a fun afternoon. The hiking wasn't much but we still got a mini workout in!

    Timmy S.

    See also: Upper Newport Bay and Back Bay Loop Trail This is a great spot for birdwatching. Also for a good long walk for yourself or your dog. Or a vigorous jog. Bicyclists seem to enjoy the paved paths which circle around the preserve. Not a whole lot to see really unless you are into birds. But AH! It's nature! With the steady roar of jets flying overhead as they fly into John Wayne airport. They do have a nature center on the north end, just a short walk from the parking lot. The folks working there have loads of info on various programs and events offered (ie - kayaking the bay).

    It's nice to forget all the noise
    Patty A R.

    This place is so pretty! I also like that because you're close to the water it's not as hot as other trails. There's a paved path to walk or you can do the dirt trail (yay dirt!). Lots of birds flying around. Parking can be done on the street near the UCI campus off Campus Drive and it's free. Some people bring their bikes too. You can walk in two different directions which makes returning gun - go one way the first time and another the next! It's really clean, which I love. Bring a hat and water though. Even with the ocean breeze it can get hot. I'd recommend going either early or just before sunset is really beautiful and it's much cooler. When you're done, there are a lot of cool places to grab a bite to eat off Campus Drive or in the UCI campus area too.

    Laura N.

    A beautiful walk after the rains with near by trails to discover. Most folks are running or on a bike to skates. I am not sure if I would really call this a hike. It is more of a walk and bird watching. Some areas are designated for fishing. Some areas you will get a woof smell. It is not so horrible bad but if you are sensitive on the nose then you might take into consideration. Great for families and couples for a little or long walk.

    Good morning Newport Beach
    Amy B.

    Love the mornings on the trail with my friend Barbara Loop to loop see the beautiful foliage

    Volunteering every 2nd Sunday!
    Leland S.

    4 stars. I've mainly been here to volunteer and plant every 2nd Sunday morning of the month. This really isn't much of a hike but moreover a running/biking trail. Scenery is balanced with plants, the neighborhood and water. There is plenty of parking on the street or in the parking lot as well. There's not many hiking places in Irvine but if you're in the mood for some simple organic scenery, this is a great place.

    Rebekah S.

    Great place to get a little sun and get some exercise. Dog friendly also. Easy to get to and plenty of parking

    A little bridge hidden the further you walk.
    Saousan J.

    My cousins and I tried this hike today! We really enjoyed it. The hike is not hard and the scenes are so beautiful! It gets better the longer you walk. The trails are not that hard to follow. Yes, be mindful to runners, bikers and horses. We would definitely go back for this hike. Also, there is enough parking on the street and at the trailhead on Irvine ave.

    Back Bay wetlands

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    8 years ago

    Love this place for a nice long walk with the baby! Lots of path. Beautiful views. Easy parking. Free!

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    9 years ago

    Absolutely one of my favorite places to go during a sunny day ! When the Flowers blossom it's a beautiful view & it's so fresh !

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    11 years ago

    Great trails to walk on for any level of fitness. Beautiful view as well.

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    18 years ago

    Great for that late night dog walking. Specifically recommend the butterfly preserve.

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    Review Highlights - Upper Newport Wilderness Preserve

    . You can do a multitude of activities here while taking in beautiful nature views: walking, hiking, running, biking

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    Peters Canyon Hike

    Peters Canyon Hike

    4.4
    (386 reviews)
    9.6 mi

    Great place for a hike. There is hardly any shade though so best to go early in the am, or early…read moreevening, or cloudy day. You will get a great workout. You can park at the start of the park where gps takes you or I start on the back side. You can go for 4mile along the top route &/or the hike around the lake. You choose. When there's rain, it's beautiful to see the surroundings. Otherwise, it's a little dry. I've seen it all. Been hiking this for year. SYOY!

    Review 30/365 day challenge 2.04.26…read more Finally made it here to PC for a late morning hike w my hiking Gfren Pow. She's a regular here and been coming. Have told mee several times she loves this hike and it's a good hike where it's a bit more busier than other hiking trails that you feel safe to go to. Started the hike a little late morning around 11:15 a.m. and finished right before 12:40 p.m. A little over 4 miles. We went to a much easier hike trail. Where it was much shading area until you enter the hiking trail and then it was full of sun. Luckily it was a bit breezy so wasn't too fully hot. There's different areas to park, some where it's free of charge and they have the main parking where supposedly have av actual public restroom for $ 3. We parked near some residential area. Right before entering the entrance where the trail started, there was about 5 porter potties available. As all hikes there are warning signs of Rattlesnakes, poison ivy, mountain lions etc. Located in Tustin borderline of Orange. Not too far from Irvine Regional park off Jamboree. Will definitely return to hike here and check out the different trails.

    Photos
    Beautiful Wednesday afternoon w Powee Dowee 2.04.26
    Beautiful Wednesday afternoon w Powee Dowee 2.04.26
    Beautiful Wednesday afternoon w Powee Dowee 2.04.26
    Beautiful Wednesday afternoon w Powee Dowee 2.04.26
    Family memories

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    Pirate's Cove Beach

    Pirate's Cove Beach

    4.4
    (62 reviews)
    4.2 mi

    What an amazing day we had. I was there with my church Calvary chapel Chino Hills to get baptize…read more It was wonderful to see many people there . Parking was thigh. The Brea h was clean and perfect for the day .

    It's all about rocks and caves. And a hidden cove?…read more Instagram and TikTok have probably made this once obscure beach in Corona del Mar way too popular, but back in the day, while the parents were beachgoing at nearby Corona del Mar State Beach, we preteens and early teenagers were exploring the caves at Pirate's Cove and scrambling all over the sometimes dangerous rocks. But our moms weren't within eyesight or earshot, so we ran and climbed and splashed and wrestled. It felt like every time I came here, I cut my hands or arms or shins on the rocks, but I didn't care, because I was learning independence, and I didn't dare complain in front of my friends. The sandy part of the beach itself can get completely swallowed by the high tide, so plan ahead. The Newport Harbor Jetty (and, to a lesser extent, the CDM State Beach Jetty) protect(s) the beach from waves, so there's no real bodyboarding or bodysurfing to be had. That's probably a good thing, too, because these rocks would be treacherous if this beach weren't completely enclosed within Newport Bay's entrance channel. The metal fences separating the deeper parts of the caves always scared me. I realized the fencing was to prevent children from getting where adults couldn't fit, because high tides could mean drowning or otherwise getting hurt, but it was still spooky. I believe my friend Michael tried to bend back the metal, but he couldn't, despite how rusty and old it seemed. The stairs down to the beach are much nicer and sturdier than they used to be. Otherwise, it looks and feels the same as it did thirty-five years ago.

    Photos
    05.01.23 'Jesus Revolution' Filming Location PTL!
    05.01.23 'Jesus Revolution' Filming Location PTL!
    05.01.23 Pirate's Cove Beach is the small beach on the west side of the parking lot at Corona Del Mar State Beach
    05.01.23 Pirate's Cove Beach is the small beach on the west side of the parking lot at Corona Del Mar State Beach
    Pirate's Cove Beach

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    Upper Newport Wilderness Preserve - hiking - Updated June 2026

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