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    El Modena Open Space

    4.3 (41 reviews)

    El Modena Open Space Photos

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    Brandon T.

    Ahh yes, this is a beautiful secluded spot to take a friend or more than friends to ;) once you reach the top of the little hike you are rewarded with a marvelous breathtaking view of Orange! The terrain is very rocky so it is recommended that you would bring a blanket or some cushion for your bums. as you map yourself to the place it will have you park in a neighborhood. From there you will want to follow the road up the hill and commence your hike. There is a little fence saying do not enter don't be scared, that's not the path. The path is farther up the hill. Take it and it'll take you up a rocky hike!

    Kim P.

    A surprisingly difficult hike, especially after rain. Very slippery post-rain so make sure you are careful and bring some hiking sticks (lots of slipping and sliding). I believe we went on a counter clockwise loop? Which was great because I think going the opposite direction would have wrecked me lol. Incline and decline all very challenging for me haha! But very cool view and pretty private (very few people out and about), highly recommend.

    Shannon Z.

    Initially it's a really challenging hike to find - Apple Maps took us to an elementary school and Google maps took us to a random neighborhood - we finally found to trail and it was a great hike - it's a moderate intensity hike as there are plenty of steeper and rockier areas on our way up but to get to the top was very quick, maybe took 20-30 minutes. The view is beautiful up there are there were alot of pretty yellow flowers during wildflower season.

    We did it!
    April L.

    Take a left on Cannon St. and go 1.3 miles. ... Like its parent park Santiago Oaks, Orange's El Modena Open Space is one of Orange County's most accessible natural areas. ... The views are impressive including the Santa Ana Mountains to the east and suburban Orange to the west. -"A short distance but a great climb. Good view. 700ft. elevation, or so my phone says. -Wear good Tenny shoes there's so much rocks, No Flat surface. -Enjoy! Getting ready for summer

    Emily Z.

    Amazing views!!! I used the 300 N Cannon Address and parked across the street on Stillwater. If you hike up from this entrance, it's a really short hike to the top where you can get a nice view & pics (I would say barely 20 min if you go straight up). The hill is a little steep and I had to take my time on the way down. I turned around once I got to the top since I was short on time but you can continue across a longer trail once you get there, but even if you just do the short trail to get to the top, I would say it's worth it!

    View from top

    Another little hidden gem I never knew was here. There is no official trial parking lot so after some research, use 300 N Cannon St. for an address and then park right across the street on Stillwater. I believe there is another spot off Canon & Patricia Rd. Tip-have good grip on the bottom of your shoes. The trail does go up & down dirt path so it can be slippery on the gravel. Trail is pretty easy to follow. We were stumped a little but we just asked other hikers if we saw them. Very pretty view from up top! Wow, take a moment to look around. I tend to just keep going. The flowers/weeds are in bloom right now but makes a pretty picture. :) We really enjoyed this short 2mile hike. We also did see a coyote on our way back at the entrance which threw us off since we weren't sure what to do. Only 1 way out. Luckily, we waited and another hiker walked by ;) They didn't notice anything so we figured it was safe to go, lol. Have fun. SYOY!

    Samantha W.

    This hike is super fun. It's a thin road up and some parts are super steep with lots of rocks but it's not too bad and not super long either. Not a lot of people when I went both times which was nice. Lots of cactus too along the side.

    This place is fantastic! If you have ~2hrs to spare and you're in Aneheim area then go do this you won't regret it. It's short, slope is decent it will make you work and sweat. Have to park in a neighborhood, ample and safe. Punch in the address and park on one of the side streets. Then walk up on the main road and take the first trail just passed the first stop sign. Then just follow the path and enjoy!

    Jasmine L.

    I took someone's advice and parked on the residential street of Stillwater St off of Cannon St, and on a Saturday morning there was plenty of parking. As always, Zulu (the dog) came adventuring with me. In case you get confused easily like me, the trail starts right at that intersection, you'll see a little dirt hill that resembles a path going up. This hike has NO trail markers or anything, so it can be very confusing. At times I wasn't sure if I was trespassing on other property or if I was still inside what was considered to be El Modena open space. There are no benches to rest on, it pretty much is "open space" as in the name with no signs, markers, or rest stops. And I think I like it like that. It's a nice change compared to the well manicured parks in OC. As long as you stick to what you think is "probably a trail" you'll be ok. There are some nice hills and switchbacks, good inclines and declines but nothing too extreme. I can imagine just running up the hill on Cannon St would be a nice workout too. Zulu and I will definitely be back, there was another hill or two for us to explore, and its a great place for a workout (finally, trails that aren't all flat!) Also be on the lookout for glass, as there's a lot of broken bottles around. We also found graffiti on rocks, empty boxes of beer, and other random bits of things. The place is a bit creepy to go alone, even on a Saturday morning we only ran into maybe 2-3 other people. Just be careful, and bring something for self defense just in case.

    Sunset
    Julian C.

    I live off of Stillwater Ave which is at the South end of the trail and the community has taken notice of the excess parking from hikers which is cool except when they leave their litter behind. Cops now regularly patrol this street since juveniles have the reputation of drinking or getting high before or during the hike. Honestly it's not much of a hike or trail but does come with an awesome view. I normally hike it on clear days so that I can see Rancho Palos Verde, Catalina Island and beyond. Also ideal for romantic sunsets, to view Disneyland fireworks (take a flashlight, watch your step and lookout for coyotes) or if I'm too lazy/short on time to do one of the the longer nearby trails.

    This is a view of the ridges from my front yard!
    Jeremy M.

    Now this is just a nice place to hike. Wether your looking for a steep incline or just a mellow windy path up it has both from the Santiago side, which is where my cousin Travis W. Enter from. We've gone up both ways but I think we both preferred the windy as opposed to the steep uphill. You can also enter from Cannon previous reviews suggest where to park. The trail itself is fairly wide as 2 people can walk side by side. For being just an open trail its kept up fairly nice. There is glass tho so be aware if you happen to fall as there is some pretty slick sections. There are three peaks that you can hike up and all are a pretty damn good workout. The best time I'd say is after a strong wind to clean up the air. On a clear day you can see from Catalina island to downtown LA. As said prior there really is no shade so water and sunglasses are a must. I've seen a decent amount of wildlife up here as well. Tons of different birds, rabbits, and living just down the hill I hear coyotes quite often. So also keep that in mind if you have a small dog.

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    7 months ago

    SOOO BEAUTIFUL, lovely hike but it's mountain loin area so be vigilant!! Such an amazing view & very relaxing

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    5 years ago

    It's a neat place to hike. My sister & I came here to hike a little while back. Pretty view of orange.

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    8 years ago

    Joined a friend for a hike here for the first time...very rocky terrain...I've hiked a lot of trails...this one is a bit dangerous!!!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - El Modena Open Space

    Where should you park? Sounds like there is no lot. TIA

    You can park on Patria Court (Monday is street sweeping day, though), which is near the horse crossing, or you can park on Stillwater Ave. and walk across the street to the trailhead.

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    Review Highlights - El Modena Open Space

    I used the 300 N Cannon Address and parked across the street on Stillwater.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    Santiago Oaks Regional Park - Tarantula on deer

    Santiago Oaks Regional Park

    4.6(349 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    The trails and views are AMAZING! We peddle from home into Irvine Park, then into the " OAKS"…read more A must 2-3 times a week See you out there!!

    I was invited to this place by IG reels that showcased the circular stepping stones that perhaps…read moredefine this place, at least to people who have not been there. As I waited for my turn across the stepping stones, I realized that they had the capacity to only hold one person/group across. Meaning that I could not go north and others south, as an awkward dance of who goes first would occur. As I stepped on the stones, I was careful, I did not feel like I would take a false step and splash into the water that held tadpoles. Still I wanted to be young and skip and cartwheel- with carefree innocence- across these, like I imagined Finn and Sawyer would do. Why? I just feel they both embody youthful movement and limber legs. On my way back, after I experienced the park for about 80 minutes, it was my turn to wait while a woman and her dog named (Pepper- a joke I think because it had white fur) crossed. I saw the woman wrestle a bit with her dog, they were having a tug of war via leash, not a rope. Eventually, she let Pepper of her leash. The dog played in the water, splashing like Sawyer would do. When Pepper crossed the path via water and not circular steps, she did that thing that dogs do when they are damp. The dog's drying ritual splashed me with water. But seeing Pepper and her owner negotiate some pond time was worth the annoyance. As I walked, I regretted my choice to have not come earlier. The Spring sun made every step less joyful. And this place does not have much paths arched with trees that give treasured shade. In fact, in terms of natural beauty this place does not offer much. Meaning that its areas were not lush, there were no patches of green to lie in, it was a rough and brown park. I decided to make a point to find color on the walk to remind myself that even in the brow-ness of a day color exists. As my pictures show the pops of color were minimal. For instance, there were those famous mustard yellow flowers that are ready to bloom. I also clipped a picture of a sole violet flower amidst basic green and common brown. It looked like a sea urchin, the flower head. Seeing it in the moment reminded me that spirit exists because lavender it is the color of spirit according to some. And without spirit, nature is hollow because spirit makes a day in nature peaceful and reinvigorating. I also clipped a small patch (about 8 ) orange flowers, flimsy, but present in rebellion- a spark amidst the drab colors that can be comfortable described as muted. As I walked I also saw bugs that I thought were crickets. They looked like crickets but then the crickets flew. And I thought, is this how crickets jump? But then I decided they were not crickets because these animals were flyings, they had wings. Then I thought what insect is this? And then I remembered the Flash- the show from the CW. One of his major enemies, I think in Season 5 was Cicada and I thought this insect must be that. The sound that the villain made in the show was the sound that these insects were making. I took a video of it, maybe another can identify it. The park is big, like big big. I think I would need several visists to get the whole scape. I took an easy route and it was easy, the signs did not lie. I tried a difficult one the mountain goat one and it was a sweat but I did it, at least some of it. The heat was really tuckering me out. I then took another path with steps, and I crossed a bridge and I wanted to continue, but, like I said to exhaustion, the sun, the heat, made me want to run back to my car, not literally of course. This park is great, and I did not explore. It is more for trails and sweat not really for Spring joy.

    Photos
    Santiago Oaks Regional Park - In the visitor center!

    In the visitor center!

    Santiago Oaks Regional Park - Beautiful trails throughout!

    Beautiful trails throughout!

    Santiago Oaks Regional Park - Walking across the creek.

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    Walking across the creek.

    Black Star Canyon Trail - Peacock on the trail

    Black Star Canyon Trail

    4.4(393 reviews)
    6.9 mi

    Love it! It's a lot of climbing over rocks but it's great exercise. The best part of everything is…read morereaching the falls and eating a good sandwich. I do notice that many people leave their trash behind in this particular trail. PLEASE TAKE YOUR TRASH! You'll definitely get a good nap after getting home.

    First time visiting Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park to check out the "falls" and it was just as…read moreexpected. By doing a little bit of research, we learned it was best to go early - my husband and I got there at 7:45am in October on a Saturday and the lot was already starting to fill up. When we left at 11:30, the lot was very full. There is technically plenty of parking but the busier it is, the farther you would have to go just to get to the trailhead. We had a very good weather for hiking. It was overcast for the first hour or so, and there is shade when hiking along the creek, and it was partly cloudy on our way out. If hiking during the afternoon, I would recommend bringing twice as much water as you think you would need. Overall, the trail was long but not too difficult. The first 3 miles are fairly easy/moderate and only the very end being somewhat difficult because it is steep. We think the total hike was about 7-8 miles round-trip and took 3.5-4 hours at a moderate pace. In October 2025, the falls and creek were dried out after a hot summer and only one storm in months. It made crossing the creek a non-event (only a little mud and puddles in a few areas), but it also meant the waterfalls were non-existent. The trail was still very scenic and a fun hike. The end of the trail is still very beautiful when dry. Note, there are lots of mountain bikers so be alert and stay to the right side of the trail. No bathrooms, trash cans, or water fountains but still very clean; thanks to the regular hikers who help to clean up the trails. Please be kind to others and respectful to nature. Pack it on, pack it out.

    Photos
    Black Star Canyon Trail
    Black Star Canyon Trail
    Black Star Canyon Trail

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    Peters Canyon Hike - 1st timer here w Powee Dowee. Started @ 11:15 finished at 12:37 p.m. 9,031 steps 2.04.26

    Peters Canyon Hike

    4.4(386 reviews)
    3.0 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
    Peters Canyon Hike - Beautiful Wednesday afternoon w Powee Dowee 2.04.26

    Beautiful Wednesday afternoon w Powee Dowee 2.04.26

    Peters Canyon Hike - Beautiful Wednesday afternoon w Powee Dowee 2.04.26

    Beautiful Wednesday afternoon w Powee Dowee 2.04.26

    Peters Canyon Hike - Family memories

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    Family memories

    Santa Ana River Trail

    Santa Ana River Trail

    4.1(117 reviews)
    4.5 mi

    I have had this place bookmarked forever and finally experienced the Santa Ana River Trail. I live…read morein the neighboring apartments by the Angel Stadium so I have no idea why it has taken me almost two years to finally experience this gem! Entrance: Multiple entrances but the one most convenient to my apartment is right by Angel stadium parking lot across from golden road which is DuPont and Orangewood. If you don't live in the nearby apartments then I recommend parking by golden road brewery and walking over. You will see bike pathways with entrances (attached photo). Otherwise, the bike trail has quite a few bikers so don't be that annoying pedestrian that is in the way. Walk along the side, lol. If you enter by Angel Stadium the trail to the left will take you down to Honda center, roughly 1.2 miles, maybe a little less. Otherwise, the trail circles back and takes you down to Orange, and then some. I stopped around 4 miles since it started to drizzle but would love to see how long this trail can go! Tip--they cleaned up this trail tremendously. I saw no homeless people or anybody loitering. I felt safe going by myself on a Sunday morning.

    The trail, as a whole is very nice: Excellent for bikers, cyclists, runners, hikers and walkers…read more Some of the views are quite majestic, depending on the time of the day. You can see some of the most beautiful sunsets from here. However, as a woman walking by myself most of the time, I do not feel safe. Every so often you see questionable individuals who walk the trail or bike the trail. Even today, I saw a homeless man sleeping under the bridge. I really wish the police and public officials are aggressive in keeping the homeless out of this trail. There is a small homeless encampment by the Katella railway bridge. I don't walk that path anymore because I fear my safety. If you are a woman and you're walking alone, carry protective devices with you such as pepper sprays, stun guns, etc. Be alert and Vigilant. Please do not play on your phone.

    Photos
    Santa Ana River Trail
    Santa Ana River Trail
    Santa Ana River Trail

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    Hillcrest Park - Sunset view overlooking Hillcrest Park stairs and city lights

    Hillcrest Park

    4.4(163 reviews)
    9.6 mi

    Hillcrest Park in Fullerton--specifically the stairs--is no joke, but that's exactly why we love…read moreit. We went early in the morning around 7:00 AM, and it was already packed. Parking was very limited at that time, so plan ahead if you're going early. Clearly, a lot of people know this is the spot for a serious workout. The stairs themselves are brutal in the best way possible. After about three rounds, my legs were completely done--but it's such an effective workout. This place really gets your cardio in fast, and you feel accomplished every time you finish a round. The views along the way make it even more worth it. We also came back later in the day around 5:30 PM. It starts to get a bit dark around that time, so that's something to keep in mind, but it's still a great experience and totally worth it. Overall, if you're looking for a challenging, fun, and effective outdoor workout, Hillcrest Park stairs deliver every time. Just be ready for sore legs and limited parking during peak hours.

    I recently discovered the "Hillcrest Stairs" just in time to start the New Year 2026! The stairs…read moreare not easy for people who, like me, are not used to climbing them. There are 400+ steps to climb up and down. The steps are made of timber but could be wet and slippery from early morning dew, so I feel that a late morning trek is better when the stairs are dry. On my second visit, I went around 6 PM. Although the stairs are well lit, I just did not feel safe. I found myself alone at one point and looking behind me, checking if someone is coming out of the dark bushes. Maybe it's just me... But overall, if you would like to hit your 10K steps and/or your target heart rate, this is a fun way to go!

    Photos
    Hillcrest Park - My daughter (center) and a few of her friends are ready for the prom

    My daughter (center) and a few of her friends are ready for the prom

    Hillcrest Park - First maternity photo shoot

    First maternity photo shoot

    Hillcrest Park - Great location for pictures!!

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    Great location for pictures!!

    El Modena Open Space - hiking - Updated May 2026

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