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    Hicks Canyon Regional Trail

    4.6 (45 reviews)

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    Horse, bike, hiking trail
    Cuong N.

    Nice walking/running trail. Not much of a "hike" as you are right up against homes and residential community the whole time. Aside from two steer under passes, the trail is flat. It's a nice trail for families with kids! If you begin the trail from Hicks Canyon Elementary and go to the end (Portola Pkwy) and back, the total distance is just over 4 miles. The trail goes under local streets so you can do complete 4 miles non-stop if you choose. There is both a paved walkway and an adjacent dirt path. The are plenty of walkers, a few bikers, and some joggers. Also, there are trees along the trail. The sun does shine through in various parts but you are not fully exposed to the sun for too long. As for parking, we went on Labor Day and there was still plenty of free parking (on the street in front of Hicks Canyon Elementary and Hicks Canyon Community Park). There are no restrooms along the trail but restrooms can be found at Hicks Canyon Community Park.

    Lena K.

    The best thing about Hicks Canyon Trail is that it's not too crowded (the times I've come) & it's safe. I come here for a nice brisk walk and sometimes a run alone & I never feel unsafe. Plus you feel like you're still out in nature with the birds chirping & beautiful tall trees. But always be cautious of your surroundings. I usually park at Hicks Canyon Park where the trail starts. In the morning parking is ample not sure during the busy times. Another interesting fact is that the trail is split. There's a paved path (cement) so even cyclists can come & a dirt path for those who need more of a real life hike feel.

    Sora L.

    This is a clean scenic residential trail. I'm jelly of the residents nearby! It takes me about 17 miles to get to this trail, but I would definitely come here often if I lived nearby. The trail has both paved and dirt roads following the residential community, which is a plus! I prefer the paved road as it is a pain to clean my shoes from the dirt every time. I don't think there are that many paved trails in OC either (that I could find). It's a flat trail, so it's good for jogging or running. I'm not sure if a lot of people know about this trail, but it's never crowded. I hope it stays that way though, because it's very relaxing and peaceful, especially during the sunset. There is more than enough places for parking at the community park.

    Amy K.

    I ran on the Hicks Canyon Trail for the first time last weekend, and I really liked it! It's about 1.25 miles of paved and unpaved trails running parallel to each other. I ran on the unpaved, smooth gravel trail, which is a nice break for your legs from the hard pavement. The trail starts from Hicks Canyon Community Park at the corner of Culver and Viewpark in Irvine and goes east. I took the trail and connected with the trail along Jamboree and up to Cedar Grove Park and Peter's Canyon. One of my running buddies told me that by running on this trail, you can actually do almost an entire marathon's distance (26.2) all on dirt if you continue through Peter's Canyon to Irvine Regional Park. Orange County has a great trail system, so if you're a runner, cyclist, walker, or hiker, you have plenty of options. Get out there and enjoy!

    Lisa E.

    Nice trail to go for a walk or ride your bike. Never crowded. Relaxing and quiet.

    Hicks canyon Trail near the park
    Jennifer F.

    Love this paved trail! My dog and I frequent it all the time! I love it better than the trail that leads to Peters Canyon. It's nice and there is spots of shade along the way!

    Jasmine L.

    Really nice outdoors, flat trail with two sides to it, dirt and paved. Lots of places for parking at the Hicks Canyon Regional Park (which is pretty much just a big soccer field). There's housing on both sides of the trail, so don't expect a total outdoors camping feeling. When you live in a city, you take what you can get. It's a long enough trail for Zulu and I to enjoy (several miles worth). On one end the trail ends, to what looks like construction across the street at Jeffrey St. At the other end of the trail, it merges into Peter Canyon Trail by the canal. We'll be back to this trail when we're looking for a lengthy yet easy walk, or as a supplement to Peters Canyon trail. You can get here also from the Jeffery open space trail.

    Plenty of trees for shade
    Ingrid V.

    "No city should be too large for a man to walk out of in a morning." --Cyril Connolly Well... you're not leaving the city on this little Hicks Canyon Trail. Heck, you're not even leaving Irvine. This little trail doesn't even give you the feeling that you're remotely away from the city as it butts up against homes and back yards. BUT... it is a damn nice trail. And the cell phone reception is fabulous. A few stats about the trail: - About 3 miles up and back from Hicks Cyn Community Park to Portola Pkwy. - Very easy. 100 ft elevation change over 1.5 miles. - West end of trail actually connects with the Peter's Canyon trail network. WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT HICKS? 1. Like the Shady Canyon Trail, Hicks sports two well maintained paths, a two-laned bike path and a gravel path. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hicks-canyon-regional-trail-irvine?select=KcR8089RokMOF6GrvWS15w#9jmLJwULOdNTnxyX2aL67Q 2. OMG LOTS OF SHADE. SHADE!!! It's such a precious commodity in this crazy heat. This trail is like an oasis compared to others. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hicks-canyon-regional-trail-irvine?select=KcR8089RokMOF6GrvWS15w#KcR8089RokMOF6GrvWS15w 3. Several rows of super old eucalyptus trees line the path: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hicks-canyon-regional-trail-irvine?select=KcR8089RokMOF6GrvWS15w#7cxl65qK8zChgBzccg0wBA 4. Nice airy, open tunnels take you under Culver Dr. and Yale Ave. so no stopping and waiting to cross a street! 5. Occasional benches and trash cans line the trail. 6. Very pet friendly. Saw lots of people walking their furry friends! 7. Convenient parking right up to the trail at Hicks Canyon Community Park! This is a great trail for runners and joggers who are training for 5K's. It is flat, smooth, and sufficiently shady! It's a great every-day trail to get some exercise on!

    seeeeee I told you I see bunnies here!

    Peaceful, quiet and scenic. I'm starting to wonder if I run because I eat way too much and want to stay skinny or if I really do love running this trail. It's such a nice break from the city views I'm used to on the east coast. Sometimes at sunrise I'll see the little bunnies on the trail :) I hear the birds behind my shuffle's music. There are two options on the trail: paved or dirt road. I like to mix it up depending on how my knees feel that day. I recently sprained my ankle so I've been jogging the smooth pavement but the dirt road is fun and parallel to the pavement. There are bikers coming from both directions so it's common courtesy to just lean to the left or right side of the trail. Share the road :) the trail runs under the main roads like Culver and Yale which is awesome because you don't have to stop at lights! I hate jogging in place at lights. I feel like everyone is looking at me and wondering why is she jogging in place at the light. lol

    Paved trail. And the unpaved trail is to the right on the other side of the fence.

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    5 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    8 months ago

    Great neighborhood hike. It's never too crowded and gets me out of my head and out in the open!

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Just pretty average local trail, next to a nice playground that's all. Nothing extravagant really.

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    10 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Love taking the dogs here! It's a nice place to roam and the scenery never gets old! Definitely worth checking it out.

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    10 years ago

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    15 years ago

    unpaved side is now reopen between Portola and Harvard. Happy trails.

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    13 years ago

    Great scenic trail. Ran the Jingle Bell 5k here last weekend. Clean and flat.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Hicks Canyon Regional Trail

    Review Highlights - Hicks Canyon Regional Trail

    Tip: The trail starts at Hicks Canyon Park and wides its way through a residencial area until it finishes at Portola.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

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    Black Star Canyon Trail - Peacock on the trail

    Black Star Canyon Trail

    4.4(393 reviews)
    5.9 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.

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

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    Quail Hill Trailhead - very peaceful

    Quail Hill Trailhead

    4.2(159 reviews)
    4.9 mi

    Quail Hill Trailhead ended up being such a refreshing and unexpectedly enjoyable place to visit,…read moreand I did not realize how much there was to appreciate until I actually stepped onto the trail. Even though it is a hiking area, the atmosphere feels peaceful and energizing at the same time, and I saw a lot of teenagers there enjoying the open space. Teens would love the atmosphere because it feels safe, open, and full of freedom. The wide views, the fresh air, and the long stretches of trail make it feel like a place where teens can explore, take pictures, and enjoy being outdoors without feeling restricted or watched. It has this natural beauty that makes you want to walk a little farther just to see what is around the next corner. The service aspect at a trailhead is different from a restaurant, but the experience still feels organized and teen friendly. The signs are clear, the paths are clean, and the entire area feels well maintained. Teens appreciate when a place is easy to navigate without confusion, and Quail Hill makes that possible. The posted information about wildlife and safety feels helpful rather than intimidating, and it gives teens the confidence to explore the trail while staying aware of their surroundings. The value at Quail Hill is something teenagers would appreciate immediately because it is completely free. Teens love places where they can hang out without spending money, and Quail Hill gives them a full experience without costing anything at all. They can walk, jog, bike, take pictures, talk with friends, or simply enjoy the scenery. It is the kind of place where teens can spend an hour or an entire afternoon and feel like they got something meaningful out of it without paying a single dollar. The quality of the environment is another thing that stands out. The trail is clean, the views are beautiful, and the whole area feels peaceful in a way that teenagers would find refreshing. Teens who love taking pictures would have a great time here because the scenery looks almost unreal at certain points, with bright skies, rolling hills, and natural lighting that makes every photo look good. The environment feels like a perfect backdrop for creative pictures, and teens love places that make their photos look amazing without any effort. The selection at Quail Hill comes from the different ways you can enjoy the space. Teens can walk, jog, bike, bring pets, take pictures, or simply sit and enjoy the view. It is not a place where you are limited to one activity. Instead, it gives teens the freedom to choose the pace and style that fits their mood. That kind of flexibility is something teens really appreciate because it lets them shape the experience however they want. This was my first time visiting Quail Hill Trailhead before writing this review, and it ended up being one of the most enjoyable outdoor places I have been to in a long time. I would highly recommend that teenagers go there because the atmosphere is peaceful and energizing, the organization makes it easy to enjoy, the value is unbeatable, the quality of the scenery is beautiful, and the selection of activities gives teens a chance to feel creative and free. It is a perfect spot for teens who want something fun, refreshing, and memorable.

    Quail Hill Loop is an easy, relaxed hike that wasn't busy during our visit, though I imagine it…read moregets much more crowded during spring and superbloom season. With the fog and chilly weather, it had an almost European countryside feel, which was a pleasant surprise for Southern California. It genuinely didn't feel like Irvine at all. A big plus is the location. Being so close to Tanaka Farms makes this an easy stop to pair with a produce run, and I can see it becoming part of our regular routine when we're in the area. The main downside: dog owners who don't pick up after their pets. We spent a good portion of the walk playing dodge the poop with our dogs, which definitely took away from the experience. Overall, a lovely trail, just wish people were more considerate.

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    Quail Hill Trailhead - 1.8 Mile loop

    1.8 Mile loop

    Quail Hill Trailhead
    Quail Hill Trailhead

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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)
    2.0 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

    Back Bay Loop Trail - Back Bay Residents

    Back Bay Loop Trail

    4.5(174 reviews)
    10.1 mi

    The Back Bay Loop Trail is one of the best spots in Orange County for scenic views and outdoor…read moreactivity. Whether you're into hiking, biking, or running, this trail is a great option for all levels. It's especially beginner-friendly since there's very little elevation gain or loss. However, it is on the longer side, so I recommend coming prepared for a bit of distance. The views definitely make it worth it though. You can always ditch and go back to your car at any point if you find the hike too long. One of my favorite parts is that there are some great coffee shops you can stop by near different access points along the loop. The area also feels very safe. Overall, this is a perfect go-to trail if you're looking for something scenic and easy.

    Can't believe it's been over five years since my last review of this trail…read more My opinion stands strong that the Newport Back Bay is the coolest walking trail in Orange County. This little plot of land feels like a nature oasis, easily accessible, but hidden from the craziness that's Southern California. While I still enjoy a relaxing walk here, I've recently started paddle boarding the Newport Back Bay. I couldn't list a better location for paddleboarding. It feels like it's just you, the ocean, and tons of wildlife. You'll stumble upon jumping fish, crabs, stingray, and all types of unique birds. Such an incredible escape, crazy that it's right in the center of Newport Beach.

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    Back Bay Loop Trail - Back Bay Life

    Back Bay Life

    Back Bay Loop Trail
    Back Bay Loop Trail - Ready for a hike?

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    Ready for a hike?

    Hicks Canyon Regional Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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