Irvine is home to over 200 parks and green spaces, where you can enjoy nature, exercise, and get fresh air. There are also several public trails that allow you to explore the city without leaving its boundaries.
There are many great trails in Irvine, CA. Some of them are located near residential areas, while others are hidden away in the woods. Check out these top five trails below.
Oak Canyon Trail
This trail runs along a creek through beautiful oak trees and offers amazing views of Irvine. It is perfect for jogging or walking, but it’s not recommended if you have any kind of heart condition.
The whole trail measures roughly 5.3 kilometers long and you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of gorgeous wildflowers and fauna along the way.
The first half of this trail is pretty moderate and relaxing, whereas the second half is a little more challenging as you’ll encounter sandy beaches and rocky hills.
Irvine Creek Trail
Located just south of downtown, this trail follows Irvine Creek all the way from Westpark Village to Lake Forest Park. The path takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete depending on how fast you go.
You’ll pass many city landmarks along this route and down a creek with lots of interesting wildlife and plans. This trail is perfect for hikers and bikers alike and is pretty short and relaxing, making it suitable for just about everyone, including kids.
Silverado Trail
This trail is part of the larger San Joaquin Hills Trail System. It starts at the intersection of Silverado Canyon Road and Ortega Highway and goes through open space before ending at the junction with the San Joaquin Hills Trail.
It’s essentially a super long country road that passes through dozens of vineyards and wineries along the way. This trail is especially perfect for bikers and runners as it won’t be as overcrowded as some other trails in the area.
Bolsa Chica State Beach
This beach has a 2-mile paved bike path surrounding it that leads to the Pacific Ocean. You can rent bikes nearby as well. The path itself is very wide and paved so you won’t have to worry about colliding with other hikers and bikers while on the route.
Here, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and snack shacks along the trail, all with a fantastic panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. But be sure to bring a jacket, this trail can get pretty windy.
Orange County Great Park
This park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It covers over 600 acres and features two golf courses, hiking trails, fishing spots, horseback riding, tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and more.
The path itself is a generous 11 foot wide, so there’ll be plenty of room for you to hike alongside other runners and cyclists without fear of collision or crowds.
You’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous California Native landscape and witness an array of flora and fauna in its natural habitat.
Los Olivos Trail
This trail connects to other trails such as the Los Olivos Creek Trail, which will take you back towards downtown.
There are two separate trails to choose from here; one easy trail that is dog-friendly and suitable for those who don’t want to walk very far or those with children, and one trail that is a little more traveling and suitable for people wanting a longer hike.
There are plenty of birdwatching opportunities here and even a few campsites dotted around if you needed somewhere to rest for the night.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy Nature Preserve
This preserve is made up of over 100 square miles of protected land. It was once used as a cattle ranch but now makes up a nature reserve managed by the organization.
The concrete surfaced road has a steadier grip than the dirt tracks and single-track pathways found in Limestone Preserve, but it is starting to show its history with fractures, holes, and unexpected dips.
The terrain is mostly pleasant, making this a perfect trip for anyone looking for a “wilderness adventure” without getting messy.
Bear Creek Trail
This trail begins behind the Irvine Spectrum Center and heads north into the hills. It ends near the community of Woodbury. As you trace the Bear Creek wash up into the Santa Rosa slopes, the very first mile is straight and pleasant.
Then you begin climbing, twisting your way up like a canyon through the peaks and bends, ultimately reaching a vantage point from which you can see for kilometers.
You start winding down into a canyon set in the sandy mountains at the end to uncover a magnificent concealed fan palm paradise. It’s a difficult one, but the rewards are enormous.
Should I Run Everyday?
Should I run everyday? What about every other? Figuring out how often you should run is a tricky one.
So how often should you run? Running every day may be good for you, but there is no need to do it every day. Running too much could cause injuries because of the excess wear and tear on your body.
Try to stick to three times per week and make sure you give yourself enough time to recover.
What’s The Best Type Of Shoes For Running?
If you want to avoid blisters when you run, then buy good quality running shoes and learn how to break in new running shoes. Good running shoes will provide support and comfort when you run.
They should fit snugly so they won’t slip around when you’re doing exercises like jumping rope, side shuffles, lunges, squats, and high knees.
Should I Warm Up Before Running?
Warming up properly is essential for preventing injury. Before you start exercising, stretch out all of your muscles. Start slowly with light jogging and gradually increase your speed until you reach your desired pace. You can use this method to warm up both your heart and mind.
Final Thoughts
These are the best running routes in Irvine. Hopefully, you find something interesting here. Don’t forget to share this list with your friends and family and keep the list handy for your next trip to Irvine, CA!
