Weir Canyon is one of the most popular hiking trails in Anaheim Hills. The 4 mile loop trail can be accessed just off South Hidden Canyon Rd. where street parking is free, except where signs state otherwise.
A Charred Past
On this hike, you will pass plenty of interesting rock formations, and several old oak trees, amongst the dry coastal chaparral vegetation. The scattered remains of charred trees and fence posts are a reminder of past fires in the canyon. These occur every few years, and depend on a variety of factors.
Red Flag Warnings
This is a high fire danger area, and you may want to think twice about hiking here during the Santa Ana winds, and red flag fire warnings.
An Oak Grove
A beautiful oak woodland fills the valley below. A closed off and gated trail through the valley, is open only for guided hikes by the Irvine Ranch.
This is a place you can find a bit of peace and quiet, especially during the cooler months, and on weekdays when it is least crowded.
The park has some pretty spectacular views, sandwiched between Santiago Oaks Regional Park to the west, and the Santa Ana Mountains to the south. The high mountain peaks of the Angeles Forest and San Gabriels can be seen off to the north.
The hills may be dry, brown, and barren here much of the year, even in spring.
This 4 mile loop trail is a relatively short hike with just 500 feet of gain, which takes approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete, suitable for most hikers, even beginners.
A Supertrek
Though there is no exact definition, I define a supertrek, as the combination of several trails, in one hike, where you push your limits a little. After completing this 4 mile loop, you could hike further along the main trail to Barham Ridge inSantiago Oaks Regional Park, on a supertrek of your own.
USGS Markers
See if you can find this USGS marker, or benchmark while here, which marks the springs down below. These are survey points on the earth. These are, “cast metal disks with stamped legends on their face set in rock ledges, embedded in the tops of concrete pillars, or affixed to the tops of pipes that have been sunk into the ground. These marks are intended to be permanent.” (Wikipedia) Learn more about benchmarks here.
Poppies
Spring is wildflower season, and you may even spot poppies here. They tend to bloom from late February until early May. In a dry year such as 2022, there were just a few small patches. But during a super bloom year, the hillsides may be literally covered in them.
Some parts of this trail are roped off and inaccessible, due to habitat rehabilitation.
You are not far from civilization here, and surrounded by homes. But in spite of all that, this area has frequent wildlife sightings, so be vigilant when hiking here, especially when alone.
Why I Love It
Weir Canyon has great views, points of interest, pristine natural surroundings, and wildflowers. All of this along with peace and quiet, are the reasons I love this hike.
Hours
The park is open from 7am to Sunset, which are the same hours as Santiago Oaks Regional Park.
You can check out this map of Weir Canyon here on alltrails.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2021 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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