My hike and trail run up to Turtle Ridge began at Bommer Vista Point Trailhead in Irvine.
There are just a handful of parking spots here, and restrooms. The trail begins alongside upscale homes on your left, with the 241 Toll Road to your right.
There is a reason I had not hiked from this trailhead before. The first reason is the houses, since I like to be as far from civilization as possible. My least favorite places to hike or explore usually have a combination of too many people, are too close to a neighborhood, is by a busy or noisy road, or have power lines. When you think of getting out into nature, you want to experience it in its entirety.
A Close Call
After just 5 minutes on the trail, almost mowed over by a mountain biker, who drifted over to the right where I was, within inches of hitting my arms with their handlebars. An aggressive anti-hiker move if I ever saw one, since the trail was about 10 feet wide. After that unnecessary close call, I overcame thoughts of all the rich yuppies here on bikes, who think they own the trail, and rampant mountain biker localism.
I want to get as far away from manicured grass, and noise pollution as possible. I want to hear the birds, and smell the flowers, not hear cars and lawnmowers, while smelling fumes. I think most people feel the same. Though I do appreciate that they built trails here, simply for daily exercise, since not everyone has time to drive to some out of the way place, just to go on a quick jog.
I have hiked to Turtle Ridge before, from Bommer Canyon, past Cattle Camp. That is a beautiful trail, and I remembered the views are nothing short of spectacular atop Turtle Ridge. Freeways, and freeway dust aside. I wanted to see what this trail was all about, from a different approach.
So on I went up Turtle Ridge trail, undeterred by aggressive mountain bikers.
I started to get a momentum going, jogging as much as possible while ascending steadily uphill. I would slow down and just hike, when my heart was beating too fast. I try to push my limits as much as possible, while still enjoying it, and try not to pass out is all.
Mountain runners intrigue me, hopping, skipping, and jumping through the high peaks of Colorado, Madeira, and the Swiss Alps. If ever there was something I might want to do in my life, that was a sport, that might be it. It just looks like so much fun, and also a great way to get seriously injured. Simply tripping on a rock could send you flying over a cliff.
I aspire to be that light on my toes, but who knows if I ever will be able to call myself a mountain runner. For today it’s just running up the hill until I am out of breath. Nothing gets me more pumped to start running, than heading down a beautiful trail, with nature sounds all around. I don’t get the exact feeling on the pavement, but I certainly try.
I wanted to get in a workout, and trail running is much more my thing, than road running. I just like it when my feet land on soft dirt, rather than hard surfaces. It’s better for your joints, and you longevity as a runner too. The last thing I want is to get injured, so I try to choose which trails to run on or not to. I still remember when I was walking down Mount Whitney after a first attempt, completely exhausted, with about two miles to go. I tripped flying over the side of a switchback, just past the Outpost Camp. Small rocks and roots on trails have always been my nemesis. I slid, and caught some branches, and was fine. I was startled by how fast it happened. In my haste to get back to my car, I was being a bit careless with my footing.
I started to notice some ruts in the trail, as I came to the entrance gate, just past the houses. It has recently rained, and they were definitely in need of maintenance.
I began to spot Mount Baldy in the distance, and Saddleback Mountain, within the Santa Anas, before me.
Once near the top, I could spot Catalina Island. The valley was very green over toward Bommer Canyon this time of year. At the peak, there is a poured concrete slab. I did not stop for long, and jogged back. My goal was to spend about an hour here, getting in a workout, with a nice view.
Hiking and jogging seem to clear my mind of unnecessary thoughts, and help me to refocus on what matters. They are a way to simply admire God’s creation, and be grateful.
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 2023 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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