Spring is hanging around a bit longer than normal this year. With June gloom in full swing, the wildflowers are the only sunshine there is right now in Orange County.
I went for a 5 mile hike around Santiago Oaks Regional Park. This is one of my favorite parks in Orange County for hiking, and mountain biking.
It is possible to put together nearly endless combinations of trails here. So even if you come here multiple times, on different days, you can have a bit of variety in your hike.
In the past, I have strung together the trails of Weir Canyon, Santiago Oaks, and Irvine Regional Park creating my own 14 mile supertrek. The possibilities are endless, and what better time for a hike around this area, than spring.
I hiked from Santiago Creek Trail, on to Oak Trail, over to Barnham Ridge, on to Anaheim Hills Trail, and back the way I came down Oak Trail.
I noticed some Cliff Aster in bloom on Anaheim Hills Trail.
Amongst the yellow mustard, were purple stinging lupine, yellow Spanish false fleabane, brisley oxtounge, bush monkey flowers, and tons of thistle. But I am uncertain the name of this one, and still on the hunt for a match on inaturalist. It’s my go to source for learning about wildflowers in the area.
Stinging Lupine.
Parking/Fees
There is no charge to park outside of the park and hike on in. Parking on Mabury Ranch Rd is one way to access the park, and the free parking lot at Fred Barrera Park, is another. I have an OC Parks Pass, which is good for all the regional parks, wilderness parks such as Caspars, along with being valid at all the trailheads along Laguna Canyon Rd. If you hike a lot in Orange County, it is just $55 a year for the pass, so you can have all access to this park, along with so many others, year-round. It is a small price to pay for all this beauty.
About the Park
It is located in east Orange alongside the Santiago Creek. This 1,269-acre park has mountain views, an old dam, an orange grove, chances to spot wildlife, and lots of history. At one point a shooting range was located in the park near Bumblebee Trail. There are trails for every level of hiker, a nature center, restrooms, and picnic areas. Occasionally there are guided hikes offered here by naturalists, including a popular full moon hike.
Hours are 7am – Sunset
Hiking in May
If you decided to visit here, just be forewarned that it is rattlesnake season. Anaheim Hills trail was particularly overgrown, making it tougher to spot snakes. But Oak Trail, Barham Ridge, and Santiago Creek Trail, were all well maintained, not to mention wide. Sticking to wider trails is a good rule of thumb from April to October, when snakes are most active.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
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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