Summer is here, and the grasses are dried to a bone here in Orange County. Many shades of yellow, orange, and brown are all that remain, dotted with just a few late season wildflowers, native to California.
Open Space
I love open space, and getting outside into nature to quiet places where the birds sing to hike a few miles every day. Sometimes I explore new trails I have never been, such as this one. Today I would hike just 3 miles through this preserve.
What To Expect
This Talbert Nature Preserve sits within 208 acres of mostly open space. It has many miles of trails, and sits on the outskirts of Costa Mesa, beginning in Fairview Park, and extending throughout Talbert Regional Park. continuing alongside the Santa Ana River Trail. The preserve is bordered on the north by the Fairview wetlands, and on the south by land which is also a wetland, formerly called Banning Ranch.
Terrain
The trails here are mostly hard packed dirt. There are several sets of stairs heading down towards the Santa Ana trail, and the lower part of Fairview Park, and the Talbert Nature Preserve. The Santa Ana River Trail, links up to this trail, and is fully paved, so it is also bicycle friendly.
Scenery
There are view’s of the surrounding nature preserve, the Santa Ana River, Huntington Beach, and on a clear day, you can perhaps see the Pacific Ocean in the distance. The park is composed of native coastal low growing shrubs. It is green in springtime, and filled with wildflowers. The greenery and color fades as summer arrives, where there will just be a few wildflowers growing. I observed some wild non-native, fennel, with its golden yellow flowers, that remained in bloom into August.
Crowd Factor
This is a popular park, but not as popular as others, like Peters Canyon, or Irvine Regional. It lacks the wow factor of other parks in the area. At certain times of the year, the park hosts free concerts, and other festivals. Then you can expect the biggest crowds.
Parking
The parking at Fairview is free. There are parking areas for Fairview Park, one on Placentia Avenue, and another on Canyon Ave.
Wildlife
You’re likely to see lots of birds here, especially shorebirds. There are all the usual critters living here, including rattlesnakes. There are lots of rabbits, rodents, and coyotes living in this park. After dark coyotes have been known to go after small dogs, so be aware.
Rating
This hike is rated as easy, since the terrain is flat, and easy to access.
Seasons
The best time of year to visit here depends on you. If you’re coming for wildflowers, then springtime, from February to April is the best time. If you’re just to get in a bit of exercise, then this park is great year round. If you like free concerts, and don’t mind crowds, you may want to visit in summertime.
What’s Nearby
- The Orange County Model Engineers offer free train rides, on model trains, just across the street once a month.
- The 30+ mile long Santa Ana River Trail runs from Yorba Linda, all the way to Newport Beach, connecting with the Huntington Beach trail.
Overall
If you’re looking for a bit of nature in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Costa Mesa, then the Talbert Nature Preserve is a nice spot to take a break.
Talbert Nature Preserve Alltrails Map
Leave No Trace
Just be sure to come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the wilderness pristine for future hikers.
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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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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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