Peters Canyon Regional Park is a popular hiking area between the cities of Irvine, Tustin, and Orange, within Orange County. It is consistently rated as one of The Best Trails in Orange County. The park is open from 7am to sunset daily.
What To Expect
The hikes range from a short less than one mile hike over flat terrain through the canyon, or along the reservoir, to the more moderate three mile reservoir loop, which has a few steeper sections. There is also a more strenuous, yet popular 6 mile loop, along several steep roller coaster like hills, including a high point with great views, which encircles the entire park.
Parking
There is a $3 day use fee to park in the parking area, or you can use a park pass. The park is accessible through a variety of trailheads, some of which are within neighborhoods. You can view the trailhead options, along with a trail map here.
About the Trails
The trail is shared with cyclists, horses, and dogs are also permitted on trails, on a leash. There is a reservoir, and riparian area, along with a small creek within the park. Since it is located close to the Santa Ana mountains, and has it’s own wetland, there is a chance to see migratory birds, along with raptors, such as red tail hawks. The park has several forested areas of cottonwoods, and eucalyptus trees.
Depending on the hour of the day, some of the trails become shady. Most of the trails here are exposed to sun, and offer little shade. The trails are all well maintained, and highly trafficked. The terrain of the park ranges from hard packed decomposed granite, to dirt, with a few short paved sections. There are places to rest around the park, and picnic benches.
The Peak
The highlight of the park is a hike up a steep trail, to the peak, where you can gaze out on the surrounding area, and get the best view, along with the best workout. No visit to Peter’s Canyon is complete for me, without a hike to the top.
Easy or Moderate Trails
But if elevation gain is not your thing, you may want to just stick to the reservoir, the less steep grades here. There are plenty of options, regardless of your hiking abilities. I guess that’s why Peter’s Canyon is so popular. It is centrally located, easy to access, and free to visit, if you happen to find street parking.
Nature Not Stereos
I come to enjoy the sounds of nature, not boomboxes. Just because you love what you are listening to, does not mean other people do. Out of respect for those, looking to escape civilization, and get a mental health break, leave your boom boxes at home. That is my only caveat on this hike, and other trails in the area, the boombox trend. Headphones cost as little as five bucks, so don’t forget them when you hit the trails. Better yet, just listen to the sound of nature.
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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