Distance: 6.1 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Gain: 750 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Irvine, CA
Parking: At trailhead
Cost: $3 per day or OC Parks Pass
Maps: Alltrails
In this Guide:
> What to Expect
>The Trails
>Highlights
>Birdwatching
Intro
It’s one of the most popular hiking trails in Orange County, and it is popular with hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. With distant mountain views, just about anyone looking to get fit outdoors will find a reason to like the trails of Peter’s Canyon. Multiple hills, wide accessible trails, and numerous route options draw a crowd. The reservoir and neighboring marsh create a habitat for migrating birds, making it a birding destination as well.
What to Expect
There is a reservoir on the north side of Peter’s Canyon Regional Park and a marsh area. Be prepared for the sun, and crowds, especially on weekends. Much of the north side of the park experiences full sun, and the south section has a shady Eucalyptus Grove, which can provide partial shade along the trail running along the canyon. There is a scattering of large trees, benches, and picnic tables for taking a break throughout the park. The large parking area on the east end of the park fills quickly, and there is minimal street parking, to the west end of the park.
The Trails
The North Loop Trail leads around the reservoir. Taking the Cactus Point Trail will give a closer look at the marsh and is the best opportunity for birdwatching. Taking Willow Trail which is closed seasonally, will link up with Peter’s Canyon Trail, which has one climb, but is mostly flat. From here you can meet up with Creek Trail, which heads through a marshy bog, with bridges and a boardwalk, perfect for kids to spot tadpoles. You can link up with the East Ridge Trail, from here via Scout Hill or Gnatcatcher Trail.
Highlights
Along the East Ridge, you will be met with a series of steep hills, and get in a good workout, heading to the high point along Upper East Ridge View, which rises to 668 feet giving a good view of the entire area and surrounding mountain peaks. There are many interpretive signs explaining the flora and fauna of the park, so it’s also one of the best places in Orange County, for outdoor education with kids.
Birdwatching
Several species of birds nest here, visit seasonally, or call this place home year-round. You may spot a the Great Blue Heron, Roadrunner, Snowy Egret, California Quail, Allen’s Hummingbird, Red Tail Hawk, Acorn Woodpecker, or the Cactus Wren. Several species of geese, ducks, and songbirds, fly throughout this canyon. There is even an endangered species, Bells Vireo, which nests here.
My Route
I began on the east side of the park, hiking the North Loop along the reservoir toward Peter’s Canyon Trail, where I made a right, heading west. I made a right down onto Creek Trail through the marsh, along the boardwalk, crossing over small bridges. I returned to Peter’s Canyon Trail, heading west again, before making a sharp left up Scout Trail, climbing to the ridge. I made a left again along East Ridge Trail, heading east again, before picking up Gnatcatcher, and heading back down to Peter’s Canyon Trail. I made a right, heading along the reservoir toward Willow Trail (open seasonally), heading back to my car in the parking area. My loop hike was 6.1 miles with about 600 feet of gain.
Even during fall there were flecks of color, such as these bright yellow and red Brazillian Pepper tree berries. The bright yellow goldenrod, dark maroon long dried buckwheat blossoms, all intermingling with fluffy white seed pods. It’s time for nature to start anew, to plant seeds, that will grow again in spring, which begins in late January. Fall is short, and so is winter here in Orange County.
Where North Loop meets Willow Trail
Did you know forest bathing is known to reduce stress due to chemicals released from the trees?
Conclusion
This is one of those trails you can depend on to be well maintained, and get in a consistent workout. If you prefer to not be alone on the trail, then you won’t be here. I love to hike solo most of the time, free of a set itinerary, to just have time to think about stuff, free of loud group chatter. Since not everyone is comfortable hiking alone, Peter’s Canyon is a good option especially if you are just starting out as a solo hiker. I prefer heading into nature more for peace, and quiet to hear the birds sing.
Fun Fact: Did you know that listening to birds is a huge stress reducer?
Note: One thing about Peter’s Canyon is “some people,” like to play boomboxes. That is the one turn off about it, along with the lack of parking and crowds on weekends or after work.
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 2024 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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