Quail Hill Loop Trail is part of the
City of Irvine open space preserve. The trail is 1.8
miles long and perfect for a family hike. There is ample
free parking at the trail head and if you bring along
your cell phone there is an audio tour.
The loop begins with an up hill climb to Vista Point.
From this overlook you can see the entire Quail Hill
Preserve and the Irvine Valley. On a clear day you can
see all the way to downtown Los Angeles. The very top
of Quail Hill is reached by a single track and is not
a designated trail. (see picture below for summit view).
After Vista Point the loop continues downhill toward
Turtle Rock before turning toward the San Diego Freeway.
On you way back to the trail head you pass a reconstructed
wetland area which uses plants and soil to treat urban
runoff.
The wetlands provide a resting and feeding place for
migrating water fowl and a water source for native wildlife.
Another option to hiking along the freeway is to turn
around and hike back to Vista Point before you get to
the 405. The hill section of the loop is a much more
enjoyable then the freeway hike.
Quail Hill is the only preserved open
space along the 405 freeway until you reach Camp Pendelton.
Even with the background noise of the freeway this is
a refreshing place to spend a few hours. Dogs on leash
are allowed on the trail mountain bikes are not.
