Hiking Quail Hill Loop Trail: Family Day Trip Irvine California

Quail Hill Loop Trail Day Hike, Irvine, California, is part of the City of Irvine open space preserve. The trail is slightly over 2 miles long and perfect for a family hike. There is ample free parking available at the trailhead, along with restrooms and a water fountain. Whether you are a beginner hiker, a cyclist, or a family looking for a nature escape, Quail Hill and its surrounding network of trails offer something for everyone.

Quail Hill Loop Trail Experience:

The trail begins with an uphill climb from the parking lot to Vista Point. From the overlook, the entire Quail Hill Preserve and the Irvine Valley are visible. On a clear day, you can see downtown Los Angeles. A single track reaches the very top of Quail Hill; however, this is not a designated trail. (see picture below for summit view).

After Vista Point, the loop continues downhill toward Turtle Rock, then turns toward the San Diego Freeway. On your way back to the trailhead, you pass a reconstructed wetland area that uses plants and soil to treat urban runoff. The wetlands provide a resting and feeding place for migrating waterfowl and a water source for native wildlife.

An alternative for hiking along the freeway is to turn around and return to Vista Point before reaching the 405 freeway. The hill section of this loop offers a more enjoyable experience than hiking alongside the highway. Please note that the trail consists of a natural dirt path that is well-maintained and is, for the most part, as wide as a sidewalk.

Quail Hill Loop Self-Guided Audio Tour

While visiting the Quail Hill Loop Trail, be sure to bring your cell phone to take advantage of Irvine’s self-guided audio tour. Dial 949-743-5943 to hear natural resource interpreters and researchers explain the key features along the trail. The phone audio tour corresponds with interpretive markers (1–9) that provide insights into the area’s natural features, flora, and fauna. The tour is free, but please note that it uses your cell service. It is also available as a podcast.

Are Dogs and Bikes Allowed

Quail Hill is the only preserved open space along the 405 freeway until you reach Camp Pendleton. Even with the freeway’s background noise, this is a refreshing place to spend a few hours. Dogs on leashes are allowed on the trail, but mountain bikes are not. Several other trails, including the Shady Canyon Bikeway, branch off from the trailhead and are both dog- and bike-friendly.

Quail Hill Loop Trail Overview

Location: Quail Hill Trailhead, 34 Shady Canyon Dr, Irvine, California
Difficulty: Easy, with a modest incline. Suitable for most age groups
Features: Sweeping views of Irvine, Saddleback Mountain, and the San Gabriel and Santa Ana Mountains, especially from Vista Point.
Wildlife sightings include quail, roadrunners, hummingbirds, western meadowlarks, red-tailed hawks, white-tailed kites, coyotes, and occasionally rattlesnakes (be cautious, especially in summer).
Hours: Open year-round from dawn to dusk (7 AM to sunset).
Quail Hill Village: The parking lot is located approximately one mile from the freeway, adjacent to the fire station. Nearby, the Quail Hill Village Shopping Center offers several fast-food establishments, along with a Starbucks coffee shop.

Nearby Hiking and Biking trails

The Quail Hill Trailhead serves as a gateway to Irvine’s extensive trail network, connecting to several other trails in the Irvine Open Space Preserve and beyond.

Shady Canyon Trail (5 miles round trip, easy-moderate): Shady Canyon Drive is gated after Quail Hill. However, you can bike or hike in for a peek at this exclusive area of Orange County. Access is Directly from Quail Hill Trailhead. Shady Canyon is my favorite trail, and I hike here at least four times a week. Look for the man wearing an “Old Guys Rule” T-shirt.

Quail Trail to Serrano Ridge and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (up to 14.8 miles, moderate–challenging): A mix of single and doubletrack trails starting from Quail Hill Trailhead, leading to Serrano Ridge Viewpoint in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park via Quail Trail, Serrano Ridge, Camarillo Canyon, and Little Sycamore trails. This trail offers very little shade, and it can be easy to get lost.

Bommer Canyon Trail: Accessible via the Shady Canyon Trail or extended routes from Quail Hill, Bommer Canyon offers trails such as Bommer Meadow, West Fork, and Bommer Pass. These trails feature open meadows, sycamore groves, and views of Orange County—no E-Bikes on Boomer Canyon Trail. A small interpretive trail located next to the Cattle Camp features signage about the area’s history and information on native plants, making it well worth a visit when in Boomer Canyon. Dogs are not permitted on trails in the Bommer Canyon Preserve.

Quail Hill Loop Summary

The Quail Hill Loop Trail is an accessible, scenic, and family-friendly hike offering stunning views, wildlife, and a unique audio tour, making it a gem in Irvine’s Open Space Preserve. Its connectivity to trails like Shady Canyon, Bommer Canyon, and Serrano Ridge allows for extended adventures. Meanwhile, nearby attractions such as Tanaka Farms, Quail Hill Community Center, and the Irvine Spectrum Center offer diverse options for post-hike activities. Always prepare for sun exposure, stay vigilant for wildlife, and enjoy the natural beauty of Irvine’s open spaces.

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Southern California Family-Friendly Hiking Destinations