A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Irvine, California

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

James Dilley Preserve Combo

Hike Route

James Dilley Preserve Combo

Lake
moderate
4.56 mi
+605 ft
Laurel Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Laurel Canyon Loop

Birding
moderate
3.44 mi
+629 ft
Borrego Canyon to Vista Point

Hike Route

Borrego Canyon to Vista Point

Birding
moderate
4.75 mi
+764 ft
Borrego Canyon + Red Rock Canyon Trails

Hike Route

Borrego Canyon + Red Rock Canyon Trails

easy
4.25 mi
+478 ft
Irvine Regional Park Loop

Hike Route

Irvine Regional Park Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
4.79 mi
+273 ft
Lookout Loop

Hike Route

Lookout Loop

Less Crowded
strenuous
4.8 mi
+671 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Mountains to Sea Trail

Hike Route

Mountains to Sea Trail

moderate
19.55 mi
+173 ft
Newport Bay Nature Preserve Trail

Hike Route

Newport Bay Nature Preserve Trail

Birding
moderate
10.24 mi
+182 ft
Aliso Wood Canyon 20-Mile Loop

Hike Route

Aliso Wood Canyon 20-Mile Loop

Views
strenuous
20.04 mi
+2,695 ft
Whiting Ranch 20k

Hike Route

Whiting Ranch 20k

Views
moderate
12.54 mi
+1,625 ft
Beek's Place via Black Star Falls

Hike Route

Beek's Place via Black Star Falls

Historical
moderate
14.99 mi
+2,387 ft
Black Star Canyon to Beek's Place

Hike Route

Black Star Canyon to Beek's Place

Views
strenuous
15.82 mi
+2,162 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Bommer Canyon-Turtle Ridge Loop

Hike Route

Bommer Canyon-Turtle Ridge Loop

Spring
moderate
5.65 mi
+901 ft
Stagecoach South Intermediate Loop

Hike Route

Stagecoach South Intermediate Loop

Birding
moderate
7.73 mi
+1,221 ft
Crystal Cove Loop

Hike Route

Crystal Cove Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
9.08 mi
+1,341 ft
El Moro Western Loop

Hike Route

El Moro Western Loop

Birding
moderate
7.47 mi
+1,267 ft
Serrano Creek Trail

Hike Route

Serrano Creek Trail

Dogs Allowed
moderate
9.88 mi
+567 ft
Peter's Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Peter's Canyon Loop

Lake
moderate
5.64 mi
+681 ft