A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Santa Ana, 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.

Lookout Loop

Hike Route

Lookout Loop

Less Crowded
moderate
4.8 mi
+671 ft
Irvine Regional Park Loop

Hike Route

Irvine Regional Park Loop

Family Friendly
easy
4.79 mi
+273 ft
Santiago Creek to Robber's Roost

Hike Route

Santiago Creek to Robber's Roost

Views
easy
3.35 mi
+681 ft
Weir Canyon Loop Trail

Hike Route

Weir Canyon Loop Trail

Family Friendly
easy
3.67 mi
+706 ft
James Dilley Preserve Combo

Hike Route

James Dilley Preserve Combo

Lake
easy
4.56 mi
+605 ft
Laurel Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Laurel Canyon Loop

Birding
easy
3.44 mi
+629 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

strenuous
19.56 mi
+173 ft
Newport Bay Nature Preserve Trail

Hike Route

Newport Bay Nature Preserve Trail

Birding
easy
10.24 mi
+182 ft
OCTA 30k

Hike Route

OCTA 30k

Lake
strenuous
18.94 mi
+1,172 ft
Fullerton Loop

Hike Route

Fullerton Loop

Birding
moderate
11.22 mi
+877 ft
Fullerton Loop

Hike Route

Fullerton Loop

strenuous
16 mi
+1,447 ft
Aliso Wood Canyon 20-Mile Loop

Hike Route

Aliso Wood Canyon 20-Mile Loop

Views
extreme
20.04 mi
+2,695 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.

Peter's Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Peter's Canyon Loop

Lake
moderate
5.64 mi
+681 ft
Bommer Canyon-Turtle Ridge Loop

Hike Route

Bommer Canyon-Turtle Ridge Loop

Spring
moderate
5.65 mi
+899 ft
Crystal Cove Loop

Hike Route

Crystal Cove Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
9.08 mi
+1,297 ft
Stagecoach South Intermediate Loop

Hike Route

Stagecoach South Intermediate Loop

Birding
moderate
7.73 mi
+1,227 ft
Limestone Canyon Lollipop

Hike Route

Limestone Canyon Lollipop

Birding
moderate
9.62 mi
+836 ft
El Moro Western Loop

Hike Route

El Moro Western Loop

Birding
moderate
7.47 mi
+1,267 ft