About us
Welcome! (Require: a personal photo and introduce yourself to the group)
***By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings***
- Click RATING TABLE to learn more about difficulty levels. Click HikingOC Policy to read more FYI. https://www.meetup.com/hikingoc/messages/boards/thread/53724845
Take a quick look at our Events Calendar to see what events are on the horizon
- • Join us whether you are new or experienced in Hiking. There are different levels, but we all share one common: using our legs to move up down hills. Most of the time on dirt trails, but there are different terrains: rocky or gravels or in water, river or mud; different settings: mountain, forest, wilderness or desert.
• Contact us if you are interested to join the Organizer Team and organize Hikes local OC or out of town Hikes to those who share the same interest. Our wide open calendar will fill with events during the weekdays, but mostly the weekends. Our events or trips are generated by volunteer effort and time of volunteer organizers.
[All Our Organizers Volunteer their Time and Effort for Free Cost to Most Events]
• Once or twice per month, there will be events or trips that require payments. These are costs to cover your expenses and fund raising to "HikingOC Fund".
• "HikingOC Fund" will generate profit after the costs from events monthly. It will maintain the group website, support all HikingOC volunteered organizers who contribute to build this hiking group, an outdoor active community and to donate to the good causes or charities.
• If you like to do a great cause in honor our group name, please support helping those affected by disasters or the National Park Services (we hike on many lands of the National Parks.) We are sure your support is highly appreciated and rescues the unfortunates! There are many Non-Profit Organizations, please contact direct AMERICAN RED CROSS ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER for more info
***Read more past hikes on A Journey with HikingOC -- ANP Tourism-Lifetime Memory
for more Travel Trips in the US and Many Regions in the World***
Check on the IMAGES to see our photo albums
Upcoming events
221
Turtle Rock Hills Hike on Sunday at Sunset near UCI /Levels 2 to 3
Turtle Rock, 1 Concordia, Irvine, CA, USWeekly sunset Sunday hike on the hills of Turtle Rock.
>>>Slow pace/new hikers or beginners can turn around at Turtle Rock Road and walk back to trailhead if you can't keep up with the groupPlease keep in mind: Hikers will join the hosts for a workout together; there is no leader or sweeper on this hike
Meeting: 4 PM
This hike is rated level 2 for pace and elevation. Please see the RATING TABLE for more info about difficulty levels https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating
Duration: ~1.5 to 2 hours
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation: 1100ftESSENTIALS: Bring water, and shoes that will provide grip on dirt trails/hills (like hiking shoes or trail runners)
DIRECTIONS: Address: 1 Concordia, Irvine
ABOUT THIS HIKE:
(No restrooms) This is a workout conditioning hike composed of a looped route with a mix of trails and sidewalk/bike paths, along with some not too long but fairly steep hills. The two popular hills: French Hill and Suicide Hill at Turtle Rock. This loop, which uses city streets, single-track trails and a little bit of climbing, is one of several possible routes that visit the two summits. This hike requires regular hikers or those who have exercise experience stair stepper or treadmill on 5-7 degree incline. The trail is dog friendly.
Route:
The hike begins with a steep climb up French Hill, gaining 200 feet in about 0.3 miles. At the top, you get a nice view of the Santa Ana Mountains and you can also see the other destination, Turtle Rock, to the left.
At the top, bear right, pass by a small summit marker, and begin heading downhill, toward a residential neighborhood. The trail swings around the back side of the houses and begins to curve south, making a moderate ascent to a ridge. Here, you get nice views of the Laguna Canyon area and the San Joaquin Hills.
At 1.2 miles, you begin a sharp descent toward Ridgeline Drive. Head right and follow a trail that’s been beaten on the side of the road. Soon you cross Hillsborough, where you can follow a proper sidewalk up to the intersection with Turtle Rock Drive.
Cross the street and continue following Ridgeline, looking for a paved walkway heading downhill 1.9 miles. At the bottom of a hill, where the walkway makes a hairpin turn, continue straight on a dirt trail. Never getting too far from the residential area on the right, you climb to another ridge. Head right at a junction, where you’ll see Turtle Rock ahead of you, with its geological outcrops that resemble turtles. You descend into a pleasant wooded area, reaching a paved walkway at about 2.6 miles.
Head left, and almost immediately take a hard right and begin climbing a staircase. At the top, head right and continue your ascent. A little bit of scrambling, though nothing too difficult, is required to reach the top of Turtle Rock 2.9 miles, where you enjoy a nice view of almost all of Orange County, and on clear days, beyond.
Continuing north, you descend steeply from Turtle Rock. Turn left at the next junction and head through a meadow, toward the intersection of San Rufino and Via Novella 3.4 miles. Follow Via Novella to Amalfi Drive, head right and turn right again on Turtle Rock Drive. Heading slightly uphill, follow Turtle Rock 0.4 miles back to the starting point.
REMINDER:
By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings
>>>YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
>>>YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY
***Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***18 attendees
Newport Back Bay Interpretive Center to Vista Point - Level 1+
2301 University Dr, Newport Beach, CA, USPlease join us for an easier hike at Newport Back Bay. This walk is suitable for strong beginners. See details below.
This hike is for humans. Kindly leave your canine friends at home.
## Key Info:
## Meet and Greet at Muth Interpretive Center at 8:45 AM.
## Hike Briefing at 8:55 AM.
## The hike departs promptly at 9:00 AM.
## If you arrive late or otherwise choose to do this walk on your own, just follow the directions detailed below. And bring a friend!Length: This hike/walk is about 4 miles.
Terrain: Paved multi-use path, with a few dirt trails.
Difficulty: This walk is very flat. If you can walk 3 miles in about an hour, this hike should be fine for you.
Pace: Relaxed/Easy (25 minutes/mile).Description: From the Muth Interpretive Center, we will walk the bike/pedestrian trail over the bridge and then turn left and walk by the vineyard. Then we walk through the equestrian neighborhood and back to the bike/pedestrian trail and continue around the bay to Vista Point, where we turn around and head back to the Interpretive Center. There are nice views of Newport Back Bay and maybe good bird watching.
Sometimes we may see some wildlife: quail, hawks, roadrunners, coyotes, bunny wabbits, and if we are very lucky, maybe a snake or a tarantula.
Rating: Level 1+ - Click here for hike RATING TABLE
Parking: There is plenty of free parking at the Muth Interpretive Center. See the Photos section for the location of the Parking lot and meeting spot. Park in the lot, or on the street. GPS Address: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA. The map pin points to the parking area.
NOTE: You can't actually see the Interpretive Center from the parking lot. You have to walk down a small hill. Please follow the signs at the end of the parking lot, pictured in the main Feature photo at the top of this hike posting. We meet on the lower deck behind the Center, NOT the rooftop observation deck.
Facilities: There are restrooms available at the Muth Interpretive Center.
What to bring: Water and snacks, sunglasses, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, maybe a hat or umbrella for sun protection, a happy attitude and a big smile!
REMINDER:
By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings
> YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
> YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETYHiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, mountain lions, coyotes, snake bites or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike.
8 attendees
Weir Canyon Loop and Santiago Oaks Combo. (Level 2+/Moderate)
Weir Canyon Trailhead, 1195 S. Hidden Canyon Rd., Anaheim, CA, USThis moderate pace 7 mile hike is appropriate for Intermediate level hikers who actively exercise or hike regularly. Hike is to be completed in about 3+ hours. We will first do the Weir Canyon Loop, then continue into neighboring Santiago Oaks Park and hike the Deer Trail.
Please see the RATING TABLE for more info about difficulty levels https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating
DESCRIPTION: An area of hilltop open space, Weir Canyon Wilderness Park is located adjacent to ridge-line residential development in the Anaheim Hills. Situated above Weir Canyon, the park includes a network of trails which connect to adjacent Santiago Canyon Regional Park and Irvine Reserve Land Trust property managed by The Nature Conservancy.
TERRAIN: This trail is uneven, with several up-and-down hills. Be prepared for a good work out. Wear shoes with good traction.
DISTANCE & ELEVATION GAIN: 7 miles taking approximately 3+ hours to complete; depending on the group pace this day. Gain +/- 1000 ft.
NECESSITIES: Adequate water (1 to 3 liters), hat, sunscreen, layered clothing to adjust to climate change. Trekking Poles are not needed, but entirely optional for this hike. Shoes with good traction.
DIRECTIONS & PARKING: East Overlook Entrance. Corner of E. Overlook Terrace and S. Hidden Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA. The closest address is 1195 S. Hidden Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA. Keep in mind this is a residential area; please avoid parking in front of a residence if possible.
From the 91 freeway exit Weir Canyon and head South. Right at Serrano Ave. Left (South) on Hidden Canyon Rd. and proceed through the housing development Anaheim Ridge Estates. Follow Hidden Canyon Rd. until it bisects with Overlook Terrace. Park on the corner by the barrier.
From the 55 freeway, exit Katella Ave and head East. Katella becomes E. Santiago Canyon Rd. Turn left onto Cannon St. Turn right onto Serrano Ave. Turn right (South) on Hidden Canyon rd. and proceed throught the housing development Anaheim Ridge Estates. Follow Hidden Canyon Rd. until it bisects with Overlook Terrace. Park on the corner by the barrier.
GPS COORDINATES: Enter 33.830541° -117.744282° into your GPS, or create a customized/printable map with directions from your starting point at maps.google.com.
DOGS: Dogs on 6 foot leash are allowed. Please bring water and doggie bags.
FACILITIES: No water or facilities are located at the trail head.
PARK INFO: For more information about the park, visit: www.ocparks.com/strategicplan/WeirCanyon
DISCLAIMER: Before undertaking any outdoor activity described on this site, it is your personal and exclusive responsibility to ensure that the activity is appropriate for you, that you have researched the activity description, and that you have proper training, equipment, and physical conditioning to safely participate in the planned activity.
REMINDER: By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gathering
>>>YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
>>>YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY
***Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, mountain lions, coyote, snake bites or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***11 attendees
After Work Turtle Rock Hills Hike - Level 2
Turtle Rock, 1 Concordia, Irvine, CA, USJoin in the evening workout hike! Please plan to arrive 10 minutes early to find a parking spot. If none is available, you may need to park in the neighborhood.
Please keep in mind: Hikers will join the hosts for a workout together; there is no leader or sweeper on this hike
Meeting: 5:30 PM
This hike is rated level 2 for pace and elevation. Please see the RATING TABLE for more info about difficulty levels https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating
Duration: ~1.5 to 2 hours
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation: 810 ft
Route: All Trails - Turtle Rock
ESSENTIALS: Bring water, and shoes that will provide grip on dirt trails/hills (like hiking shoes or trail runners)
DIRECTIONS: Address: 1 Concordia, Irvine
ABOUT THIS HIKE:
(No restrooms) This is a workout conditioning hike composed of a looped route with a mix of trails and sidewalk/bike paths, along with some not too long but fairly steep hills. The two popular hills: French Hill and Suicide Hill at Turtle Rock. This loop, which uses city streets, single-track trails and a little bit of climbing, is one of several possible routes that visit the two summits. This hike requires regular hikers or those who have exercise experience stair stepper or treadmill on 5-7 degree incline. The trail is dog friendly.
Route: All Trails - Turtle Rock
The hike begins with a steep climb up French Hill, gaining 200 feet in about 0.3 miles. At the top, you get a nice view of the Santa Ana Mountains and you can also see the other destination, Turtle Rock, to the left.
At the top, bear right, pass by a small summit marker, and begin heading downhill, toward a residential neighborhood. The trail swings around the back side of the houses and begins to curve south, making a moderate ascent to a ridge. Here, you get nice views of the Laguna Canyon area and the San Joaquin Hills.
At 1.2 miles, you begin a sharp descent toward Ridgeline Drive. Head right and follow a trail that’s been beaten on the side of the road. Soon you cross Hillsborough, where you can follow a proper sidewalk up to the intersection with Turtle Rock Drive.
Cross the street and continue following Ridgeline, looking for a paved walkway heading downhill 1.9 miles. At the bottom of a hill, where the walkway makes a hairpin turn, continue straight on a dirt trail. Never getting too far from the residential area on the right, you climb to another ridge. Head right at a junction, where you’ll see Turtle Rock ahead of you, with its geological outcrops that resemble turtles. You descend into a pleasant wooded area, reaching a paved walkway at about 2.6 miles.
Head left, and almost immediately take a hard right and begin climbing a staircase. At the top, head right and continue your ascent. A little bit of scrambling, though nothing too difficult, is required to reach the top of Turtle Rock 2.9 miles, where you enjoy a nice view of almost all of Orange County, and on clear days, beyond.
Continuing north, you descend steeply from Turtle Rock. Turn left at the next junction and head through a meadow, toward the intersection of San Rufino and Via Novella 3.4 miles. Follow Via Novella to Amalfi Drive, head right and turn right again on Turtle Rock Drive. Heading slightly uphill, follow Turtle Rock 0.4 miles back to the starting point.
REMINDER:
By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings
>>>YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
>>>YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY
***Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***3 attendees
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