Thanksgiving Morning Hike in Irvine's Beautiful Shady Canyon

Burn some serious calories before your Turkey Day feast! This is Sunrise to Sunset Hikes version of the Turkey Trot!! Join Meetup friends for a fun, relaxing, morning hike on the beautifully maintained and scenic Shady Canyon Trail in Irvine.

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ABOUT THE HIKE:
This out and back trail provides for a flexible pace that accommodates beginner and experienced hikers alike. The route follows a multi-purpose trail that includes your choice of either paved or hard pack dirt. The trail provides lovely views of the Sand Canyon Reservoir, the Strawberry Farms Golf Course, and the naturally vegetated adjoining hills of Sand Canyon. Our mid hike rest stop is the Turtle Rock Community Park, with rest rooms and drinking fountains, where we will regroup for 5/10 minutes... returning the same route to our trail head parking area. If hikers, the trail is dog and kid friendly.

SUMMARY:

Distance: 5.5 miles round trip

Elevation gain/loss: approximately 500 feet

Total hiking time: approximately two hours

Level of Difficulty: Beginner

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AFTER THE HIKE:
You will have "earned" your Thanksgiving feast!

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DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
The Meetup location is just off the 405 Freeway, take Sand Canyon south and turn into the Quail Hill Shopping Center. Driving North on I-405: Take the Sand Canyon Ave exit toward Shady Canyon Dr (0.3 mi), turn left at Sand Canyon Ave (0.4 mi), at the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Quail Hill (0.2 mi), and then turn left at Passage (the destination will be on the right). Driving South on I-405: Take the Sand Canyon Ave exit toward Shady Canyon Dr (0.3 mi), turn right at Sand Canyon Ave (0.2 mi), at the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Quail Hill (0.2 mi), and turn left at Passage (the destination will be on the right)

MEETUP LOCATION: Entering the Quail Hill Shopping Center, look for a large group at the fountain.

OTHER NOTES:This is a relatively safe, year round hiking experience. Leashed dogs are welcome on the Shady Canyon Trail.

DISCLAIMER: Group organizer and assistant organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.