Evening Hike in Irvine's Beautiful Shady Canyon

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/a/1/4/600_382731732.jpeg

ABOUT THE HIKE:
Join Meetup friends for a fun, relaxing, evening hike on the beautifully maintained and scenic Shady Canyon Trail in Irvine. 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.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/b/4/0/600_382732032.jpeg

SUMMARY:

Distance: 5.4 miles round trip

Elevation gain/loss: approximately 500 feet

Total hiking time: approximately two hours

Level of Difficulty: Advanced Beginner

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/9/f/0/600_441275312.jpeg

ADDITIONAL HIKE NOTES: This is a relatively safe, year round evening hiking experience. Depending on the time of year, a flash light becomes helpful. Leashed dogs are welcome on the Shady Canyon Trail.

AFTER THE HIKE:
There are several reasonably priced restaurants adjacent to Starbucks within the Quail Hill Shopping Center for those that wish to stay for take out dinner following the hike in a lovely outdoor patio setting. They include Sharkey's, Natraj's Tandoori, Nalu's Island Grill, etc.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/2/2/4/600_382737892.jpeg

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)

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/d/8/4/600_382732612.jpeg

MEETUP LOCATION: Entering the Quail Hill Shopping Center, the Starbucks Meetup location is on the right or south side of the Center.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/c/f/8/600_382732472.jpeg

John's cell: 949-233-0225

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.