What we’re about
PLEASE READ ALL OF THE "ABOUT" AND PLEASE ADD AN IDENTIFYING PHOTO OF YOURSELF IN ORDER TO BE APPROVED FOR MEMBERSHIP (NO FEES OR DUES, EVER).
PURPOSE
The purpose of this group is to make available hiking and walking activities locally and in other nearby locations for new and experienced persons to enjoy and feel safe on the trail as a group. Most hikes are local, weekly and average 2-3 hours, so it's convenient, won't take up the entire day and you’ll get your STEPS IN!
Meetup Hiking groups are a terrific way to get out of the house, be active and make new friends, especially after the covid lockdowns and the rise in computer use and social media, which lacks actually bringing people together physically.
SCOPE
Local, surrounding areas and some out of area hikes are scouted and scheduled. Many are noted as “Stroller Friendly” or “Dog Friendly”.
South Orange County hikes have averaged about 5-7 miles 2-3 hours. Longer hikes are scheduled at Casper Wilderness, Cleveland National Forest, and others out of area, 8-10 miles with elevation gain from 1000-2400+.
RESPONSIBILITY
It is the responsibility of Myself, the Leadership Team and all Members to practice safe trail habits and respect others in order to make the hikes enjoyable and fun. Bring witty humor, “Dad jokes”, amusing anecdotes, knowledge of birds and trail critters, or other trail knowledge.
Sincerely,
Christine "Likes Chrysathemums"
Feature photo: Colinas Bluff 2023, by Christine
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 241-San Juan Creek Trail to Doho Cafe Doheny Beach, Apprx 8 Miles, 9:00 AM31722 Rancho Viejo Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA
SAN JUAN CREEK TRAIL to Doho Cafe Doheny Beach, apprx 8 Miles, 9AM
MEET AND PARK AT LOT BY BRAVO BURGER
31722 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675STROLLER AND DOG FRIENDLY. Perfect long walk after any rain or when temps are high, to beat the heat.
SEE THE GO-PRO VIDEO LINK BELOW - it's the entire trail.
This is a good long walk with plenty of nature in the creek bed and at the halfway point. Doho Cafe at Doheny Beach is extra special, Signature SoCal! We’ll take time to rest and get coffee and a snack.
We will enter the San Juan Creek Trail at Calle Arroyo and Via Caminata. If you look at a google map you can start there and trace your way through. It runs parallel to I-5 and eventually goes under I-5, under Camino Capistrano and the railroad tracks, then passed Descanso Veterans Park. There's a bridge crossing, then we continue on San Juan Creek trail next to the Trabuco River Bed all the way to Doheny State Park. From the starting point to the beach is approximately 4 Miles. Total out and back trail walk is approximately 8 Miles.
See this link, I'm using as a guide. We are starting near this trail endpoint.
Orange County Bicycle Coalition - San Juan Creek
See YouTube video starting from different places, but good highlights:
Feature image from OC Register.com
——————————————————-
Release Statement: Outdoor sports and activities are rewarding and pleasant, but there are certain dangers you should be reminded of, such as accidental injury, that simply happen in life. Practicing safety is priority.
By signing up for events in this Meetup group, you assume the risks of the outing and agree to release the organization, the event organizer and other participants from claims for any and all injuries or other losses sustained during any event. - 242-Bommer Canyon to Ridge Route from Turtle Rock Pk, Irvine 6 Mi, 9:00AMTurtle Rock Community Park, Irvine, CA
BOMMER CANYON FROM TURTLE ROCK PARK, 6 MI, apprx 700 gain, 9:00AM
MEET AT 1 Sunnyhill, Irvine, CA 92603 PARKING LOT
Near the Tennis Courts, Playground and Community CenterWe will hike to Bommer Canyon from Turtle Rock Park. From the trailhead: Bommer Meadow Trail to the Nature Loop, to Bommer Canyon. We can explore the Bommer Cattle Camp (featured photo) for a few minutes before heading to East Fork, then to Ridge Route. The views are impressive! The hike back to Bommer Meadow is pretty, also a few view points. We’ve seen deer! Approximately 6 miles and 500-700 feet of elevation gain.
See YouTube video from The Hiking Guy - Give him a LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!
-Sorry, Dogs are not permitted on trails in the Bommer Canyon Preserve.
HIKERS CHECKLIST
-1-2 LITERS OF WATER
-HIKING BOOTS WITH GOOD TREAD
-HAT, GLOVES, LAYERSFeature Image: City of Irvine
——————————————————-
Release Statement: Outdoor sports and activities are rewarding and pleasant, but there are certain dangers you should be reminded of, such as accidental injury, that simply happen in life. Practicing safety is priority.By signing up for events in this Meetup group, you assume the risks of the outing and agree to release the organization, the event organizer and other participants from claims for any and all injuries or other losses sustained during any event.
- 243-Crystal Cove Newport Bch, from Pacific Ridge Trailhead, aprx 7 Miles, 8:45AMPacific Ridge Trailhead, Newport Beach, CA
CRYSTAL COVE from PACIFIC RIDGE TRAILHEAD, aprx 7 Miles, aprx 800 elevation gain, 8:45AM, 2 1/2 - 3 HRS
RIDGE PARK ROAD, Newport Beach CA*** 8:45 AM Start Time, a little earlier in order to get PARKING closer to the trailhead ***
PARK ON RIDGE PARK ROAD and MEET AT THE TRAILHEAD which is a cul-de-sac at the end of Ridge Park Road, Newport Beach. As you're driving from Newport Coast to Ridge Park Road, drive around 1.5 miles, you will see Coastal Peak Park to the right and the next closest cross street before the trailhead is E Coastal Peak.
REFER TO PICTURE BELOW marked with a red line and a red X.Moderate pace, about 800 feet in elevation gain over 7 miles. Option to go 10 miles!
Sorry, no dogs.Pacific Ridge Trail
to West Cut Across
to Moro Canyon
to Slow N Easy
to Bommer Ridge which closes the loop at the original trailheadHIKERS CHECKLIST:
- 1-2 liters of water required
- Hiking boots with good tread
- Hat, sunscreen recommended
- Light snacks recommended
Feature Photo: Planetware.com, Brad Lane
——————————————————-
Release Statement: Outdoor sports and activities are rewarding and pleasant, but there are certain dangers you should be reminded of, such as accidental injury, that simply happen in life. Practicing safety is priority.By signing up for events in this Meetup group, you assume the risks of the outing and agree to release the organization, the event organizer and other participants from claims for any and all injuries or other losses sustained during any event.
- 244-Shady Canyon Trail, Irvine, Stroller & Dog Friendly, Aprx 5-6 Miles, 1:00PMQuail Hill Community Center, Irvine, CA
SHADY CANYON TRAIL, Irvine - Stroller & Dog Friendly, Aprx 5-6 Miles, 1:00PM
MEET AT QUAIL HILL COMMUNITY CENTER PARKING LOT
39 Shady Canyon Dr · Irvine, CAMeet near the community center steps.
This is an out and back so turning point is optional, however we usually go about 5 -6 miles total. I have a wagon to assist in bringing smaller children (or small dogs, lol) the entire distance.
Shady Canyon is a popular, scenic and slightly hilly trail filled with beautiful views, meadows, wildlife and charming bridges (some residential). The trail is part of Irvine Ranch, and meanders through the Quail Hill Preserve.
I'D LIKE TO WALK FROM THE COMMUNITY CENTER PARKING LOT TO BOMMER CANYON TRAILHEAD or TURTLE ROCK PARK, GROUP'S CHOICE, approximately 2 hours. There are restrooms at Turtle Rock Park Nature Center and at Bommer Trailhead.
HIKER'S CHECKLIST:
- 1-2 Liters of Water
- Wear shoes or hiking boots with good tread
- Hat and Bug Repellent recommendedTrail Link
https://www.traillink.com/trail/shady-canyon-trail/Feature photo from JACQUELINE THOMPSON GROUP
——————————————————-
Release Statement: Outdoor sports and activities are rewarding and pleasant, but there are certain dangers you should be reminded of, such as accidental injury, that simply happen in life. Practicing safety is priority.By signing up for events in this Meetup group, you assume the risks of the outing and agree to release the organization, the event organizer and other participants from claims for any and all injuries or other losses sustained during any event.
