
What we’re about
✨PRIORITIZE FITNESS & FUN IN 2025✨
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).
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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.
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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, 8-15 miles with elevation gain from 800-2400+.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY MORNINGS, INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED INTERMEDIATE HIKES
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Saturday Hikes 3X Per Month & Sunday Hikes 1X Per Month
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Intermediate Local Hikes on Saturdays, 5-6 miles, approximately 700-1000 feet or less of elevation gain.
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Advanced Intermediate & Out-of-Area Hikes on Sundays, 7-15 miles, approximately 800-2400(+) feet of elevation gain. The longer the distance, the elevation gain will be more moderate.
WEDNESDAY MORNINGS, BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE HIKES
- Beginner/Intermediate Hikes Wednesday Mornings, 5-6 miles, Flat to 900 feet or less of elevation gain.
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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- 299-Shady Canyon, Irvine Open Space Preserve, 5-6 Miles, 8:30 AM39 Shady Canyon Dr, Irvine, CA
MEET AT QUAIL HILL COMMUNITY CENTER PARKING LOT, near the community center steps, 8:30 AM
39 Shady Canyon Dr · Irvine, CAIrvine Open Space Preserve, 3 Choices
This Week Shady Canyon- Quail Hill Loop Trail
- Shady Canton Trail
- Serrano Ridge Trail
Quail & Shady are Stroller & Dog Friendly, Apprx 5-6 Miles.
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.
HIKER'S CHECKLIST:
- 1-2 Liters of Water
- Wear shoes or hiking boots with good tread
- Flashlight or Headlamp recommended
- Hat, Coat and/or Gloves recommended seasonally
- Bug Repellent or Sunscreen recommended seasonallyTrail Link
https://www.traillink.com/trail/shady-canyon-trail/Feature photo from The Irvine Standard
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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.
- 300-Laurel Canyon Trail from Willow Staging Area, Laguna Beach, 6 Mi, 8:30 AMLaguna Coast Wilderness - Willow Staging Area, Laguna Beach, CA
Laurel Canyon Trail from Willow Staging Area, Laguna Beach, 6 Mi, apprx 700-800 feet of elevation gain, 8:30 AM
Sorry, no dogs.Park at Willow Staging Area, off Laguna Canyon Road, $3 parking fee.
I mapped out 6 miles on Google maps, so we’ll start on Laurel Canyon loop, pass Emoji Rock and venture out some to add another mile to that trail. I haven’t been on this part of the Laguna wilderness trails, but I’ve seen from the Ridgecrest Trail on the other side of Laguna Canyon Road. It’s 360 degrees of Wilderness Coast Beauty!
Feature Image from Visit Laguna Beach
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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. - 301-Serrano Ridge, Irvine Open Space Preserve, 5-6 Miles, 8.30 AM39 Shady Canyon Dr, Irvine, CA
MEET AT QUAIL HILL COMMUNITY CENTER PARKING LOT, near the community center steps, 8:30 AM
39 Shady Canyon Dr · Irvine, CAIrvine Open Space Preserve, 3 Choices
This Week Serrano Ridge
*** Prefer a Minimum of 4 Sign-ups***- Quail Hill Loop Trail
- Shady Canton Trail
- Serrano Ridge Trail
Quail & Shady are Stroller & Dog Friendly, Apprx 5-6 Miles.
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.
HIKER'S CHECKLIST:
- 1-2 Liters of Water
- Wear shoes or hiking boots with good tread
- Flashlight or Headlamp recommended
- Hat, Coat and/or Gloves recommended seasonally
- Bug Repellent or Sunscreen recommended seasonallyTrail Link
https://www.traillink.com/trail/shady-canyon-trail/Feature photo from The Irvine Standard
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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.
- 302-Bommer Canyon to Ridge Route from Turtle Rock Pk, Irvine 6 Mi, 8:30AMTurtle Rock Community Park, Irvine, CA
BOMMER CANYON FROM TURTLE ROCK PARK, 6 MI, apprx 700 gain, 8:30AM
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, through Bommer Cattle Camp (featured photo) to East Fork, then to Ridge Route. The views are impressive! Approximately 6 miles and aprx 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.
Rangers from the Irvine Ranch Conservancy are present the 3rd weekend of each month so they will be there this Saturday.
HIKERS CHECKLIST
-1-2 LITERS OF WATER
-HIKING BOOTS WITH GOOD TREAD
-HAT, GLOVES, LAYERSFeature Image: City of Irvine
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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.