My Hike Habit OC

TURTLE ROCK FRENCH HILL LOOP, 4.5 MILES, apprx 800’ gain, 8:30 AM
MEET AT 1 CONCORDIA, IRVINE, CA
Meet on Concordia street across from Turtle Rock Preschool

Dog friendly.

This hike can be completed in about 2 hours depending on the pace we keep and how long we admire the views on top of Turtle Rock :) !!!

This is one of my favorite conditioning hikes. There are a few steep places, but they are not too long, and one technical hill where one needs to choose a path, use hands and watch footing.
There is an easier alternative path around the fourth technical hill, if desired.

See my YouTube video below with highlights of the trail.

We'll start at the trailhead off Concordia across the street from Turtle Rock Preschool. Here is the first big hill, a second hill comes within the next mile, but both of these hills are not long. From there it's lower "rolling hills" not too steep. In the spring there is very tall mustard on either side of the trail, it's very beautiful and exhilarating to hike through. By about mile 2 the trail passes behind residential for less than a mile, then up narrow, slightly steep hill.

The fourth and most challenging hill comes next, steep and wide, but it's a slow and steady climb with plenty of places to navigate and get your foothold. At the top of this hill you can see all of downtown Irvine and Catalina Island out yonder. The last mile~ish is the end of the dirt trail, and back to residential which closes the loop at Concordia.

CHECKLIST:
- SHOES W/GOOD TREAD, PREFERABLY HIKING BOOTS
- 1-2 LITERS OF WATER
- HAT, GLOVES
- SNACKS optional

More specific stats and Feature Image from All Trails, see link:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/turtle-rock-french-hill-loop-irvine

*MY YOUTUBE VIDEO from when I hiked April 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK_chjwdy3Y

——————————————————-
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.

TURTLE ROCK FRENCH HILL LOOP, 4.5 MILES, apprx 800’ gain, 8:30 AM
MEET AT 1 CONCORDIA, IRVINE, CA
Meet on Concordia street across from Turtle Rock Preschool

Dog friendly.

This hike can be completed in about 2 hours depending on the pace we keep and how long we admire the views on top of Turtle Rock :) !!!

This is one of my favorite conditioning hikes. There are a few steep places, but they are not too long, and one technical hill where one needs to choose a path, use hands and watch footing.
There is an easier alternative path around the fourth technical hill, if desired.

See my YouTube video below with highlights of the trail.

We'll start at the trailhead off Concordia across the street from Turtle Rock Preschool. Here is the first big hill, a second hill comes within the next mile, but both of these hills are not long. From there it's lower "rolling hills" not too steep. In the spring there is very tall mustard on either side of the trail, it's very beautiful and exhilarating to hike through. By about mile 2 the trail passes behind residential for less than a mile, then up narrow, slightly steep hill.

The fourth and most challenging hill comes next, steep and wide, but it's a slow and steady climb with plenty of places to navigate and get your foothold. At the top of this hill you can see all of downtown Irvine and Catalina Island out yonder. The last mile~ish is the end of the dirt trail, and back to residential which closes the loop at Concordia.

CHECKLIST:
- SHOES W/GOOD TREAD, PREFERABLY HIKING BOOTS
- 1-2 LITERS OF WATER
- HAT, GLOVES
- SNACKS optional

More specific stats and Feature Image from All Trails, see link:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/turtle-rock-french-hill-loop-irvine

*MY YOUTUBE VIDEO from when I hiked April 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK_chjwdy3Y

——————————————————-
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.

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 always get a parking spot, however it can fill up, so get there 5 or 10 minutes early if you can.

A beautiful local hike!
This has become a favorite because of the lush Sycamore and Willow trees throughout the hike.

Emoji Rock can be seen from two points and is also a favorite part among other interesting rock formations. Many options on this trail, I’ve yet to trek right up to Emoji Rock, which can be added at the end of the hike.

Feature Image from Visit Laguna Beach

——————————————————-
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.

October 2025 update. The Bear Canyon Trail leading down to the falls is closed.

Hello Meetup Friends on the Switzer Falls Waitlist :) !

I don’t feel confident this area is complete and safe enough to hike yet.

I’ve seen some YouTube videos from the past 6 months and as recent as September, verifying a sign is up blocking the trail (picture added) so there is no access to the falls, a high fine for those attempting to walk through.

There is also mention of poison oak and rattlesnakes which we’re used to, but I’m guessing there could be more because of less traffic and possibly no trail maintenance.

I will revisit this in the spring to see if it has improved.

CANCELLED from FEB due to EATON FIRE and potential closures. WILL RESCHEDULE and Check trail info later.

2/18/25 Update
Eaton fire closures through December 2025. See link and map.

Switzer Falls, Angeles Forest, Azusa, CA, 10 mi
Haramokngna American Indian Culture Center to Switzer Falls, 7:45AM

We can check out the Indian Culture Center after hike before going home.

Feature photo: Outdoor SoCal

——————————————————-
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.