Turtle Rock & French Hill with optional “Double Loop” (~4 Mi) | Optional 2x (~8

Join us for a scenic hike through the beautiful Turtle Rock and French Hill Loop. This hike is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy nature, make new friends, and get some exercise in a stunning setting. Optional: continue for a second loop (2x) for ~8 miles total.

· Meeting Place: 1 Concordia · Irvine, CA (near Turtle Rock Preschool).
· Meeting Time: 8 AM (Expect the hike to last approximately 2 hours; ~3-3.5 hours if doing 2x)
· General Rating/Difficulty: Level 2/2+ (Moderate Pace for distance, elevation, and pace.
· Distance/Elevation/Duration: Level 2/2+ Estimate: 4.1 miles, 1100+- ft gain, and 2 hours (moderate pace). Optional 2x: ~8.2 miles, ~2200 ft gain, ~4 hours.
· Parking: Street.

Essentials:
· Comfortable hiking shoes
· Water
· Snacks/energy bars
· Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)

Route Details:

1. Start: We'll start at the Turtle Rock sign. From here, we follow the trail upwards towards French Hill.
2. Midpoint: The first half of our hike concludes at Ridgeline Drive. Here, we'll turn right, heading towards Turtle Rock Drive.
3. Sidewalk Stretch: Upon reaching Turtle Rock Drive, we cross to the other side and continue along the sidewalk. Keep an eye out for a slight left turn that leads us down to our next trail.
4. Trail Continuation: At the bottom, we'll take a right to rejoin the dirt trail. This path will eventually bring us to a sidewalk guiding us towards Suicide Hill.
5. Suicide Hill: Despite its daunting name, the trek up Suicide Hill is more manageable than it seems, and it offers breathtaking views of South Orange County stretching up to Long Beach.
6. Final Leg: Continuing our journey, we'll take a left towards street level, eventually arriving at Via Novella.
7. Return Path: After crossing the street, we'll make a right onto Amalfi and then another right onto Turtle Rock Drive, which leads us full circle back to Concordia.

Punctuality & RSVP Etiquette:
We kindly request that all participants aim to be punctual. Our group will wait for a grace period of 5 minutes past the scheduled start time for any latecomers. However, if you realize that you're running late, please inform us through the message board. This will help us know to wait a bit longer for you and ensure we don't leave anyone behind.
If your plans change and you're unable to attend after RSVPing, please cancel your RSVP before the event begins. This consideration allows us to manage the group size effectively and opens up space for others who might be on a waiting list.
REMINDER: By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service, releasing the Organizer, Co-Organizer, and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents during gatherings.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: Hiking is a rewarding activity, but certain dangers exist. These may include trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions, or wildlife encounters. By registering for this event, you explicitly recognize that our organizers and participants are not professional guides or certified experts. You assume responsibility for yourself and your safety, agreeing to hold harmless the hike organizer, co-organizer, assistant organizers, and fellow participants for any injuries sustained during the hike. This acknowledgment extends to any unforeseen incidents or accidents that might take place, emphasizing your commitment to personal responsibility for your safety throughout the entire event. Your participation implies your understanding and acceptance of the shared responsibility for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.