Sunset from the Weir Canyon Loop
Text and photography copyright 2010 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.
Weir Canyon Loop
- Location: Near Anaheim Hills in northeast Orange County. From the 91 freeway, take the Weir Canyon exit and drive 0.7 miles south to Serrano. Take a right on Serrano and drive 2 miles and take a left on Hidden Canyon. Park at the corner of Overlook. Alternately, take the Imperial Highway (route 90) exit, head south (right if you are coming from the west, left if from the east), drive about a mile to Nohl Ranch Road, take a left and go to about 3 miles to the end of Nohl Ranch Road, take a left on Serrano and a right on Hidden Canyon.
- Agency: Weir Canyon Regional Park/Santiago Oaks Regional Park
- Distance: 3.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 600 feet
- Difficulty Rating: PG
- Suggested time: 2 hours
- Best season: All year but hot in the summer
- USGS topo map: ”Black Star Canyon”
- Recommended gear: sun hat
; insect repellent
- More information: here
- Rating: 7
There is a difference between L.A.’s two worst freeways. Interstate 405 (see “Getty View Trail”) is pretty bad all of the time, while state route 91, in Santiago Canyon between Anaheim Hills and Corona, is often passable, but sometimes, it can be a complete H-E-double hockey sticks. If you are stuck on the 91 freeway during one of those times, consider taking a break and grabbing a hike on the Weir Canyon loop.
From the parking area, follow the trail 0.1 miles (bear left at the fork, where another trail leads into Santiago Oaks Regional Park), and take a hard left at a fence, where the trail heads up a hill. There is a steep, but short climb, then a descent into the canyon. After winding around through sandstone formations on the left and the body of the canyon on the right, along with great views of the Santa Ana Mountains, a giant water tank comes into view at about 1.5 miles from the trail head. Shortly afterward, you reach the end of the canyon and begin an ascent alongside some houses. For the rest of the hike, you will not be far from civilization, although with some nice views to enjoy, it is easy to forget that you are in the middle of Anaheim Hills. You will pass closer to the water tank, and at just over 3 miles from the trail head, you will reach a hill top from where you can, visibility permitting, see Chino Hills and the ocean and almost everything in between. You will now enter the end of a cul-de-sac, Avenida de Santiago. Head down-hill to Hidden Canyon where you will take a left and walk .2 miles back to your starting point.
