On the way back to Irvine Regional Park

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.

Barham Ridge in Irvine Regional Park

• Location: Santa Ana Foothills east of Orange.  From the 55 freeway, take the Chapman Avenue exit and head east for 4.2 miles until you get to Jamboree Road.  Take a left on Jamboree and a right into the park.  From the north, take the Katella Avenue exit from the 55 freeway, head east and drive 4.6 miles to Jamboree and take a left (Katella becomes Villa Park and then Santiago Canyon Road on the way).  Parking is $3 per car on weekdays, $5 on weekends and $7 on holidays.  For access to this hike, park in lot #3.
• Agency: Irvine Regional Park
• Distance: 3.2 miles
• Elevation gain: 500 feet
• Difficulty Rating: PG
• Suggested time: 1.5 hours
• Best season:  All year (hot during the summer)
• USGS topo map:  Orange
• More information:  here
• Rating: 6

Irvine Regional Park, which is home of the Orange County Zoo and the Irvine Railroad, might not look like it has any significant hiking trails.  However, the oldest (1897) park in the Orange County system not only has some nice trails within its borders, but thanks to the Barham Ridge Trail, hikers can access Santiago Oaks Regional Park as well.  It’s kind of like the hiker’s version of Disneyland’s Park Hopper pass.

The mileage and elevation gain listed here is derived from parking in Lot 3, across from the Santiago Creek trailhead, and following the Roadrunner Trail and the Barham Ridge Trail to the top of the ridge dividing the two parks.  (The Barham Ridge trail continues deeper into Santiago Oaks Regional Park, so if you have the time and energy to do so, it’s easy to extend your hike.)

Head up the paved road toward the outdoor education center and take a left on a dirt road.  Almost immediately, you come to a split.  Take the left trail (the right trail gets you to the same location but the left route is more scenic.)   Soon after, look for the Roadrunner Loop Trail branching off to the right.

Follow this single-track for a little over half a mile, through some groves of thick chaparral.  Several smaller trails branch off, but stick with the main route.  Just before you get to the continuation of the dirt road that takes you back to the parking lot (the remaining half of the Roadrunner Loop), look for another dirt road branching off to the left, which passes by an information board.  From the board, follow the signs to the Barham Ridge Trail.

Carefully cross a creek bed and head up toward the ridge.  The trail winds in and out of the canyon, passing some interesting geology and taking in nice views of Irvine Regional Park as it climbs (the first significant up-hill stretch of the trail).

Soon, you come to a split.  The left trail is the true Barham Ridge Trail, but the right path is more interesting.  It continues the ascent, passing by some more geology on clay-red dirt.  The views now are to the north, deeper into the Santa Anas, and before long you arrive at the ridge.  Here you can take in a nice aerial view of Santiago Oaks Regional Park before either heading back or extending your hike as you see fit.