Quail Hill Distance Hike (Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks)

This challenging hike is one of the longest treks offered by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, exploring the hills above Irvine and Newport Beach. The hike is scheduled once or twice a month, usually called a “Distance Hike.” The route described below is one of several possible variations on the hike, using both private lands overseen by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy and public trails. As with docent-led hikes, navigation will not be a problem, although with almost 10 miles of this route on public trails, keeping the group together – and avoiding mountain bikers – are additional challenges.

Begin by following the Quail Trail for 2.5 miles, picking up almost 600 feet of elevation gain. The trail weaves in and around several tracts of multi-million dollar homes and takes in some nice views of Old Saddleback and suburban Orange County before reaching a junction with the single-track Cattle Crest Trail. This is the starting point of the loop portion of the hike, and the entrance to private land. (If you want to do an alternate version of the hike, you can bypass the private portion of the hike by continuing on the Quail Trail, which merges into the Serrano Trail. You can then fashion a loop with the Camarillo Canyon, Stagecoach and Little Sycamore Canyon Trails and retrace your steps for a 12-mile “lollipop” hike with 1,800 feet of elevation gain.)

The Cattle Canyon Trail weaves among cacti and sandstone outcrops, passing above the Shady Canyon golf course before dropping down to the canyon floor. You then climb steeply to the Fox Run Trail which leads to the Shady Oaks Trail (where there is neither shade or oaks). Another ascent and descent brings you to a junction with the Butterfly Valley Trail, which can be explored on open-access days for Bommer Canyon. You have now come about 4.7 miles.

The route then makes a short but steep climb up the Monkey Flower Trail, which in turn drops back to rejoin the Shady Oaks Trail, which is now a fire road. The Shady Oaks Trail, which now features some actual oaks, climbs steadily to meet the Serrano Ridge and Camarillo Canyon Trails, 5.9 miles from the start.

Now back on public lands, you descend the Camarillo Canyon Trail, a popular route with mountain bikers. The trail drops into a scenic, oak-dotted meadow before reaching a junction with the Stagecoach Trail. This route climbs about 300 feet in half a mile before dropping down to the Nix Nature Center (8 miles from the start). This spot is ideal for a break, with restrooms and water fountains for washing up and refilling.

The next leg of the hike is the steep but scenic Little Sycamore Canyon Trail, a single-track which brings you back up to the ridge. A few sandstone outcrops on the north side of the canyon add visual interest and when you turn around to catch your breath, you’ll get a panoramic view of Laguna Canyon. At the top, turn right on the Serrano Ridge Trail and follow it north back toward the starting point. At 10.5 miles you come back to the junction with the Cattle Crest Trail. From here it is a fairly easy 2.5 miles back to the Quail Hill Trail Head with only 150 feet of elevation gain.

Text and photography copyright 2018 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.  By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail.  Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.