Peters Canyon Regional Park

Moderate trail can take up to 2 hours. Lovely view! Parking is easy and costs $3.

Good trails for families, easy notrth loop abd difficult east edge trails. You can take the trail to your needs. A lot of parking places. Round trip can be around 2.7 miles to 5.8 miles, inclines of 2° to around 15° rolling hills, long hill climbs, many rest area with benches and delightful picturesque sceneries. Great for bike riders, joggers runners hikes and walks. Pet friendly with leash. This trail can extend towards the north, Irvine park or to the south towards the river paths in Irvine. Water station is great! BLUE SKy, good Sunshine, Mountain View's, you can see the other side of building in Irvine, which is far far away, enjoy!

An enjoyable hiking experience with hills, climbs, drops, dips, twists and views at most every turn! Exciting for first timers like myself and inviting for return visits when the time is right. Since much of the trails are unshaded and I’m sensitive to the sun, I chose to go on a cool May Grey day, if not for the June Gloom. Besides, once the summer kicks in, it can get downright hot here! As an Orange resident, I’d still want to hike and ride here with the seasonal changes, tho perhaps early in the morning. A park notice also advises the rainy day closures, as the dirt trails may turn to mud! The main entrance has paid parking, with picnic tables, ranger station, restrooms and lookouts towards the lake. Trail information is available at the kiosks. I also relied on my Google Maps app in satellite view for a continuous verification of my location progress in real time.

1. Scenic Trails: Offers a variety of well-maintained trails for hiking, running, and biking. 2. Great Views: Features beautiful scenery, including hills, a reservoir, and native flora. 3. Difficulty Levels: Trails range from easy to moderate, catering to different skill levels. 4. Popular Spot: Can get busy during weekends and early mornings. 5. Wildlife: Opportunity to spot birds, rabbits, and other wildlife. 6. Amenities: Limited facilities; restrooms and water fountains are available near the entrance. 7. Parking: Paid parking lot available, but it can fill up quickly; street parking is an option. 8. Dog-Friendly: Allows leashed dogs, making it a great spot for pet owners. 9. Seasonal Beauty: Looks especially vibrant after rain, with lush greenery and wildflowers. 10. Overall Experience: A peaceful escape offering both relaxation and physical activity.

This was our second time hiking here, and this time GPS took us to the north side of the trail near the lake. We were a little confused at first since we’re more familiar with the south entrance, but we decided to keep going and it ended up being a great change of pace. For more experienced or frequent hikers, Peter’s Canyon offers an excellent mix of wide fire roads and narrower single-track trails, with steady elevation gain, rolling hills, and exposed sections. The north side near the lake has a more gradual start, but don’t be fooled because once you move away from the water, the climbs pick up and the terrain becomes more demanding. Expect packed dirt trails, some loose gravel in spots, and very little shade, so sun protection is key, especially mid-day. Compared to the south entrance, the north side feels a little more scenic and peaceful, with open views of the reservoir and fewer bottlenecks early on. The south side, which we personally prefer, feels more direct and workout-focused, with climbs that hit sooner and a more familiar loop rhythm. Important tip: there are two main entrances north and south, so double-check where your GPS is taking you. Both entrances charge for parking, but we actually ran into a local runner who frequents this trail and mentioned that street parking in nearby residential areas can be an option if you know where to look (always check posted signs). Overall, this is a great trail for hikers who want a moderate-to-challenging workout, open canyon views, and flexibility to customize distance and elevation.