Quail Hill Trail

2 miles - Easy Effort
1 Hour (Total)
164 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 279 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

Quail Hill Trail is a 2-mile loop hike that offers expansive views goes through the Irvine Open Space Preserve, designated a Natural Landmark by both the State of California and the U.S. Department of the Interior. The family and beginner-friendly hike goes along the easy to follow Quail Hill Loop Trail, offers parking and bathrooms, interpretive displays, and wildlife viewing opportunities, all within minutes of suburban Irvine, CA.

In this Guide:

Where is the Quail Hill Trailhead in Irvine?
What to Expect on the Hike
Turn-by-turn Hike Directions
Quail Hill Trail Maps & Video

Quick Links:
Park Website - NOAA Weather Report - My Apr 2024 Gear

Where is the Quail Hill Trailhead in Irvine?

Use this trailhead address: Quail Hill Trailhead, 34 Shady Canyon, Irvine, CA 92603.

There are indoor bathrooms and water fountains at the parking lot. If the parking lot is full (fairly common), park across the street in the larger lots and walk across. It's a popular place to start bike rides and runs, so get there early to beat the crowds.

Quail Hill Loop Trail 3 — Look for this sign that marks the entrance into the main parking area and trailhead.

Quail Hill Loop Trail 4 — There's decent parking in the lot by the trailhead and much more parking across the street.

Quail Hill Loop Trail 5 — Another great family-friendly aspect of the Quail Hill hike is the regular bathrooms with running water.

What You Need For The Hike

Quail Hill Loop Trail 2 — This is a great hike for kids, whether walking or in a kid carrier.

You don't need any special equipment to do this hike, it can be done as a pleasant walk. It can get very hot later in the day, so bring water. And after rains it can be muddy.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can see my review here.

HOKA Speedgoat 5These are a great balance of comfort and performance. The high stack height leaves my feet feeling great after a hike.

Check out the complete list here.

Quail Hill Trail Maps

There aren't a lot of twists and turns here, another reason why this hike is great for families. Once you're on the loop, just follow it in a circle.

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

Quail Hill Topo — There isn't a lot of climbing on the hike aside from an initial uphill. It's a nice, gentle route.

Quail Hill 3d — The trail follows the upper slope of the hill, and then returns on the flat portion.

What You Need to Know For the Hike

Road Runner — Keep your eyes open for roadrunners. I see them almost every time that I'm here.

Can a 100 year old shrimp egg be waiting for rain at Quail Hill? The trail holds more than meets the eye. There are a lot of natural features that come to life at interpretive markers along the route. Use your phone to dial the number on the marker or use this link to get to the audio for these interesting snippets.
Don't be shocked if you see some wildlife. Roadrunners and quail are fairly common, rattlesnakes and coyote less so. Nothing dangerous here, just make sure you give any snakes a wide berth. I don't see them often but they are here.
The police occasionally ticket people who have their dogs off-leash.
Quail Hill is an active habitat restoration area, so please stay on the trails.
The colors are best in spring.
The trail is relatively new; it was opened in 2010.
The dirt pack on the trail is good, you can get away with a jogging stroller if you need to.

Quail Hill Trail Directions

Quail Hill Loop Trail 6 — The trailhead is easy to spot towards the middle of the parking lot.

Quail Hill Loop Trail 7 — head straight down from the trailhead and make a left at the junction. A hike board has information on the trail and conditions.

Quail Hill Loop Trail 8 — The trail is wide and easy to follow.

Quail Hill Loop Trail 9 — A roadrunner! Keep to the trail and leave the grasslands to the animals. All of this habitat is being restored.

Quail Hill Loop Trail 10 — Here's the only small hill on the hike. It's minor and over soon.

Quail Hill Loop Trail 1 — If you do need a break on the small hill, look to your right and take in the great views. That's Saddleback Mountain in the distance.

Quail Hill Loop Trail 11 — At the top of the rise there's a vista point off to the right, and is worth checking out. Otherwise the trail goes straight.

Quail Hill Loop Trail 12 — There's a trail sign for the vista point, along with an interpretive audio guide point.

Quail Hill Loop Trail 13 — Enjoy the views from the vista point and then turn around and go back to the junction.

Quail Hill Loop Trail 14 — Make the right at the junction to continue on the Quail Hill Loop Trail.

Quail Hill Loop Trail 15 — The trail heads downhill with views of the small hill / rock formation in the distance. Over the hill is Tanka Farms, another great destination if you have kids with you.

Quail Hill Loop Trail 17 — Keep your eyes open for the interpretive audio stations. They make the landscape around you more interesting.

Quail Hill Loop Trail 18 — As you head back along the other side of the loop, you'll have nice views of Saddleback Mountain in the distance. This section is flat.

Quail Hill Loop Trail 19 — Eventually you'll come back to the first junction. Just make the left to head back to the parking lot.

Need More Info?

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.