What we’re about
✨PRIORITIZE FITNESS & FUN IN 2025✨
PLEASE READ ALL OF THE "ABOUT" AND PLEASE ADD AN IDENTIFYING PHOTO OF YOURSELF IN ORDER TO BE APPROVED FOR MEMBERSHIP (NO FEES OR DUES, EVER).
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PURPOSE
The purpose of this group is to make available hiking and walking activities locally and in other nearby locations for new and experienced persons to enjoy and feel safe on the trail as a group. Most hikes are local, weekly and average 2-3 hours, so it's convenient, won't take up the entire day and you’ll get your STEPS IN!
Meetup Hiking groups are a terrific way to get out of the house, be active and make new friends, especially after the covid lockdowns and the rise in computer use and social media, which lacks actually bringing people together physically.
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SCOPE
Local, surrounding areas and some out of area hikes are scouted and scheduled. Many are noted as “Stroller Friendly” or “Dog Friendly”.
South Orange County hikes have averaged about 5-7 miles 2-3 hours. Longer hikes are scheduled at Casper Wilderness, Cleveland National Forest, and others out of area, 8-10 miles with elevation gain from 1000-2400+.
NEW IN 2025, BEGINNER HIKES, TUESDAY EVENINGS (5:30 PM with 6:30 PM option)
- Beginner Hikes (3X per month), 2-5 miles, flat to approximately 500 feet maximum of elevation gain. Stick together at a comfortable pace.
- Beginner Plus Hikes (1X per month), complete 5 miles, a bit of a faster pace, flat to approximately 500 feet maximum of elevation gain. Consider bringing light hand weights (1-3 lb max).
- Note: even if you are not a Beginner Hiker, these shorter, slower paced hikes are still perfect for getting your STEPS IN!
SATURDAY MORNINGS, INTERMEDIATE HIKES
- Intermediate Hikes, 5-7 miles, approximately 700 feet or less of elevation gain.
- Advanced Intermediate Hikes, 7-10 miles, approximately 700-2400(+) feet of elevation gain.
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RESPONSIBILITY
It is the responsibility of Myself, the Leadership Team and all Members to practice safe trail habits and respect others in order to make the hikes enjoyable and fun. Bring witty humor, “Dad jokes”, amusing anecdotes, knowledge of birds and trail critters, or other trail knowledge.
Sincerely,
Christine "Likes Chrysathemums"
Feature photo: Colinas Bluff 2023, by Christine
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 245-Quail Trail to Serrano Ridge, Irvine, 6 Miles, 9:00 AMQuail Hill Community Center, Irvine, CA
QUAIL TRAIL TO SERRANO RIDGE, 6 Mi, apprx 700 eg, 9:00 AM
MEET AT QUAIL HILL COMMUNITY CENTER PARKING LOT near the community center steps.
39 Shady Canyon Dr · Irvine, CASorry, although close to Shady Canyon, this trail is not Dog or Stroller Friendly.
The trail starts behind the Community Center. We’ll hike Quail Trail to Serrano Ridge, 1.5 hours out and back, about 3 hours.
See YouTube video highlights.
Approximately 600-700 elevation gain, which is similar gain to the Colinas Bluff Trail that we do often.Shady Canyon/Quail Hill, scenic and filled with beautiful views, meadows, wildlife and charming bridges (some residential). The trail is part of Irvine Ranch, and meanders through the Quail Hill Preserve.
HIKER'S CHECKLIST:
- 1-2 Liters of Water
- Wear shoes or hiking boots with good tread
- Hat, sunscreen and Bug Repellent recommended——————————————————-
Release Statement: Outdoor sports and activities are rewarding and pleasant, but there are certain dangers you should be reminded of, such as accidental injury, that simply happen in life. Practicing safety is priority.By signing up for events in this Meetup group, you assume the risks of the outing and agree to release the organization, the event organizer and other participants from claims for any and all injuries or other losses sustained during any event.
- 246-Colinas Bluff, Laguna Niguel, To Peppertree, Bring a Painted Rock! 6mi, 9AM30211 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, CA
COLINAS BLUFF - To Peppertree, Bring a Painted Rock, 5-7 Mi, 2.5-3 HRS, 9:00 AM
MEET: 30211 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(Marina Hills Drive and Golden Lantern)
MEET AT THE PATIO NEXT TO STARBUCKS
DOG FRIENDLY!REPEATS
THE FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH, Three Route Choices, mix/alt:- Peppertree to Rock Snake
- To Big Hill and Back
- Pass Big Hill to Ocean View and Back
The hike is 2.5 to 3 hours, (600-800 feet elevation gain). Three Alternatives are to the Big Hill, past the Big Hill to Ocean View or down to the Rock Snake on Peppertree.
On the Bluff Trail, the first 2 miles~ish the trail has slight gain and is alongside residential. It's a beautiful dirt trail with epic views of the surrounding area, Santiago Peak and I-5. Peppertree Alt at about mile 2 goes downhill, switchbacks then up a slightly steep dirt lot. To or past the Big Hill has an option to go around the Big Hill, hiker’s choice, we still can come back together within 10 minutes and proceed to Ocean View.
PLEASE BRING:
- 1-2 LITERS OF WATER
- HAT AND SUNSCREEN
- WEAR SHOES OR BOOTS WITH GOOD TREAD
- A Painted Rock if you desire :)Colinas Bluff Trail (Ridge)
Jeff Hester of SocCalHiker has a great review:
https://socalhiker.net/hiking-colinas-bluff-trail/Colinas Bluff Trail (Ridge) - AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/colinas-ridge-trailLaguna Heights Marketplace (Meet at Starbucks!)
https://www.facebook.com/LagunaHeightsMarketplace/——————————————————-
Release Statement: Outdoor sports and activities are rewarding and pleasant, but there are certain dangers you should be reminded of, such as accidental injury, that simply happen in life. Practicing safety is priority.By signing up for events in this Meetup group, you assume the risks of the outing and agree to release the organization, the event organizer and other participants from claims for any and all injuries or other losses sustained during any event.
- 247-Turtle Rock, French Hill Loop, Irvine, 4.5 Miles, 9AM1 Concordia, Irvine, CA
TURTLE ROCK FRENCH HILL LOOP, 4.5 MILES, 9:00 AM
MEET AT 1 CONCORDIA, IRVINE, CA
Meet on Concordia street across from Turtle Rock Preschool
About 4.5 Miles, 900 feet of elevation gain.
Dog friendly.This hike can be completed in 2-2.5 hours depending on the pace we keep and how long we admire the views on top of Turtle Rock :) !!!
This is one of my favorite conditioning hikes. There are a few steep places, but they are not too long, and one technical hill where one needs to choose a path, use hands and watch footing.
There is an alternative path around the fourth technical hill, if desired.See my YouTube video below with highlights of the trail.
We'll start at the trailhead off Concordia across the street from Turtle Rock Preschool. Here is the first big hill, a second hill comes within the next mile, but both of these hills are not long. From there it's lower "rolling hills" not too steep. In the spring there is very tall mustard on either side of the trail, it's very beautiful and exhilarating to hike through. By about mile 2 the trail passes behind residential for less than a mile, then up narrow, slightly steep hill.
The fourth and most challenging hill comes next, steep and wide, but it's a slow and steady climb with plenty of places to navigate and get your foothold. At the top of this hill you can see all of downtown Irvine and Catalina Island out yonder. The last mile~ish is the end of the dirt trail, and back to residential which closes the loop at Concordia.
CHECKLIST:
- SHOES W/GOOD TREAD, PREFERABLY HIKING BOOTS
- 1-2 LITERS OF WATER
- HAT, GLOVES
- SNACKS optionalMore specific stats and Feature Image from All Trails, see link:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/turtle-rock-french-hill-loop-irvine*MY YOUTUBE VIDEO from when I hiked April 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK_chjwdy3Y——————————————————-
Release Statement: Outdoor sports and activities are rewarding and pleasant, but there are certain dangers you should be reminded of, such as accidental injury, that simply happen in life. Practicing safety is priority.
By signing up for events in this Meetup group, you assume the risks of the outing and agree to release the organization, the event organizer and other participants from claims for any and all injuries or other losses sustained during any event. - 248-Laguna Ridge to Aliso Summit, 6-8 Miles, Carpool Option from Irvine, 9AMOcean Way at Isle Vista, Laguna Niguel , CA
Laguna Ridge to Aliso Summit, 6-8 Miles, Group’s Choice, Aprx 700 eg, Carpool Option from Irvine 9AM, Trailhead Meet at 9:30 AM.
Sorry, only resident pets allowed on some of this trail (some private crossings).We will meet at the corner of Ocean Way and Isle Vista at 9:30 AM, then walk to the trailhead together. See pictures below.
- 9:00 AM, Carpool Option, from Irvine area, meet at the Jeffrey Park & Ride, 5595 Walnut Ave, Irvine CA 92618, safe parking, no fee. I can take 4 more hikers in my car.
- 9:30 AM Laguna Niguel Locals, meet us at the corner of Ocean Way and Isle Vista in Laguna Niguel.
- Take I-5, exit Alicia and head South
- Exit Crown Valley Parkway, turn towards the ocean.
- Drive about 6 miles to Pacific Island Drive, Turn Right.
- Drive about 1.5 miles to Ocean Way, Turn Right.
- Turn Left and Park on Isle Vista. The parking signs clearly state there is parking from 7AM to 6PM.
Out and Back, we are connecting the Laguna Ridge Trail to the Aliso Summit Trail with the Option to include the Aliso Summit Overlook from Seaview Park. Approximately 6-8 miles, approximately 700 elevation gain. STUNNER BONUS VIEW AT THE END OF THIS HIKE!!!
Views are massive and panoramic of the ocean, bluffs and gullies. See pictures below.
Feature photos by: Christine
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Release Statement: Outdoor sports and activities are rewarding and pleasant, but there are certain dangers you should be reminded of, such as accidental injury, that simply happen in life. Practicing safety is priority.
By signing up for events in this Meetup group, you assume the risks of the outing and agree to release the organization, the event organizer and other participants from claims for any and all injuries or other losses sustained during any event.
