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El Modena Open Space
4.5 ★★★★★ 187 Google reviews · Running trail in Orange, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of El Modena Open Space yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area known for views of the city and sunsets, also featuring trails that are good for kids.
What runners say about El Modena Open Space
“An absolutely stunning hike that has a beautiful view of the Orange valley.”
Great hike! Lots of steep hills and loose rocks and some point. Did ok in sneakers but if you're klutzy like me I'd wear boots. Don't follow the Google directions they'll take you to a school where there is no access point. Park off of Canyon and Stillwater. Lots of lizards and some birds. Lots of cactus
I've walked/ran this trail since around 2012. Three hills that will forsure get your blood pumping, each summit gives you an amazing view over OC, and on clear days the ocean is visible.
Great little trails for remote control crawlers! Awesome trail runs for scalers.
One of my favorite hiking spots. Starting from the south, you are met with a pretty steep climb about 5 minutes in, which has grades around 20-35%. After that, you get some nice ups and downs along the few hills there, and towards the end a very steep (and tight) descent down to the road and bike path, giving you an…
Trail conditions & character
“Three hills that will forsure get your blood pumping, each summit gives you an amazing view over OC, and on clear days the ocean is visible.”
“Three hills that will forsure get your blood pumping, each summit gives you an amazing view over OC, and on clear days the ocean is visible.”
“No dedicated parking, which helps keep the crowds out.”
Plan your run at El Modena Open Space
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
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