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French Hill, Irvine, CA
4.6 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · Running trail in Irvine, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from French Hill, Irvine, CA's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. 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.
What runners say about French Hill, Irvine, CA
What a fun hike to the French Hill. I took the straight up climb from Turtle Rock loop, and it gets you out of breath if you don’t pace yourself. It was really windy (picked the one evening when the winds were blowing way out of control.) Love ❤️ the panoramic views from up there in the evening.
Neat decent sized hike that's good for beginners, if you're okay with some incline. Pretty nice panoramic views of the area at the top. If you're starting at the street on Ridgeline and La Quinta, there is a short climb through some rocky steps but nothing too bad. Couple different paths to the main hill though.
Turtle Rock Hill!! Its a 20mins hike!! Good for beginners.! The view is great-form the hill.!
*Spring/2020 rattlesnake warning* I'm not one for hiking or trails, really, but I found this one and it was convenient to some of my workout goals/aspirations. The nice dose the trail gives of nature was great and I was looking forward to using it very consistently, but I'm a novice at most things in life and coming…
Trail conditions & character
“Neat decent sized hike that's good for beginners, if you're okay with some incline.”
“Amazing view and a pretty bearable fitness hike area w a sort of eerie but nice sunset tonight.”
“Soon the sky is enveloped in indigo, and the city lights are gently lit up.”
“A steep but easy hike up from the trailhead.”
“If you're starting at the street on Ridgeline and La Quinta, there is a short climb through some rocky steps but nothing too bad.”
Plan your run at French Hill, Irvine, CA
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Running trails near Irvine
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Turtle Rock Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
Park featuring hiking trails and scenic views of Orange County.
Turtle Rock Preserve and Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 21 reviews
Turtle Rock Viewpoint
4.7 ★★★★★ 96 reviews
Hilly park featuring trails for hiking and views of the city and sunsets from the top.
Turtle Rock Nature Center
4.5 ★★★★★ 132 reviews
Five-acre nature preserve with trails for viewing wildlife & habitats, plus an outdoor classroom.
Chaparral Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 247 reviews
This community park features a playground, trails & a hillside hike offering panoramic city views.
William R Mason Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,214 reviews
Park has 300+ acres for picnics, softball, volleyball, golf, hiking & biking, toddler play & more.