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Peters Canyon North Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,160 Google reviews · Running trail in Orange, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Peters Canyon North Trailhead'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.
Popular jogging & hiking park features coastal sage scrub & grassland habitats, plus a reservoir.
What runners say about Peters Canyon North Trailhead
“A very nice hike :) There are parts of the hike that can get a little hot or sunny but the further you walk into the park, the more shade there will be.”
“Medium Sized Hiking Area (Dog Friendly) $3 Parking Hiked in November Biggest downside to this park is you have to pay $3 to park here.”
Medium Sized Hiking Area (Dog Friendly) $3 Parking Hiked in November Biggest downside to this park is you have to pay $3 to park here. Parking is spacious at least when I went on a Tuesday. Terrain varies from relatively flat to pretty steep. However it does offer great overlooks.
$3.00 parking fee sold by machine per car. Trails combined easy, moderate, and difficult levels. You can choose the trail based on your own physical strength. Not very shady so it can be very hot for both humans and pets. Make sure to bring enough water with you. Views along the trails are generally nice.
I’ve been coming here for so many years. I love this place. People ride their horses on the trail since the trail is designated for walkers, bikers, and equestrians. Watch out for horse (and dog) poop!
Lots and lots of trails. It actually takes a few visits to see them all. You can easily get 1-5 miles in. I'd recommend to park on the Tustin ( south entrance )during the week for free street side parking. There's paid parking on the Orange (north entrance). There's a wide range of difficulty. Bring water.
Trail conditions & character
“It has both easy and hilly trails with "Big Red" by far the most challenging,but provide the best views!”
“Medium Sized Hiking Area (Dog Friendly) $3 Parking Hiked in November Biggest downside to this park is you have to pay $3 to park here.”
“Medium Sized Hiking Area (Dog Friendly) $3 Parking Hiked in November Biggest downside to this park is you have to pay $3 to park here.”
“A very nice hike :) There are parts of the hike that can get a little hot or sunny but the further you walk into the park, the more shade there will be.”
“Since the dirt trails may incline sharply, I’d suggest comfortable traction shoe soles for hiking and knobby tires for mountain bike riding.”
“It’s at the beginning and end of the loop trail and connecting trails into the south side of the park.”
“You'll be able to choose from several trails and the level of difficulty of your hike.”
“Not a lot of shade, but there are a few resting places, benches, and some restrooms at one point of the trail.”
Plan your run at Peters Canyon North Trailhead
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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteocparks.com
- Phone+1 714-973-6611
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