Home › California › Irvine › Quail Hill Trailhead
Quail Hill Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 974 Google reviews · Running trail in Irvine, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Quail Hill 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.
Leashed pets are allowed on this popular loop trail for hiking, jogging & biking with city views.
What runners say about Quail Hill Trailhead
“The signs are clear, the paths are clean, and the entire area feels well maintained.”
“The trail is clean, the views are beautiful, and the whole area feels peaceful in a way that teenagers would find refreshing.”
“Not much shade on the trail itself, but a little bit of shade around the parking area.”
“Even though it is a hiking area, the atmosphere feels peaceful and energizing at the same time, and I saw a lot of teenagers there enjoying the open space.”
“It's a pretty easy hike for beginners like me, and the paths are pretty clean.”
This is a nice well kept trail you can enjoy with your dog. If you are doing the short loop, it’s 1.8 miles and you can start on the left by working up high and then going downhill or you can go right and work from downhill going up. Personally I always take the left.
Nice trail with plenty of parking. It is dog friendly and a pretty open space. Not much shade on the trail itself, but a little bit of shade around the parking area. There is men and women’s restrooms and it is ADA accessible.
I love this trail. It's a pretty easy hike for beginners like me, and the paths are pretty clean. There are little path markers with interesting facts, and you can expect to see lots of wildlife. We saw lizards, dozens of bird species, and lots of evidence of others. It does not have any shade so wear that sunscreen.
Very easy 1.8 mile loop, family and dog friendly hike with just about 140ft elevation gain. In an out in about 40-45mins if you walk at normal pace. Best views during spring to spot shades of green and yellow. Have restrooms.
Trail conditions & character
“We had the opportunity to shoot a wedding session at this beautiful location.”
“8 mile loop, family and dog friendly hike with just about 140ft elevation gain.”
“8 mile loop, family and dog friendly hike with just about 140ft elevation gain.”
“Have limited parking but wait few mins as their is always someone taking out their car after having finished their trail.”
“There’s a loop trail (parking lot was full) and a straight point and turn around.”
“Not much shade on the trail itself, but a little bit of shade around the parking area.”
“There is a small picnic area at the start of the trail and well maintained restrooms.”
“Even though it is a hiking area, the atmosphere feels peaceful and energizing at the same time, and I saw a lot of teenagers there enjoying the open space.”
“The trail audio guide (accessible by phone menu) is pleasant and informative.”
“I really prefer going up and then back up when its flat.”
“There is a telephone guide where you can call a number and enter a marker number for audio commentary on marked locations.”
Plan your run at Quail Hill Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- Websitecityofirvine.org
- Phone+1 714-508-4757
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
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