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Quail Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 41 Google reviews · Running trail in Irvine, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Quail Trail'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 Quail Trail
“Well maintained trails up and down the beautiful golden hills during the spring season.”
“Beautiful hike up and down, there is a steep incline at the start and then it levels off about halfway.”
“Shared by bikes joggers walker hikers runners- pf all ages.”
Upon the Quail Trail's path in Irvine fair, Where golden sun doth kiss the verdant ground, A gentle breeze caresses the warm air, And Nature's symphony doth sweetly sound.
Absolutely beautiful trail. Hiked in middle March. A lot of rain in this season so be sure to check for park openings prior to visiting. My route: Quail Trl -> Serrano Rdg Trl -> Little Sycamore Canyon Trl -> Nix Nature Center. Took a little under 3 hours with many many breaks and very low speed.
Beautiful hike up and down, there is a steep incline at the start and then it levels off about halfway. The trail has formed some ruts since the rainy season that could be risky when going down on bikes, although I see people go down it all the time on bikes
The trailhead loop, which is the north side offers a quaint location for an easy and mild workout. Around 1.75 mile loop, its an easy stroll with points of interest in plants growth. Great views from atop and can be easily accessed by all. Parking is limited, so if you show up early, might be out of luck.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful hike up and down, there is a steep incline at the start and then it levels off about halfway.”
“more rewarding- elevated from mild to hard - as trails become lengthy coupled with steep switch backs and open terrain.”
“restrooms were clean and accessible, water fountains were available .”
“The trailhead loop, which is the north side offers a quaint location for an easy and mild workout.”
“The trailhead loop, which is the north side offers a quaint location for an easy and mild workout.”
“high level of elevation for bicycle , if you not pro .”
“restrooms were clean and accessible, water fountains were available .”
Plan your run at Quail Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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, restrooms, water — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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.
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Laguna Altura Trailhead
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