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Talbert Regional Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 201 Google reviews · Running trail in Costa Mesa, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Talbert Regional Park'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.
Park divided into 6 areas by plant groups to showcase diverse habitats along the Santa Ana River.
What runners say about Talbert Regional Park
“Calm serenity, spectaculous views, and there is also a cool little place to walk your furry ones.”
For a small area, the smaller trails around feel like you are way out of civilization.
I enjoy the natural landscape with the cool ocean breeze, about a mile from the beachfront. This large, open space park borders the Banning Bike Trail and is within close access to Canyon Park, where public parking may be found. I like to park there and bike in thru to the Balboa Street entrance, off 19th Street.
Talbert Regional Park is a hidden gem for a chill afternoon hike—plenty of shade, and I even spotted a family of ducks by the creek! Perfect spot to escape without going far.
Beautiful trails! Lots of wildflowers these days (end of May) and lizards doing their crawling left and right.
Trail conditions & character
“Unless familiar with the more westerly pathways, I’d suggest a study of Google Maps Satellite View before going this way.”
“Restrooms are off the beaten path, as the adjacent Vista Park by the Victoria Street Bridge is close for comfort!”
“This large, open space park borders the Banning Bike Trail and is within close access to Canyon Park, where public parking may be found.”
Plan your run at Talbert Regional Park
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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- 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(949) 923-2250
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Costa Mesa
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Talbert Nature Preserve
4.3 ★★★★☆ 42 reviews
Public park with diverse greenery & a pond, plus a pedestrian trail system & biking area.
Vista Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 349 reviews
Park featuring a playground and benches, plus picnic tables and grills.
Canyon Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 507 reviews
Basic park set in a residential neighborhood, with a playground, picnic tables & open green space.
Santa Ana River Trail Foot Bridge
4.8 ★★★★★ 12 reviews
North Talbert Trailhead
4.4 ★★★★☆ 82 reviews
Hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities are available at this park with scenic views.