Love this trail! It’s 20 miles(not sure if it’s 20 mile there and back or just there, still haven’t ran the whole thing). The trail is mostly streets, but the streets are super nice. And you to under a few bridges and such. I love going under the trees. It’s a great trail if you are training for a half marathon(like I am) or a full marathon, because it’s mostly street trails and it’s mostly straight(some hills). However be warned it can be confusing if you don’t watch out for the signs that lead you to the route. You can either take the trail to the beach or the irvine spectrum!
Alyssa J P.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Naperville, IL
Not the most scenic trail, at least around Irvine where I ran on it, but it was super nice to have a trail(read: paved roadway) to run on while I was out on vacation. It bypasses all the major roads so you don’t have to worry about crossing any freeways, and to me it seemed rather safe at least while the sun was up. The only problem I had with the trail was finding it! Not very well labeled at all from normal roads, so keep your eyes open for it.
Dow L.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Anaheim, CA
It’s called a trail but I’d refer to it more as a route. Mainly because a trail is something I envision being more secluded from the city streets but parts of this ‘trail’ is on local streets. Maybe I’m just directionally challenged but there were points where I felt I had made a wrong turn. There are small sign posts placed sporadically along the way but not where it would help most; at street intersections. The official website says it’s 22 miles from end to end but I clocked in just shy of 20 miles. Maybe it’s because I didn’t stay on track the entire time or because I stopped when I got to Jamboree/PCH. Riding back is tough because it’s mostly a gradual incline with areas of higher inclines. Coming back, I was tired so instead of going back through Peter’s Canyon, I stuck to Jamboree which was a shorter route. But it wasn’t really easier as it was 2 miles of straight incline. Overall, it’s a great experience to say you biked from the hills of Orange to the Coast in Newport. Newport Back Bay is amazingly beautiful and serene. Give yourself at least 5 hours to complete this round trip. I logged just over 4 hours of riding but took breaks throughout so it was more like 5 hours.
Davis T.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Irvine, CA
Get a bike and hit this trail up! Located next to the scenic San Diego Creek this trail, at least my version, starts at Portola Parkway and ends at the Back Bay where it merges with the Back Bay Loop Trail. Near the train tracks you have to detour onto Harvard but after a few stops you can get back on the trail.
Mark V.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Sunnyvale, CA
A godsend. I am trapped here with my son ’cause my wife is on business. We are locked in the Marriott, which itself is situated in a commercial business park that is SOOOOO typical of Irvine. In other words, you might as well be on a cruise ship, because there is nothing to do after 5pm in the immediate area other than buying the overpriced amenities that the Marriott offers. BORING! However, I discovered this trail(about 1.5 miles from the hotel), and love it. Irvine is a sterile world of palm trees and big corporate offices with lots of glass. But this jem has wildlife, great trails, and is utterly safe. THANKYOUIRVINECORP(which, as I understand it, created this public service).
Grace K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Burbank, CA
Afraid of getting hit by a car while cycling? Looking for a good recovery ride? Wanna jog without creepy strangers whistling at you every two seconds? Then this trail is for you! Other pros: *It feels like you’re getting away from city life. *It’s clean. *There’s no fear of getting kidnapped(knock on wood) unlike the other trail I ride… Scaaary… *You can hop on the trail from multiple locations/cities. *Takes you straight to Newport Back Bay! Beautiful.(Will post pictures.) *It’s never congested.(Even on weekends.) *Almost everyone will give you a friendly smile and/or wave.(I love that.) *Hot people in bike shorts. Chello?! ;) Cons: *Not so hot people in bike shorts.(Sooooo kidding. :P They have a super-senior group and they are very cute.)
