Irvine Hiking Trail Overview:
Who would have thought that a couple of miles from one of the United States’ most busiest commercial and private airports, lies an incredible hiking adventure? It’s true! In Irvine, California just a few blocks from John Wayne airport is the San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, which features over 300 acres of coastal freshwater wetlands. The marsh, almost two thirds the size of New York’s Central Park, is home to several plant and bird species. The trails are the perfect training ground for newbie hikers or a perfect course for active trail runners.
Trail Map:
View San Joaquin Marsh – Irvine Hiking Trails in a larger map
From the North/Los Angeles Area
- Take 1-405 South
- Take the Jamboree Rd exit
- Turn left onto Michelson Dr.
- Park either in option 1 or 2 (see notes below)
From the South/San Diego Area
- Take 1-405 North
- Take the Jamboree Exit
- Turn Left on Michelson Dr.
- Park either in option 1 or 2 (see notes below)
Where to Park:
- Parking Option 1: If you park across the street the the Irvine Michelson Shopping Center, you can walk across the street the marsh. However, use your best discretion since this parking lot is intended for shopping center customers.
- Parking Option 2: There is a small parking lot on a private road near the Michelson Water Reclamation Plant. There is a turn-off on a semi-private road shortly before Harvard Ave.
What to Bring:
- 50-75 oz. of water
- Camelbak 50 oz Hydration Pack
- Sunscreen SPF 30
- Trail snacks
- First Aid Kit
- Cell phone
When to Go:
- Year-Round: The San Joaquin Marsh is a perfect place to explore throughout the year. It’s an excellent training ground for distance or trail runners and the diverse wildlife makes it a fun sightseeing environment for students, ornithologists, and hikers of all ages and backgrounds!
Bird Watching Site |
Irvine Hiking Trail Sign |
Irvine Hiking Trail Pond |
Irvine Hiking Trial Pond |
San Joaquin Marsh Hiking Trail |
Irvine Hiking Trial Sign |
Dog-Friendly:
- No, dogs are not permitted. Only service dogs.
- Barry-the-Bear: “Awesome! I enjoyed exploring the different twists and turns in the marsh. The flat terrain, short distance, and convenient accessibility made it a great hiking and date spot! Yeah, Tinder! It’s g-o-i-n-g down! I’m g-o-i-n-g h-i-k-i-n-g!”
- Larry-the-Lion: “This hike is perfect for the kids – it challenges them educationally and physically! It’s great to teach them about local wildlife and also explain how our local water is treated, processed, and sent back to our house.”
- Chris-the-Cheetah: “Easy! Breezy! I put on my new kicks and charged through the trails. Although the perimeter is 3 miles, there are plenty of interior trails to challenge even the fastest cheetah!”
Have you tried the San Joaquin Marsh Hiking Trail? What’s your favorite Orange County Hike? Share your hiking adventures with a comment below!