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San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary – Irvine Hiking Trails

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.

 

The San Joaquin Marsh Trail is a hiking trail onto itself. While most of the hiking trails that the Go Hike Team covers are back and forth trails or trail loops, the San Joaquin March has enough paths, turns, and options to warm the hearts of the Louis and Clark, which beats in all of us. Although the trail map below highlights the trail’s perimeter, it’s possible to switch back and forth or crisscross to over 10 miles of trail adventures! We also enjoyed the numerous ponds and wildlife that fill the marsh. It’s truly a nature haven in the middle of a commercial town.Total Distance: 2-5 Miles

 



Trail Map:

  
View San Joaquin Marsh – Irvine Hiking Trails in a larger map

 
 
Directions:


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: 



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!

 

How the Trail Looks:  
 
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.
Intensity Levels: 
  • 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!

 

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