Mason ParkThe University of California Irvine is one of 10 campuses of the University of California system, and is home to some 30,000 students. The campus itself is like a mini-city. The is excellent running on the campus and many options in the immediate area. An overview, below:
University Campus. The highlight is Aldrich Park, hilly, grassy expanse featuring a botanical garden. About 1 mile of paths inside Inner Ring Rd. Then, make your way through Founders Court to the Athletic Fields and track at the northern part of the campus. On the north side of University Dr. (a wide road, not that pleasant for running), connect to the paved Mountains to the Sea Trail & Bikeway, along San Diego Creek. It’s 1 mile WEST along the path to Mason Park, and 1 mile EAST to the Newport Back Bay Loop.
San Joaquin Marsh
Mason Park. Just north of University Town Center, and 1 mile from Aldrich Park. 9 acre lake with ~1 mile trail, and 2.1 mile paved University Trail going east-west through the park.
San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. 11 miles of nature trails. Best bet for runners is a 3 mile loop following Riparian View, Michelson Dr., Carlson Ave., & Campus Dr.
Newport Back Bay Loop. The eastern end of this popular 10.5 mile loop is 1 mile from campus. See our separate entry.
Mason ParkThe University of California Irvine is one of 10 campuses of the University of California system, and is home to some 30,000 students. The campus itself is like a mini-city. The is excellent running on the campus and many options in the immediate area. An overview, below:
University Campus. The highlight is Aldrich Park, hilly, grassy expanse featuring a botanical garden. About 1 mile of paths inside Inner Ring Rd. Then, make your way through Founders Court to the Athletic Fields and track at the northern part of the campus. On the north side of University Dr. (a wide road, not that pleasant for running), connect to the paved Mountains to the Sea Trail & Bikeway, along San Diego Creek. It’s 1 mile WEST along the path to Mason Park, and 1 mile EAST to the Newport Back Bay Loop.
San Joaquin Marsh
Mason Park. Just north of University Town Center, and 1 mile from Aldrich Park. 9 acre lake with ~1 mile trail, and 2.1 mile paved University Trail going east-west through the park.
San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. 11 miles of nature trails. Best bet for runners is a 3 mile loop following Riparian View, Michelson Dr., Carlson Ave., & Campus Dr.
Newport Back Bay Loop. The eastern end of this popular 10.5 mile loop is 1 mile from campus. See our separate entry.
The largest city in Orange County and home to Disneyland and a major convention center. Best spots in the immediate area are Mile Square Park, the Colony Historic District, and Anaheim Hills, which has gorgeous parks and pretty residential streets.
Pleasant, 475-acre park with several miles of trails nestled among a grove of heritage oak and sycamore trees. Best bets are 4-mile Equestrian Loop, 3 mile Horseshoe Loop Trail 1.3 mile Road Runner loop. Paved & dirt paths.
Nature preserve connecting the Upper Newport Bay and Newport Harbor is a popular 10.5 mile loop. It's paved and relatively flat. Numerous access points and options to make it shorter. South part is prettiest.
A beach and a canyon all in one run! Fantastic state park has a 2.5+ mile paved coastal trail and 10+ miles of backcountry trails in Moro Canyon. The promenade has great water views. Canyon trails are moderate to challenging, with some serious hills.
Terrific trail along side San Clemente Beach, paralleling the train tracks. The path runs 2.6 miles one-way, combination paved, sand, boardwalk, and dirt.
One can put together 3-4 miles of trails in the Oso Viejo Community Park. The trails feature an Oak Grove, garden maze, butterfly garden, and a walkway made of recycled glass. For a longer run, the residential area east of the park is pleasant.
One of the most spectacular runs in southern California. A series of headlands and cliffs overlooking Dana Point and Strands Beach, with great views. One can put together a terrific run, with parks, trails, and paths along the harbor and marina.
30-mile recreational trail along the Santa Ana River between Huntington Beach and Riverside. Paths on both sides of the water. Several parks and other landmarks along the way.
A wonderful 2.5 mile dedicated pedestrian path, with great harbor views. Reachable by bridge, or quick ferry ride from the Balboa Peninsula. For a longer run, hop the ferry and do the 2.9 mile Newport Balboa bike trail.
Wonderful 3 mile paved trail on the Balboa Peninsula, with great beach & views. Fun jaunts out to Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier. Combined, with piers, it's 7 miles total. Good add-on opportunities.
This 670 acre park is one of the best spots to run near Anaheim/Disney. It's 1 mile along each side of the park. Or, enjoy some of the interior trails. There are lakes, golf courses, nature trails, recreational fields, and more.
Wide, paved bike path that goes 10.5 miles from Huntington Beach to Newport Beach. In parts, the trail is literally right next to the beach. Popular and festive on a nice day. We've included a map and table with segment distances.
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