【Hike】San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine - The Best Place to See Wild Birds

Thursday, September 15, 2022

【Hike】San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine - The Best Place to See Wild Birds

San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine

In late May this year, my husband and I went hiking San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine. We had visited this place to see wild birds many times before. However, this was our first time to try hiking trails which are listed in the book, 50 Hikes in Orange County, which I purchased to enjoy Orange County hikes.

Tips for Walking on San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary Trails.
・Apply sunscreen on entire body.
・Wear sunglasses and hat with high UPF.
・Drink water often.
・You cannot bring your dog.
・It's flat and easy trails.

My San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary Walking Summary (UA MapMyWalk App)

When I go hiking, I use Under Armour MapMyWalk App to track my walk.

My San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary Walking Summary (UA MapMyWalk App)

This time, I also used AllTrails App for my first time. Actually, I was pretty impressed at AllTrails App. It's easy to use and helped me to not get lost.

My San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary Walking Summary (All Trails App)

San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
5 Riparian View
Irvine, CA 92612
U.S.A.

Free Parking Lot

There is a free parking lot at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. When we arrived there around at 3 p.m., there were many empty parking spaces.

San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary Parking Lot

Hours

Dawn Until Dusk

San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

Fledgling Trail

Fledgling Trail

Like always we do here, we started hiking on Fledgling Trail.

Matilija Poppy

We were able to see matilija poppy and western fence lizard.

Western Fence Lizard

Fledgling Trail

Pond B (Left) and Pond D (Right) on Fledgling Trail

On your right, you will see Pond E, D and C. On your left, you will see Pond B and A.

Fledgling Trail

Pond A

Tree Swallow

There were some light blue wooden bird houses which were set toward the ponds. A beautiful tree swallow was sitting on the bird house.

Tree Swallow

Mallard Duck

Fledgling Trail and Treehill Trail

This is the junction of Fledgling Trail and Treehill Trail. Make a right onto Treehill Trail.

Treehill Trail

Treehill Trail

We started walking on Treehill Trail.

Treehill Trail

While walking on Treehill Trail, you will see Pond C on your right.

Boardwalk

Boardwalk

We walked on the boardwalk that crosses through a marshy area.

Boardwalk

Turn right onto North Loop Trail.

North Loop Trail

North Loop Trail

We started walking on North Loop Trail. Just about 100 feet later, make the first left turn.

North Loop Trail

North Loop Trail and Crescent Trail

Then, make a left turn to keep walking North Loop Trail.

North Loop Trail

There were a lot of small fish!

North Loop Trail

We walked through a densely planted area.

North Loop Trail and Crescent Trail

When you are at the intersection of North Loop Trail on your left and Crescent Trail on your right, turn left to stay on North Loop.

North Loop Trail

North Loop Trail and Midway Trail

After 100 feet, turn left onto the Midway Trail.

Midway Trail

Midway Trail

The Midway Trail and Willow Path Trail

This is the junction of the Midway Trail and Willow Path Trail. Stay on the Midway Trail.

Midway Trail

The Midway Trail and North Loop Trail

This is the junction of the Midway Trail and North Loop Trail. Turn right onto North Loop Trail again.

North Loop Trail

North Loop Trail

After walking 600 feet, your will find the small bridge on your left to go onto Lost Trail.

Lost Trail

Lost Trail

When we walked on Lost Trail, I was a little scared of possible wild animal encounter because this trail smelled like animal somehow. According to the book, 50 Hikes in Orange County, bobcats are seen sometimes. I am not scared of bobcats but mountain lions.

Lost Trail

Lost Trail and Carlson Trail

When you see the apartment complex, you are about to the junction of Lost Trail and Carlson Trail. Turn left onto Carlson Trail.

Roadrunner

We found the very cute roadrunner, which ran very fast, for our first time!

Roadrunner

Carlson Trail

Carlson Trail

We started walking on Carlson Trail.

Carlson Trail

Carlson Trail and Shady Lane Trail

This is the junction of Carlson Trail and Shady Lane Trail. Turn left onto Shady Lane Trail.

Shady Lane Trail

Shady Lane Trail

Shady Lane Trail and The Midway Trail

When you are at intersection of Shady Lane Trail and The Midway Trail, turn right onto the Midway Trail.

The Midway Trail

The Midway Trail

We started walking the Midway Trail again.

The Midway Trail and South Loop Trail

This is the junction of the Midway Trail and South Loop Trail. Turn left onto South Loop Trail.

The Midway Trail and South Loop Trail

South Loop Trail

South Loop Trail

California Ground Squirrel

When we were walking on South Loop Trail, we found this cute California ground squirrel.

South Loop Trail

You will walk on trail between ponds where many birds inhabit. (Pond 6, 4, A and B on your left. Pond 5, 3 and 1 on your right.)

South Loop Trail

South Loop Trail and Pond 1

Pond 1

Elegant Terns

We saw many elegant terns on at the Pond 1. It looked like it was a tern breeding season. A lot of terns were sitting on eggs, and we were also able to see some small chicks!

Elegant Terns

San Joaquin Marsh Campus

San Joaquin Marsh Campus

Then, turn left to San Joaquin Marsh Campus.

San Joaquin Marsh Campus

We found this cute rabbit eating grass.

Rabbit

San Joaquin Marsh Campus

Audubon House / Duck Club

Audubon House / Duck Club Parking

American White Pelican

After enjoying hiking at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, we crossed a road, Riparian View, and found more birds at San Diego Creek.

San Diego Creek

American Avocet

American White Pelicans

Mallard Ducks

White-Faced Ibis

Mallard Duck

Great Egret

We enjoyed hiking San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. We had visited this place to see wild birds many times before, but it was our first time to walk many trails here. I hadn't known that it's such a huge place and pretty complicated trails. If you don't have a map, you might get lost easily. Like always, we enjoyed watching a lot of beautiful wild birds here, and I was very excited when I found a roadrunner for my first time.