【Hike】Horseshoe Loop at Irvine Regional Park

Thursday, May 4, 2023

【Hike】Horseshoe Loop at Irvine Regional Park

In March 2023, my husband and I went to Irvine Regional Park to hike Horseshoe Loop Trail. Irvine Regional Park is the multi-use park. In this park, there are playgrounds, picnic areas, playing fields, hiking/biking trails, and the Orange County Zoo, where you can see a mountain lion.

Irvine Regional Park

1 Irvine Park Rd

Orange, CA 92869

We found this trail in the book, 50 Hikes in Orange County, which I purchased to enjoy Orange County hikes.

Tips for Walking to Horseshoe Loop Trail.
・Apply sunscreen on entire body.
・Wear sunglasses and hat with high UPF.
・Drink water often.
・You can bring your dog.
・It's very easy trail.

My Horseshoe Loop Walking Summary (UA MapMyWalk App)

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

My Horseshoe Loop Walking Summary (UA MapMyWalk App)

Last year, I also started using AllTrails App. It's easy to use and helps me to not get lost. In addition, it's easy to find new hiking trails and save your activities on AllTrails App. If you love hiking, you should try this app. It makes your hiking more enjoyable.

My Horseshoe Loop Walking Summary (All Trails App)

One of the reasons why I think All Trails App is useful is that it shows restrooms on the map. 👍

My Horseshoe Loop Walking Summary (All Trails App)

Parking

Parking fee/entrance fee is $3 per vehicle on weekdays, and $5 on Weekends. You can pay the fee at the entrance.

Monday through Friday $3 per vehicle entry

Saturday and Sunday $5 per vehicle entry

There are so many parking lots in different areas at Irvine Regional Park. Yet, it might be a little difficult to find a parking space around popular areas on weekends such as the Orange County Zoo.

Park Hours

Spring and Summer : 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Fall and Winter : 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Irvine Regional Park

The Mountain Lion Warning Sign at the Entrance of Irvine Regional Park

There was the mountain lion warning sign at the entrance of Irvine Regional Park. In Orange County, mountain lions can be found in many cities. In March 2022, a mountain lion was spotted roaming throughout a shopping center in Irvine. Therefore you should know what to do if you encounter a mountain lion before you go hiking in the mountains in Orange County.

What To Do If You Encounter A Mountain Lion

Horseshoe Loop Trail

Horseshoe Loop Trailhead

Horseshoe Loop Trailhead is located close to the entrance / parking fee paying area of Irvine Regional Park.

There were so many people visiting Irvine Regional Park that day, but we didn't see people walking there for the first a mile or so. It was very quiet.

At the top of the hill, there are benches you can sit and take the view.

We saw some squirrels there.

There were lot of cacti!

We went down the hill and finally saw some people walking with dogs.

Puma Ridge Trailhead

There was also the mountain lion warning sign at the trailhead of Puma Ridge. We kept walking on Horseshoe Loop Trail.

Some trails were closed that day. I think it's because of muddy condition after rain.

We walked on the paved path around the Park.

Santiago Creek

There were many squirrels between the paved path and Santiago Creek.

There is the Orange County Zoo, you can see a mountain lion at. It also has many animals who are injured or not releasable into the wild. We stopped by here and were excited seeing many animals especially a mountain lion, so I will write about it next time.

There is Nature Center close to OC Zoo.

Nature Center

At the Nature Center, there are fur of many wild animals.

Turkey Vulture and Coyote

In addition, there are displays with wild animals such as coyote, black bear and mountain lion.

Bobcat and Coyote

Black Bear

Bobcat

Mountain Lion

After visiting the Orange County Zoo and Nature Center, we started walking on the paved path. On your left, you will see the horse stables.

We finally went back to the parking lot.

Hiking on Horseshoe Loop Trail was pretty easy, and we were able to enjoy seeking a lot of spring wildflowers, cacti, squirrels during this hike. In addition, we also enjoyed the Orange County Zoo.