
As spring gives way to summer, these next few weeks will be the last opportunity of the season to see colorful wildflowers, and one of the easiest places to look is along the Hicks Haul Road trail. The Tuesday Morning Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road is a unique way to see parts of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks while getting some great outdoor exercise. While the hike takes place on a paved road, the surrounding area is a protected natural habitat with plenty of opportunities to see active wildlife while you burn some calories.

The 3-mile route will bring hikers from the Hicks Haul Road Staging Area up to Loma Ridge, with great sweeping views of urban Orange County, and then back along the same road to the staging area. This route traverses part of the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve before travelling into OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. Those wanting a 6-mile hike will continue on from Loma Ridge just over another mile to the Augustine Staging Area before returning back. The 8-mile route will continue past the Augustine Staging Area along Blue Diamond Haul Road before reaching a great vista point that overlooks Irvine Lake. The activity is led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers, who spread out with the group along the route for this hike, allowing participants to travel at different paces and distances.
Hicks Haul Road, at the north end of Jeffrey Road in the City of Irvine, is a former ranch road that once helped local ranchers transport livestock and supplies up into the canyons. The closed road is now used as a hiking trail, and provides a secluded fitness spot that is ideal for those looking for a rewarding outdoor workout with spectacular views of nature. The paved road also offers a sure footing compared to dirt trails, so participants can look around a bit more and enjoy their surroundings.
There are weekly fitness hikes on multiple days of the week at this location. The “After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road” takes place every Monday and Wednesday evening, traveling a total of 3 miles as hikers climb to Loma Ridge and back. On Thursday evenings, the “Slow-Paced Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road” offers the same route at a slower pace.
Click here for a list of all upcoming “Tuesday Morning Fitness Hikes on Paved Hicks Haul Road.” Click here for a list of ALL fitness hikes on Hicks Haul Road. All of these programs are free, but require pre-registration. No special gear is needed. Tennis shoes are recommended. Please bring an adequate amount of water for your desired hiking distance. Visit www.LetsGoOutside.org/activities to browse a list of all upcoming offered programs.