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Peters Canyon Loop

January 29, 2013 By Jeff Hester 11 Comments

View of the Reservoir

Peters Canyon Regional Park is centrally located in the city of Orange, near foothills of Tustin and Irvine. Because it’s located smack dab in the middle of Orange County, and because it actually has some decent hills with views extending to the coast, Peters Canyon is one of the more popular places to hike in OC. The trail described here is a lollipop-loop, returning along the original ridge that you hike out on. For an easier hike, or just to mix it up, you can alternatively hike the canyon trail rather than the ridge line.

Peters Canyon History

The land that is now Peters Canyon Regional Park was part of a Spanish land grant, Rancho Lomas de Santiago. In 1897, the rancho was purchased by James Irvine, who leased out the canyon to several farmers, including James Peters, who farmed in the upper part of the canyon.

To support Irvine Ranch’s water needs, two reservoirs were built within Peters Canyon. The upper one was completed in 1931 and the lower one in 1940. Both were used to regulate the Irvine Company’s water supply draft from Santiago Reservoir, known today as Irvine Lake. During World War II, Peters Canyon was used as a training area for the U.S. Army. Known as Camp Commander, it was established near the lower reservoir.

Trail Details
Distance: 6.5 miles
Time: ~2 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation gain: 681 ft
Dogs: Yes, on leash
When to go: Year-round

Hiking the Peters Canyon Loop

The official entrance to Peters Canyon is on the north side, with ample parking on a gravel lot for $3. This hike begins at the southern entrance, with free street parking. You could easily begin this loop from the north side — just review the map linked below for details.

After parking on Peters Canyon Road, you’ll see a sign for the trail at the end of the street. There is both a paved bike path as well as a well-groomed dirt trail at the beginning, winding around a catch basin (formerly Lower Peters Canyon Reservoir).

The Beginning

As you wind around the catch basin, you’ll bear right through an opening in the fence and up a hill covered in eucalyptus trees. Follow this up the hill to the ridge line.

Looking forward to our first hill

The trail follows the ridge line parallel to the toll road. You may be able to hear the cars, but the tollroad itself is well-concealed by a berm, making this trail all the better.

The Trail Ahead

This ridge line offers tremendous views, especially on a clear day. You can see the San Bernardino mountains to the east, and even Catalina Island to the southwest. No wonder this trail is popular!

Working your way down towards the lake, you’ll take the Willow Trail. During the winter months, it looks quite bare, but this grove of willow trees will require you to watch you head in places. Be sure to stay on the trail here; there are patches of poison oak, and you can pick it up even when there are no leaves.

Stay on the Trail

When you emerge from the Willow trail, bear left and cross the main parking lot. The trail starts up again on the northwest side of the lot.

You make your way around the lake, up and over a pretty decent hill and back down into the canyon. At the junction of the Peters Canyon trail, you have a choice: return via the more rigorous ridge line trail or take the easier canyon trail? I chose the ridge line, but either trail will take you back to your starting point.

Ridgeline or Canyon?

The views on this trail can be pretty awesome. It’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of suburbia.

Peters Canyon Panorama

 

Peters Canyon is a convenient trail with sweet views, fresh air and a great cardio workout, too! Go take a hike on this trail, and let me know what you think.

Trail Map

© OpenStreetMap contributors
Download

Photo Gallery

Click any photo for a larger version. You can even leave comments on individual photos!

The Trailhead
The Beginning
Ridgeline Views
Looking South Towards Laguna Coast Wilderness
Looking forward to our first hill
Dirt
Crossing the paved causeway
The Trail Ahead
Prickly Pear and Suburbia
Peters Canyon Reservoir
Peters Canyon Panorama
Intersection of Gnatcatcher and East Ridge Trails
Early Morning Sun
Not really sure what this is. Anyone have a clue?
Not really sure what this is. Anyone have a clue?
Jamboree and Toll Road
A Helluva Hill, and the Laguna Coast Wilderness in the distance
Catalina Island on the horizon at the right edge
Distant View of Catalina Island
Willow Trees
The Trail Ahead
Stay on the Trail
Peters Canyon Regional Park Map
Headed Down
Bikes, Horses and Hikers Allowed
Poison Oak
Northern Boundary
Lake View Trail
Emergence
Brush
Pay Station
Finding the trail
Back on the Trail
Across the Parking Lot
Mountain Lion Country
Little Bridge
Left, not Right
Another paved causeway
The Hill Ahead
View of the Reservoir
The trail to the left takes you close to the lake and adds about 1/2 mile to the trip.
The trail to the left takes you close to the lake and adds about 1/2 mile to the trip.
Over the Ridge
Cacti
Ridgeline
Ridgeline or Canyon?
Looking Back
Long, Straight Trail
Turn Right at Eucalyptus
Newport Center in the Distance
Mountains to Sea Trail Marker
Mountains to Sea Trail Marker

About Peters Canyon Regional Park

Peters Canyon Regional Park is open from 7am to sunset, seven days a week. Like most parks in Orange County, it is closed for three days following rain. The trails are open to hikers, mountain bikes and equestrians, so plan accordingly. Street parking on Peters Canyon Road (the “back” entrance) is free, but read the signs to avoid a parking ticket. The park has paid parking for $3 on the north end (the “front” entrance).

Getting to the Trailhead

To get the “back” entrance used on this hike: From the 5 Freeway, exit Tustin Ranch Road and head towards the foothills. Drive approximately three miles. Get in the left hand lane and turn left on Pioneer Way. Get into the right lane and take the next right on Pioneer Road. This road will wind around Cedar Grove Park. Continue to the first stop sign and turn left on Peters Canyon Road. Take this road down around a little curve and park on the right side of the curb at the end of the road. There is a sign for Peter’s Canyon Trail at the end of the road. Pay attention to the “No Parking” signs, as tickets are issued frequently to those who park in that zone.

More Useful Peters Canyon Resources

  • Official OC Parks web site
  • Peters Canyon Regional Park Map (PDF)
  • Mountain to Sea Trail Map (PDF)
  • Want to hike this with others? Check the Meetup calendars for Hiking OC and OC Hiking. Both groups regularly schedule hikes on this trail.

Peters Canyon Weather Forecast

The location could not be found.


Got a tip for Peters Canyon? Have a question? Leave a comment below! 

Related

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 6-8 miles, dog-friendly, hills, loop, moderate, Orange County, Peters Canyon, suburban

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Jeff H

About Jeff Hester

I'm an avid hiker and backpacker. My wife Joan and I are on the trails every weekend. I started SoCal Hiker to share my passion for outdoor adventure.

Comments

  1. Brandon Johnson says

    December 28, 2013 at 10:23 am

    Thansk for the great info about the trail. We are heading out there today and your website was helpful in getting the lay of the land!

    Reply
    • Jeff HJeff Hester says

      December 29, 2013 at 7:18 am

      You bet, Brandon. Thanks for the feedback. Let me know how you enjoy Peters Canyon and if you have any additional tips to share!

      Reply
  2. cricketk says

    January 27, 2014 at 2:20 pm

    I was so happy to find Peters Canyon last time I was in SoCal. I parked at Cedar Grove – useful for a toilet and water bottle refill and puts the water fountain at the rangers station halfway around the trip. It was 102 F the day I went, so I was pretty focussed on water.

    Reply
  3. Mary says

    August 30, 2014 at 11:38 pm

    Great hike. Got a bit lost, though, as the Willow trail is closed March 15 through September 15. You’ll have to go around the lake to the right instead.

    Reply
    • Jeff HJeff Hester says

      September 2, 2014 at 7:23 am

      Thank you for that, Mary. Is it always closed March-September, or is this a special closure?

      Reply
  4. greg says

    September 17, 2014 at 3:57 pm

    The seasonal closure happens every year, I’m not sure of the exact dates.

    This trail is a quick walk from home for me. It’s nice but I’m surprised when I hear just how far folks go out of their way to come here. If you are driving more than 20 minutes it’s better to go another 15 and walk in the Santa Anas, or down to the sea to escape the heat. Hopefully the county will open up places like Limestone and Black Star on a more permanent basis in the near future, as Peters is way past capacity.

    Reply
  5. Karen L Greene says

    February 7, 2015 at 5:31 pm

    I am a newbie at hiking. It has been on my must do list for a long time.
    I want to start slow and work up.
    Any suggestions?
    I figure you are never too old to start a new goal and complete it.

    Reply
  6. Puppy Training says

    March 14, 2020 at 2:28 am

    It’s great that you mention here that a household doing will probably not feel secure in a highly social environment with lots of dogs. Its always hard for me to leave my dog and go on vacation.

    Reply

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About Jeff Hester

I created SoCal Hiker while preparing to thru-hike the John Muir Trail. My goal? Create guides for the best hiking trails throughout Southern California--and occasionally beyond. I personally hike each trail to create these guides, sharing practical advice on gear and outdoor skills. Read more...

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