If you're looking for a way to shed a few pounds, get healthier and gain some new friends – but not spend a lot fulfilling these resolutions – go for a walk, and better yet join the OC Hiking Club and come walk with us.
The local Orange County area offers some nice hikes for all ability levels. You, you family and friends can enjoy scenic vistas on easy urban and wild land hikes, some only minutes from your home.
Many of these hikes are dog friendly with dogs on leash, so bring extra water and a snack.
And don't hike alone.
To attend a hike with the OC Hiking Club, join the club for free at oc-hiking.com/ and RSVP for the hike of your choice.
To hike on your own, go to the websites for whatever parks that pique your interest to get hours and parking information.
10 EASY HIKES WITH THE OC HIKING CLUB
1) Monday morning walk and shore bird sightings at Bolsa Chica bluffs.
Meeting Place: In the Interpretative Center on the corner of Warner and PCH in Huntington Beach.
About the hike: Easy beginner; no dogs; 5 miles with no elevation gain; 2 hours. Don't forget your binoculars on this walk. You might spot some interesting wildlife, including three Reddish egrets, a couple of peregrine falcons, stilts, forester terns, herons, snowy and great white egrets. Bolsa Chica is home to more than 300 varieties of California's coastal birds. This is moderately paced walk around the wetlands. Surprises await you at Bolsa Chica!
Monday Mornings through Feb. 15.
2) Shady Canyon – Dog friendly.
Recommended Items: A flashlight, layers of clothing, water, a snack, and anything else you need to be comfortable and safe. Good walking shoes are highly recommended.
About the hike: Suitable for intermediate beginners 5.5 miles round trip with 566 elevation gain in less than 2 hours. This hike can be done in the rain. This is a fun, scenic hike for those new to hiking. This hike is on a multi-purpose use trail and is a combination of paved trail and hard packed dirt. The hike winds through one of the most beautiful canyons in Orange County with views of Sand Canyon Reservoir and Strawberry Farms Golf course and ends at Turtle Rock Community Park.
Monday and Wednesday evenings through Feb. 15.
3) Pier-to-Pier dog friendly beach walk for all levels – Dog friendly.
Ability level: All levels -- beginners welcome.
Parking is free after 6p.m.
About the hike: We start at the Newport Pier and walk down to the Balboa Pier and back; about 4 miles. Go at your own pace, walk with the group or walk alone. Walk fast, medium or slow, run fast or slow, walk on hard sand, soft sand or the paved boardwalk – you choose. The beach is good for strengthening and balancing muscles in the feet, legs and backs.
Directions: Take the 55 South, continue onto Newport Boulevard, turn right at 29th Street, take the first left onto West Balboa Boulevard, and make a slight right at McFadden Place. Destination will be on the left. Meet at Newport Beach Pier.
Tuesday and Thursday evenings through Feb. 15.
4) San Joaquin Wetlands in Irvine bird walk.
About the hike: Beginner, no dogs. Please turn off your cell phone during the walk
Many varieties of birds and wildflowers are found in the wetlands of the Irvine Ranch Water District. This walk is about 3 miles with stops to spot and identify the birds. We also have the option to visit Tree Hill where many varieties of domestic and international trees are planted. There are more than 10 miles of hiking trails (all flat), and 11 ponds, most of which are the size of small lakes. This area is a hidden treasure – one that nature, bird or wildflower lovers should experience.
Directions: From I-405 southbound, exit Jamboree and go south (right) toward the ocean. After about a mile, make a left on Campus. At University (next major street), make a u-turn and take the first driveway on the right (immediately after the u-turn) into Irvine Ranch Water District. Go almost all the way to the end and make a left into the parking lot.
Friday, Jan. 11.
5) Mile Square Park beginner walk – Dog friendly.
Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley Recreation Centre and Sports Park in Fountain Valley.
About the hike: Beginner level, 4 miles, about 1 1/2 hours. We will walk the perimeter of Mile Square Park totaling 4 miles. It is mostly pavement and some grass. This is a dog-friendly walk. Dogs must be on a leash, and bring your own bags to pick up after your pet.
Directions: Meet on sidewalk near corner of Brookhurst and Heil streets. Take I-405 to the Brookhurst off ramp. Head north on Brookhurst to Heil and make a right at the light into the parking lot where the basketball court is.
Friday evenings through Feb 15.
6) Serrano Canyon to Four Corners for advanced beginners hike.
Whiting Ranch, Portola Entrance, 27412 Portola Parkway, Foothill Ranch.
About the hike: Not for first-time hikers and no dogs allowed. Advanced beginners; 2.5- to-3 mph pace; length 5.7 miles; (600 feet altitude gain); about 2.5-3 hours depending on the group's pace. You should experience some of the club's 4-5 mile walks before attempting this hike. (This is one of my favorite South County trails where you can often see deer.
Directions: From I-5, exit Bake Parkway, turn north (toward hills) for about 5 miles. Turn right on Portola, (pass Lake Forest) then turn right at Glenn Ranch Road (signal at shopping center).
Saturday, Jan. 12.
7) Peter's Canyon for advanced beginners – Dog friendly.
Peters Canyon: Back Entrance, 26981 Peters Canyon Road, Tustin.
About this hike: Advanced beginners. This hike takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours and cover roughly 6.5 to 7 miles; 830 feet ascent. It is not a hike for new beginners. The hike includes some challenging hills that we won't take too fast.
Directions: From the I-5, exit Tustin Ranch Road and head toward the foothills. Drive about 3 miles. Get in the left-hand lane and turn left on Pioneer Way (signal). Get into the right lane and take the next right on Pioneer Road (signal). This road will wind around Cedar Grove Park. Continue to the first stop sign and turn left on Peters Canyon Road. Park at the end of the road. We will meet at the 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. Parking is limited; arrive early.
Saturday, Jan. 19.
8) Beginner (slow) Caspers Wilderness Park East Ridge Bell Canyon Loop.
Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.
Parking fee: $5.
About the hike: A little under 7 miles; about 3 hours. Speed 2.5-3.5 per hour with about 460 feet elevation gain, depending on group pace. We will stop and enjoy the canopy of strangely shaped trees. We may have to hop over some rocks crossing creeks, and the trails can be rocky and rough – so wear appropriate shoes.
Directions: From I-5 south, take the Ortega Highway exit. Turn left at the light. Follow Ortega Highway until you see the Caspers Wilderness Park sign on the left side of the road. Once inside the park, follow the main road to the stop sign, make a right and follow that road all the way until you see a red windmill and the sign for the Old Corral on the left side of the road. When you pass that area you are almost at the end of the road; last parking lot on the left before the road ends is where we meet.
Sunday, Jan. 20.
9) Deer Canyon Trail – Slow short steep new beginners hike.
Crystal Cove State Park.
About the hike: Moderate beginners; no dogs; about 3.5 miles; 1 1/2 to 2 hours. This area is coastal scrub, low bushes with beautiful views.
Directions: Meet at Ridge Park entrance at Ridge Park Road & East Coastal Peak, Newport Coast.
Saturday, Feb. 2.
10) Bommer Ridge – Introductory slow new beginners' hike.
Crystal Cove State Park
About the hike: Introductory beginners; no dogs; about 4 miles; 2 hours total at Laguna Coast Wilderness/Crystal Cove. Elevation gain and loss will be minimal. This area is coastal scrub, low bushes with beautiful views.
Directions: Meet at Ridge Park entrance at Ridge Park Road & East Coastal Peak, Newport Coast.
Saturday, Feb. 2.
The OC Hiking Club hike organizers are required to take a head count of all participants for safety reasons, thus you must RSVP for hike start times. Please join for time and full directions at oc-hiking.com. These and many other in-town and out-of-town hikes for all ability levels are offered.
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