Hicks Haul Road (Staging Area)
Staging Area Driving Directions
•From the freeways exit Jeffrey Road and head north
• Follow Jeffrey Road (from 5 freeway) approximately 2.5 miles to Portola Parkway
• At the Portola Parkway intersection continue north on Jeffrey Road (at this point Jeffrey Road turns into Hick’s Haul Road. Although it says it’s a private road, it is still okay to drive on it for the public programs)
• Follow Hick’s Haul Road approximately 1.5 miles to a metal gate
• At the top of Hicks Haul Road veer right to the metal gate (toward the Toll Road)
Portola Staging Area
Staging Area Driving Directions
From the 405 or 5 freeway
• From the freeways exit Sand Canyon Avenue and head north (toward the mountains)
• Follow Sand Canyon Ave (from 5 freeway) approximately 2.6 miles to Portola Parkway
• Turn right on Portola Parkway
• Follow Portola Parkway approximately 3.5 miles to the 241 Toll Road
• Cross over the Toll Road and enter gate on Portola Parkway
• Follow road through gate. The Portola Staging Area is on the left
From the 241 Toll Road
(NOTE that there are 2 Portola Exits from the 241, read below for the correct one)
• If heading on the 241 South, exit Portola Parkway (Irvine) the first Portola exit and turn left.
• If heading on the 241 North, exit Portola North (the Portola Exit after Alton Parkway) the
second Portola exit and turn right.
• Enter the gate on Portola Parkway
• Follow the road down a small hill to the left. The Portola Staging Area is on the left.
NOTE: Please be advised that there is construction at the staging area and there are
signs that state the road is a dead end. Continue through the gate anyway.
Quail Hill
The 2.8-acre Quail Hill Trailhead provides a great location to connect to southern Irvine’s extensive trail network. The trailhead is located at the end of Sand Canyon Road and marks the beginning of the Quail Hill Loop Trail, an easy two-mile natural surface trail at the foot of Quail Hill that is open to the public from dawn to dusk. Irvine’s southern wilderness is also accessible via docent-led activities that begin at the trailhead. Quail Hill loop is the only wilderness trail in the Natural Landmarks that allows dogs – on leashes of course.
The audio tour is also available in a podcast format. You can listen on your computer or download the audio files for free to your portable listening device. Load your iPod or other MP3 player with the files and take it out with you to explore the loop trail. Available here
Orchard Hills Loop
Staging Area Driving Directions
From 405 or 5 Freeways
• Exit Culver Drive and head north toward the hills (from 5 north exit Culver, turn left onto Trabuco
and right onto Culver)
• Continue on Culver until it crosses Portola Parkway (from 5 freeway approximately 2 miles, from 405 freeway approximately 5.6 miles)
• After Culver crosses Portola it turns into Orchard Hills (you will pass the Orchard Hills shopping
center on your left)
• After passing the light for Furrow, take the next left (this is not a light) The turn is .8 miles after crossing Portola
• Drive up the dirt road to the parking area
From the 261 Toll Road
• Exit Portola Parkway
• Turn right onto Portola if traveling on the 261 north
• Turn left onto Portola if traveling on the 261 south
• Turn left onto Culver (approximately 1 mile from the 261)
• Culver turns into Orchard Hills
• After passing the light for Furrow, take the next left (this is not a light) The turn is .8 miles after
turning off Portola.
• Drive up the dirt road to the parking area
From the 133 Laguna Canyon Road
• Exit Irvine Boulevard
• Turn left onto Irvine Boulevard if traveling on the 133 north
• Turn right onto Irvine Boulevard if traveling on the 133 south
• Follow Irvine Boulevard to Jeffrey Road approximately 1.25 miles
• Turn right onto Jeffrey Road
• Follow Jeffrey to Portola Parkway, approximately 1 mile
• Turn left onto Portola Parkway
• Turn Right onto Orchard Hills (the light after Firestation)
• Follow Orchard Hills for 1 mile and look for the road turn off on the right
• Drive up the dirt road to the parking area
• If you get to Furrow while on Orchard Hills, you have gone too far
Bommer Canyon
Rich in both Irvine Ranch lore and nature’s wonders, Bommer Canyon beckons walkers, hikers and all other outdoor enthusiasts to stroll past ancient oak and sycamore groves and rough rock outcrops. Much like the City’s Quail Hill Loop Trail specific trails in this area are open daily for self-guided hikes from dawn to dusk; however, other areas within Bommer can only be accessed through guided programs and do require pre-registration. Monthly Wilderness Access Days are available to allow hikers and bikers the chance to explore the network of outstanding trails and views of the area.
A wide variety of activities are offered by the City of Irvine in partnership with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy.
Turtle Rock Nature Center
The Turtle Rock Nature Center is located at the base of the San Joaquin Hills in the City of Irvine, and serves as a community resource for environmental interest and concern. The five-acre nature preserve is both a home for wildlife and an outdoor classroom where visitors and program participants learn to protect our natural environment. Visitors can explore the nature center at their leisure, taking a self-guided trail walk during regular operating hours. Trails may be closed due to inclement weather.
