Quail Hill Open Space in Irvine, California

The new Quail Hill open space has opened for the enjoyment of residents and visitors to Irvine, California. Hikers, bikers and outdoor enthusiasts can now enjoy the rolling meadows of Quail Hill, after ownership of the distinctive open space along the I-405 freeway was formally dedicated to the City of Irvine at a community celebration earlier today.

This transfer is part of the historic Open Space Agreement approved by Irvine voters in 1988, which guarantees that beautiful places throughout the city, such as Quail Hill, Bommer Canyon and the Jeffrey Open Space Trail, will be protected forever as the company pursues long anticipated master planned community development elsewhere in the city.

The opening ceremony took place at a new 2.8-acre trailhead off Shady Canyon Drive that provides access to the Quail Hill Loop Trail, an easy two-mile natural surface trail at the foot of Quail Hill which is open for unguided public access, and provides a link to the region’s extensive trail network. What a perfect way to spend a late afternoon between business and happy hour! I would much rather break out my hiking boots and hit the trail for an hour than ride some treadmill going nowhere in a hotel fitness center! Soon, connections to multi-use trails and bikeways will provide links to the Jeffrey Open Space Trail and the Mountains to Sea Trail, a National Recreational Trail. Sounds interesting.

According to the press release:

Quail Hill is one of Irvine’s most beloved natural areas. It is home to a variety of plant and animal species, and includes access to a trail system that will ultimately lead all the way to the Pacific Ocean. It is a key part of the southern portion of the Irvine Open Space Preserve and is the only permanently preserved open space along the 405 freeway between Los Angeles County and Camp Pendleton. The lands are also part of the 37,000-acre Irvine Ranch National Natural Landmark, established in 2006 by the U.S. Secretary of Interior.

For more information about the Quail Hill Loop Trail, and other activities, visit: www.irvineranchlandreserve.org.

Happy trails!