Irvine Regional Park offers a large array of recreational opportunities including bicycle and paddle boat rentals, pony and horseback riding, Orange County Zoo, family and large group picnicking, ball fields, mountain biking, hiking and equestrian trails.
The park is rich in Orange county history which is featured at the park's Interpretive Center. The park is also known for its stately oak tree groves and beautiful natural canyon setting. Since opening to the public in 1898, the park has served millions of visitors and today still remains the most popular park in Orange County. The park offers a large array of recreational opportunities including bicycle and paddle boat rentals, pony and horseback riding, Orange County Zoo, family and large group picnicking, ball fields, mountain biking, hiking and equestrian trails. Park Trails: Irvine Regional Park currently has 8 trails for a total of 8.5 trail miles.
Among a historic grove of massive Coast Live Oaks and California Sycamores in the hillsides of Santiago Canyon lies Irvine Regional Park, the oldest regional park in California. From its earliest beginnings as the picnic grounds, to Orange County Park, to today's Irvine Regional Park, the historical flavor of the past and the new look of the future are evident throughout this 477 acre park.
Originally, the Irvine Park land was part of the Mexican land grant Rancho Lomas de Santiago owned by the Yorba family. In 1860 the rancho was owned by William Wolfskill, then by six sheep ranchers and finally James Irvine in 1876.
In October 1897, James Irvine, Jr. donated 160 acres to the county. An additional six acres were given in 1950, and 20 more in 1958. Purchases in 1967 and 1971 added 291 acres to the west bringing the park's total to its present 477 acres. Each October Orange County celebrates Irvine Park's Anniversary, in commemoration of James Irvine donation in 1897.
Recreation
Today the park features a host of recreational
opportunities sure to delight the interests of individuals, families and groups
alike. Picnic tables and barbeques are located throughout the park with
convenient parking and restroom facilities nearby. A paved bicycle/walking trail
meanders through the park, providing easy access to playgrounds, softball
fields, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and picnic facilities.
Group picnic areas
Three handsomely shaded picnic areas,
complete with built-in riverstone barbeques and sinks, and permanent tables, are
available by reservation.
Concessions
Horse rentals are available and pony rides offer the
adventurous experience of fast trot, trot, and slow paced rides (phone #
538-5860). Parents can walk alongside the slow paced riders in the central park
of the arena. Tandem bicycle rentals, paddle boat rentals, and a snackstand
(phone # 997-3968) are located adjacent to the historic boathouse. Concession
operating hours are seasonally variable.
Park ranger programs including guided zoo tours and nature walks are
offered throughout the year on a reservation basis when staff is available. The
interpretive Center features natural and historical exhibits and is opened as
staff is available.
William Harding
nature area
A beautiful collection of native
chaparral plants and trees are displayed in their natural setting and many are
featured in the William Harding Trail Guide available at the trail head and the
park office.
Orange County Zoo
The Orange County Zoo exhibits many
interesting animals from the diverse biotic communities of the Great Southwest.
The barnyard offers the friendly experience of interacting with domesticated
animals. The zoo is open everyday at 10 a.m. Closing time varies seasonally.
The administration Building, located at the park entrance, provides
visitors information and first aid.
| November 1 to March 31 | 7 A.M. to 6 P.M. |
| April 1 to October 31 | 7 A.M. to 9 P.M. |
| $2.00 | per day per vehicle |
| $10.00 | per bus per day |
| $30.00 | *Annual Day-Use Pass per year (valid at County Regional Parks - prorated pass available. |
| $7.50 | *Annual Day-Use Pass per year Senior Citizen - (60 year or older) and handicapped *Pro-rated to $9.00 and $2.25 respectively |
Note: Day use fees are good for one entrance only.
Weekends and Holidays:No vehicles over 20 ft. long and no vehicles with trailers permitted in paved parking lots.
This article is from Terry Canavello, Special to the Register, 7/24/1997
One of the most unique aspects of Irvine Park is its trail connection with Santiago Oaks Regional Park, just a mile or so down Santiago Creek from Irvine Park. A round trip between the parks will be between four and five miles and might open a whole new world of possibilities.
The area between the parks is the creek valley full of willow and reed marshes. On one side of the valley is a small lake created by overeager gravel miners. The lake is fun to stand and admire, but don't dive in -- there is still mining equipment lurking below the surface.
Santiago Creek Trail between Irvine and Santiago Oaks is easy to follow, flat and is suitable for hikers, horses and bikers -- even family-powered road bikes will be able to roll here. For quickest access to the trail, park to the left of the Irvine Park entrance. Look for gravel road or trail behind the green lawn area.
Take the trail on the uphill slant and turn right on the dirt road/trail with he sign clearly showing the way. This trail offers a good view of the valley and the hills beyond and is popular with everyone. Keep your eyes open and your trail manners alert, especially on weekends.
Follow the trail/road to the Villa Park Dam. It seems to end here, but don't be fooled. Turn left up the asphalt road and bear right at the top of the small hill. The dam access road/trail goes beside the spillway. Just as the road turns across a bridge, look left for a dirt path leading sharply downhill.
Turn right at the bottom of the hill, cross the now-dry creek and you have entered Santiago Oaks Park The main trail to the left continues in a loop through Santiago Oaks Trail.
Turning left again after the wooden sign when the trail splits will lead beside Santiago Creek and straight to the ranger station for a trail map. There also are trail maps in the kiosks along the trail.