Trip Date: 1/10/2015 

Location: Irvine Regional Park

Permit/Pass: Day use - $3 weekdays, $5 weekends.

Trails: OC Parks Map

Directions: From either California TR 261 or California TR 241 in Orange Country take the Santiago Canyon Rd. (also Chapman Rd.) exit and head northwest for a bit over a mile to a right turn onto Jamboree Rd. Drive 0.3 miles on Jamboree as it veers right and turns into Irvine Park Rd. Continue through the kiosk and turn right (follow the signs for the railroad). After a few yards turn left into parking lot 7. The trailhead is along the eastern side of the lot. 

Synopsis: This is a very flat, sometimes shady trail that is good for young ones and grandparents. There is some cholla to beware of, and no interpretive signs, but it's still a decent spot for a short walk with the kids.

Trail sequence: Childrens' Garden Trail

Type: Loop

Distance: 0.2 miles

Elevation: Min. - 546', Max. - 576' (grain of salt here, the trail was quite flat)

Rating: Easy (factors: problematic plants)

Trail Notes: Keep an eye out for stinging nettle.

Childrens' Garden Trail - Irvine Regional Park

Turn by Turn:

  -- The trailhead sign urges the hiker to turn right and go clockwise, but as far as we could tell anyone of a rebellious nature can travel the reverse course with little risk.