06/07/2026
This weekend we tried the Shady Canyon Trail in Irvine, starting and ending at the Turtle Rock Nature Center. This scenic trail offers breathtaking views, and my kids and I really enjoyed this weekend adventure. Here’s some tips to make this trip a success for you and your kids:
☀️Go on an overcast or cooler day, because there is limited shade. Bring hats, sunscreen, and water.
🚗We parked in the lot by Turtle Rock Nature Center: 1 Sunnyhill, Irvine, CA 92603. There is also a playground by the nature center.
🌳When you hop on the trail from Sunnyhill, you can head toward Bommer Canyon or Shady Canyon and Quail Hill. We’ve only ever gone toward Shady Canyon/Quail Hill. It starts off with a lot of lush greenery, and then you cross some bridges and reach an open space with incredible views. Toward the latter half it does start to become more hilly and challenging. This is an out and back trail, so I always gauge my children’s energy levels and turn back when I think it’s appropriate. We’ve never done the full 7.9 mile trail.
🚴♂️Keep in mind that mountain bikers and pedestrians share this trail. I can’t remember how many times I told my 5 year old to “stay to the right.” If I could have a do-over, I probably would have had a conversation with them beforehand to emphasize the importance of trail safety and etiquette.
👶🏻For babies, toddlers, and younger kids, the trail is very stroller friendly. Howver, when I came here with babies in the past we never went past the bridge area because it does become a bit hilly at that point.
🍃The Nature Center is open from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm Saturday, and closed on Sundays
