UC Irvine Bike Trails - Explore Your World By Bike

Irvine is an absolutely wonderful place to get around via bike. Wheather it’s for pure recreation, running errands or commuting, Irvine provides safe efficient bikepaths for the casual to expert rider. Here are three casual riding trails to get you out and about on your bike! They are listed from shortest to longest, with 8 miles being the shortest route.

#1: 8 Miles – Scenic 405-Loop (1-2 hours at casual pace)

This is a great trail to become familiar with three recreational bike paths. The mountain to sea trail, the 405 Greenbelt and William Mason Regional Park Wash Trail. All of these continue further, than the given route, but this gives a good introduction to each of them. [Google Map Link]

#2: 10 Miles – Sand Canyon Reservoir-Quail HillLoop (1.5-2.5 hours at casual pace)

I love this trail! It brings me to another space whenever I go on it. The winding bike lane through the Gated community with views of the golf course, Irvine and Tustin, make me realized how wonderful of a place we live in. The longer straight away section adjacent to the 405 is quite enjoyable to see the preserve area. [Google Map Link]

#3: 15 Miles – Back Bay Loop (2-3 hours at a casual pace)

Great scenery and a chance to really get out seeing the Pacific coast highway, back bay and natural wild life. This is a must do for anyone who owns a bike!! The views around the bay bring sheer joy to my face each time I ride around it. The natural wildlife in and around the bay almost can stop a beating heart sometimes, it’s that pleasant. If you decide to do the whole loop, or just an ‘out-and-back’ ride around the bay, Enjoy! [Google Map Link]

While these trails maybe close by to UC Irvine and enjoyable, don't let them limit you; these are just starting points to begin exploring the world around you! Each of these trails can be extended further to make for a longer (more enjoyable) ride. The Mountain to Sea trail for example goes from the ocean to the edge of Irvine near the mountains. Also, the PCH allows for miles of bike travel both north and south from Irvine.