Orange County is home to some pretty great bike trails. Whether you want to soak up some sun or enjoy breezy October evenings, these and other bicycle trails offer the perfect destinations for unwinding, catching some fresh air, staying fit, and viewing wildlife.
- Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
- Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park has something for everyone. The 4500-acre Orange County park offers 18 bike-friendly trails of widely varying difficulty. Its 30-plus miles of trails range from easy to extremely challenging, so check out the trail map to find the right ones for your experience level. Aliso and Wood Canyons are known for letting nature run wild. Native plants rule the land here; there’s no landscaping to distract the eye from abundant wildlife, mature trees, rare plants, and two streams that flow year-round. Enjoy stunning views of the ocean from Top of the World, a park feature situated at an elevation of 1036 feet.
28373 Alicia Parkway
Laguna Niguel CA 92677
949.923.2200
The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is a rare treat for nature-loving cyclists. With the exception of one steep hill near Eastbluff Drive’s end, trails are flat and smooth. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take amazing wildlife views. In fact, the preserve is considered one of the best bird-watching spots in the country; nearly 35,000 birds migrate to the bay at one time in the winter months. From the peregrine falcon to the San Diego cactus wren, you may just catch a glimpse of birds belonging to sensitive or endangered species on your next October visit. The site’s 10.5-mile trail is also occupied by numerous joggers and hikers and offers two bicycle access points.
2301 University Drive
Newport Beach CA 92660
949.923.2290
Spend Autumn 2015 at some of the best bicycle trails in Orange County. These and other sites offer amazing views and a great workout for all those beautiful October days, so grab your helmet and get moving!
