Hiking and Birding the Quail Hill Loop Trail
Quail Hill Loop is an easy trail for a quick hike, trail run, or bike ride. Located just off the 405 in Irvine, the two-mile loop is convenient when you want to get outside without committing to a longer trail.
The nearby freeway keeps it from feeling completely removed from the city, but the trail circles an open grassland surrounded by coastal sage scrub. Dogs are also allowed on the loop as long as they remain leashed.
The trailhead has a parking lot, restrooms with running water, and drinking fountains. The lot can fill quickly, although spaces tend to open as people finish the short loop.
We followed the trail uphill from the parking area. This initial climb is the most noticeable incline on an otherwise gentle route, leading to a small overlook above the grassland.
We had come hoping to find Blue Grosbeaks that had been reported in the area. We took the short spur toward the overlook and spotted them almost immediately. The male was a deep, saturated blue, while the female wore warm copper-brown plumage.
From the overlook, the trail gradually descended and curved away from the freeway. There is almost no shade anywhere on the loop, so even two miles can feel warm when I stop for long stretches to watch and photograph birds. A hat, sunscreen, and water are useful even on a relatively short visit.
The Blue Grosbeaks were not our only memorable birds. Two Red-tailed Hawks circled overhead while a Western Kingbird watched from a tree. Another kingbird appeared much less pleased about the hawks and made its objections known. We also found a House Finch feeding and a Red-tailed Hawk perched in a tree with its feathers wonderfully fluffed.
Along the back of the loop, the trail narrowed and passed through the grassland we had seen from above. It remained mostly flat until one small rise brought us back to the trailhead.
Quail Hill Loop works especially well for a morning or evening walk when the light is softer and the exposed trail is cooler. Its location may feel thoroughly urban, but Blue Grosbeaks in the shrubs, kingbirds scolding overhead hawks, and one particularly fluffy Red-tailed Hawk gave us plenty to stop and watch.
