UC Irvine Ecological Preserve

The best part of the preserve is the panoramic view overlooking the 73 toll road. The worst part are the unleashed dogs of ignorant owners who forget the area is an ecological preserve and not a dog run. I came across unleashed dogs three times this morning. I had to yell at one dog to scare it back to its owner because it charged me, and I told the owner that her dog needed to be on a leash. It would be really sad if the one beautiful roadrunner I saw at the preserve today ended up dead in the jaws of someone’s pet dog.

UC Irvine’s very own ecological preserve! Come here for a nice little hike and check out this mostly unknown spot in the heart of OC.
Located on the south side of East Peltason Drive (across from the southern edge of the campus), you’ll know you are in the right place when you find the post-​mounted old school mail box in the grassy field. Look towards the hill and you’ll see the trail behind the University Hills housing tract. Of course since this preserve is not often traveled by the public, it is of utmost importance to have respect not only for the neighbors, but also the wildlife and foilage that quietly reside here. Going off path is a BIG no-​no, as there are many ongoing habitat (plant) restoration projects going on at any given time. A lot of this is also being done to protect endangered wildlife as well, so please be very careful if you come and visit!
Of course #1 is NO SMOKING for fire hazard reasons, and if you bring your doggie, make sure to be respectful and take your dog’s poop with you.
If you are lucky you might see a mountain lion, a coyote, or some of the native rabbits. Cactus wrens are also a critical part of the ongoing species protection, so whatever you do, don’t disturb any of the birds!!!
At the top of the hill, you have an awesome view of most of OC, the ocean, Long Beach, Palos Verdes, Catalina Island, the San Gabriel mountains, John Wayne airport, etc. etc. Down below is a panoramic view of the 73 freeway and UCI’s main campus and research park.
Spring is probably the best time to visit, as all of the flowers will be in full bloom and the grass will be nice and healthy green.