This was our second time hiking here, and this time GPS took us to the north side of the trail near the lake. We were a little confused at first since we’re more familiar with the south entrance, but we decided to keep going and it ended up being a great change of pace.For more experienced or frequent hikers, Peter’s Canyon offers an excellent mix of wide fire roads and narrower single-track trails, with steady elevation gain, rolling hills, and exposed sections. The north side near the lake has a more gradual start, but don’t be fooled because once you move away from the water, the climbs pick up and the terrain becomes more demanding. Expect packed dirt trails, some loose gravel in spots, and very little shade, so sun protection is key, especially mid-day.Compared to the south entrance, the north side feels a little more scenic and peaceful, with open views of the reservoir and fewer bottlenecks early on. The south side, which we personally prefer, feels more direct and workout-focused, with climbs that hit sooner and a more familiar loop rhythm.Important tip: there are two main entrances north and south, so double-check where your GPS is taking you. Both entrances charge for parking, but we actually ran into a local runner who frequents this trail and mentioned that street parking in nearby residential areas can be an option if you know where to look (always check posted signs).Overall, this is a great trail for hikers who want a moderate-to-challenging workout, open canyon views, and flexibility to customize distance and elevation.

Family friendly loop with rolling hills. Came here and did a ~5 mile loop on a Saturday. It’s a pretty popular trail even during covid. The trail is exposed so bring lots of water, or come earlier in the day. Leashed dogs are allowed. It’s an equestrian trail as well, so be mindful of the horse poop! It’s fine if you wear sneakers, although hiking boots wouldn’t hurt when you’re going downhill, as some of the parts are sandy. The trail is pretty wide, and there’s plenty of options to take different directions if you’re inclined to explore. There is a sulphuric smell close to the lake, so that was the only unpleasant thing about the hike. Parking is $3 and you’ll pay at the machine. Bathrooms (both porta-potty and regular) are available at the entrance. There’s a lot spots available; it would be difficult to find street parking since the neighborhood posted signs indicate that permits are needed. Overall, it’s a good spot for people of all fitness levels.

When we arrived we saw a reservoir. It was so beautiful. We found a place for hiking and we walked near the reservoir. We saw yellow flowers. There were cacti and ducks in the reservoir. A must see!

Despite the fires in fall of 2017, this is still a wonderful park for hiking (and biking or equestrian activities). And now, after the rains this past winter, the park is greener and more lush than ever. And the reservoir is full of water. Peters Canyon Regional Park is easy to get to in the city of Orange, but once you go a few steps on the trails, you feel a million miles away. There are nice up and down hills, providing a great workout, but you can go as slow or as fast as you want and as far as you like, since the park goes all the way into Tustin. Lot's of birds because of the water, which makes for lovely sounds while hiking. Great views from the tops of the hills.

Awesome place to hike, run or mountain biking. Excellent views from the ridge trail. Lots of wild flowers right now.