Open space in Mason Regional Park
Shade trees in Mason Regional Park
Mason Regional Park
- Location: Irvine. Free parking is available on the corner of Rosa Drew Drive and Tamarack Way. From I-405, take the Jeffrey Rd./Unviersity Dr. exit. Head west (left if you’re coming from the south, right if from the north) and go 0.7 miles to Rosa Drew Drive. Turn right, go a short distance and park where available.
- Agency: Orange County Parks & Recreation
- Distance: 2.8 miles
- Elevation gain: Level
- Difficulty Rating: G
- Suggested time: 1.5 hours
- Best season: Year round
- USGS topo map: “Tustin”
- More information: Mason Park homepage here; Yelp page here; park descriptions here and here; Everytrail report here
- Rating: 2
The eastern part of William Mason Regional Park is known as the “Wilderness Area”, which may be a little generous (the majority of the trails are paved), but it’s still a nice and convenient place to get some fresh air and exercise. Though some traffic noise can be heard, this section of the park has a pleasantly secluded feel. Dogs are allowed with a 6-foot leash.
0:00 – Beginning of the hike on Rosa Drew Drive (click thumbnails to see the full sized versions)
From the parking area on the east side of Rosa Drew Drive, cross the street and head south. Cross University, continue south and make a hard right on a paved walkway leading into the park. You cross a seasonal stream and head west on the path. Signed as the Sand Canyon Wash on park maps, this is the main artery through the wilderness area.
0:03 – Turn right into the park (times are approximate)
A few benches make for a nice place to sit and there’s a decent amount of shade from the willows. At 0.7 miles you reach a junction. The two paths soon rejoin but the left route, which briefly leaves the pavement, is more pleasant. If you go this way take an almost immediate right and continue walking on the trail before rejoining the paved walkway (0.9 miles.)
0:14 – Bear left onto the dirt trail
Soon after the paths converge, you reach an intersection. You can extend the hike by heading left but for this route, head right, continuing west. Stay straight at another intersection (the right route is a spur to University Drive). You make another stream crossing and travel in and out of shade.
0:21 – Turn right at the junction
At 1.3 miles, you reach a final junction, shortly before Culver Drive. Both routes lead a short distance to Culver, a good turnaround point. However, if you want to extend your hike, you can cross Culver Drive and walk through the more developed part of Mason Regional Park; this might be a fun option for families with small kids.
0:32 – Turnaround point (Culver Drive)
Text and photography copyright 2013 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.
