Santiago Oaks Regional Park feels very accessible to those who might be hesitant to explore the greater wilds of Orange County with kids. I would feel comfortable taking a toddler here, because the hikes are short and the pay-offs are big.
Directions to Santiago Oaks Regional Park: Drive up Jamboree like you are heading to Irvine Regional Park, but turn LEFT onto Santiago Canyon Road (this turn is the last turn you can make before heading into Irvine Regional Park). Don’t make the mistake of turning right on Santiago Canyon because that will take you away from Santiago Oaks. Follow Santiago Canyon Road and turn right on Windes which quickly turns into a T-intersection. Turn right and follow the road into the parking area. There is a fee for this park because it is a OCParks.com regional park. [Address: 2145 N. Windes, Orange] MAP TO SANTIAGO OAKS REGIONAL PARK
Highlights:
- We went in the early morning hours and the light through the oaks was just gorgeous!!
- So much history packed into this relatively small area! We saw lots of historical evidence along the trail.
- We saw tons of birds on our morning trip. I’d love to bring my binoculars next time.
- You can make this a quick trip for a picnic under the oaks, take a little longer stroll to see the dam, or choose a number of other trails which loop around the area to make the day as long or short as you want.
- Any hike where I can be near water is fun – and this one does not disappoint. We started at the restrooms, walked the trail down the hill, and turned right onto the Historic Dam Trail which looped back on the Santiago Creek Trail. You can get a nice PDF of the map on the official OCParks.com website.
- Click here to see more photos of Santiago Oaks Regional Park
- The trail map lists 11 “easy” trails, 9 “moderate” trails, and 8 “difficult” trails.
- Nature Center is open the first Sunday of the month.
- Picnic area is shaded with oaks.
- Restrooms are right next to the picnic area.
- Small playground with recycled rubber play surface.
Be Aware:
- This is a bit wilder than your neighborhood park – so bring water, sunscreen, snacks, and keep your eyes out for rattlesnakes, poison oak, mountain lions, etc.
- Be courteous to the equestrians and drive slowly.
- No swimming or wading in the water — although it doesn’t look too enticing for a swim. It’s beautiful to hear the water trickling off the dam, though.
- Can be very hot during summer.
- Closes after rains when trails are wet and muddy.
Checklist:
- Fee for parking (but worth it!)
- Excellent fact sheet about the park
- Toddler playground with recycled rubber play surface, but the whole area is a nature playground!
- Official Santiago Oaks Regional Park info from OCParks.com
You could definitely bring a stroller on the wider trails, but the ones near the creek and with the creek crossing would be a challenge. We also went up stairs and over bridges. Talking to the ranger when you get there and using a jogger stroller would probably work best.
Is this a hike I could bring a stroller on?
We went here again today to enjoy our 80 degree December weather, and just as last time the people we came across were SO nice and friendly. It’s just an added bonus to the chance to explore the wilderness. For anyone who likes hiking, this is a great local place.
I love your site and emails! With a 2 year old and a full time job I don’t have time to research the great outdoors, so I just look at your site or email and go. We went to Santiago this past Monday on a day off, it was wonderful. The other hikers were so friendly, and we had a good time just exploring; no agenda. We saw deer and a coyote. Lots of people brought their dogs. The park looks huge so we’ll go back soon for more exploring.