Trails to Trudge: Peters Canyon

Peters Canyon Trail:

length: 3-6 miles. author’s note: (Basically the length varies on how far you want to take it. My looped run was 3 miles but that completely ignored the reservoir).
terrain: trail is well maintained; some sections are very steep
payoff: unique views of the neighborhood and surrounding area; a pretty fun trail in the way it twists and turns; goes up and down.

Peter’s Canyon is a place I’ve held close to my heart for many years. For one, it’s the first trail I’ve ever trudged. Before I started hiking and going on road trips, I was a pretty avid runner. I pushed myself to get faster and run harder. One of the best places to train like that was Peter’s Canyon. The trail is smooth and well-maintained but my favorite part about the trail are it’s hills. Like a rollercoaster, the trail drops and ascends never letting you get comfortable. As a run, it’s brutal. As a walk/hike, it’s beautiful. It’s hard to believe that a place like this exists in the middle of Orange County. As you can see in the photos below, houses were built around the trail and canyon so as you’re going up and down the hills, you see suburbia spread out wide before you. Highways and neighborhoods are visible but it never takes you out of the moment. Peter’s Canyon always demands your full attention. Check out the pics below or if you live in the Orange County area, you should definitely check it out yourself.