San Diego Creek Trail – Upper Newport Bay Trail loop from Irvine

San Diego Creek Trail – Upper Newport Bay Trail loop from Irvine

Moderate

2.8

(8)

riders

San Diego Creek Trail – Upper Newport Bay Trail loop from Irvine

03:11

72.8km

340m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 10, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

20.2 km

San Diego Creek

Highlight • River

San Diego Creek is a 16-mile urban river that empties into Upper Newport Bay in Orange County. It follows Irvine's extensive system of trails and bike lanes, flowing through industrial areas, residential neighborhoods, and even the borders of the university campus.

Tip by

21.1 km

San Diego Creek Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

This section of the San Diego Bike Trail runs from Jamboree Rd to Harvard Ave, and is about 4mi (6.5km) in length. It connects the Back Bay Drive and Back Bay Loop Trail in Newport Beach with the Peters Canyon Bikeway in Irvine.
At the northern end, where the Peters Canyon Bikeway branches off, the San Diego Trail continues eastwards.

Tip by

22.5 km

San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary

Highlight • Natural

San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Irvine, encompasses 300 acres of restored coastal freshwater wetlands. A haven for birdwatchers, it hosts diverse bird species and offers educational programs.

Tip by

25.6 km

Back Bay Drive – Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Road with little traffic running by (through) the Upper Newport Ecological Reserve. Very nice to ride.

Tip by

27.0 km

Upper Newport Bay Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The trail here is paved and designed specifically for foot traffic and bikes with two separate cycling lanes. You get great views across Newport Bay to the ecological reserve as you pass by a couple small parks and vista points.

Tip by

29.9 km

Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve views

Highlight • Viewpoint

Cycling along Black Bay Drive, overlooking Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, unveils stunning vistas of the estuary. Riders may spot diverse bird species like egrets and herons, while enjoying panoramic views of wetlands and coastal landscapes. The reserve's rich biodiversity enhances the cycling experience with nature's beauty.

Tip by

36.9 km

San Diego Creek views

Highlight • Cycleway

Cycling along San Diego Creek from Irvine Avenue offers a mellow ride with views of the creek. Riders might spot common waterfowl like ducks and herons, and perhaps catch a glimpse of turtles sunning by the water's edge. The route provides a relaxed experience with exciting wildlife encounters.

Tip by

46.6 km