The City of Irvine provides a system of bicycle lanes and trails to encourage the use of the bicycle as a safe and convenient means of transportation for both commuting and recreational purposes. This is evident by the 32 miles of off-road bicycle trails and 126 miles of on-road bicycle lanes provided in the City today.

The Irvine Ranch Land Reserve -- more than 50,000 acres of permanently protected open space in the heart of Orange County, California - offers a rich menu of recreational opportunities, from hiking and horseback riding to bird-watching and picnicking. The land is diverse; stretching 22 miles from the mountains to sea, comprising more than half of the historic 93,000-acre Irvine Ranch and is home to hundreds of species of native plants and animals. The Nature Conservancy, one of the world's premier environmental organizations, serves as steward of the major wild lands on the Reserve.

The Arroyo Trabuco addition to O'Neill Regional Park is 935 acres of relatively pristine land. Presently maintained as a wilderness preserve, the Arroyo Trabuco is exemplary as a natural area where the rancho days are not far gone and where Golden Eagles, Mule Deer and Mountain Lions still exist. Here's an excellent setting for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, wildlife observation, nature photography and picnicking. Ranger-guided tours, nature walks, slide presentations and environmental activities may be scheduled by calling the park office at (714)858-9365.

Crystal Cove State Park: Also known as El Moro Canyon in northern Laguna Beach. The park is almost entirely fireroad with a few good singletrack exceptions. The park landscape differs from that of almost any other park in OC. It is mostly open grassland and open hills with minimal trees. Directions: El Moro Canyon is located on Pacific Coast Highway between Laguna Beach and Corona Del Mar. Crystal Cove State Park has 3.2 miles of beach and 2,400 acres of undeveloped woodland, which is popular for hiking and horseback riding. The offshore waters are designated as an underwater park. Crystal Cove is used by mountain bikers inland and scuba and skin divers underwater. The beach is popular with swimmers and surfers. Visitors can explore tidepools and sandy coves.

Irvine Regional Park is California's largest County park (donated by James Irvine in 1897). Nestled among a grove of heritage Oak and Sycamore trees, the park is about 477 acres. The rolling foothills surrounding the park are filled with a variety of wildlife. Trees, shaded turf areas provide a serene setting for leisure activities. Santiago Creek bisects the park and a pond with stone-work waterfall and foot bridge is located in the center of the park. The variety of landscape greatly enhances the park's beauty. A paved bicycle/walking trail meanders through the central park providing easy access to six playgrounds, four softball fields, two horse shoe pits, volleyball courts and lagoon. A four mile equestrian trail skirts the perimeter of the central park providing scenic views of the park and it's natural scenery. Horse trailers can be parked on the north perimeter of the train station parking lot. A lookout trail is on the north slope of the natural area where a covered shelter, watering trough and water fountain are available.

Peters Canyon Regional Park offers a unique blend of native habitat and man's influence on the land. The park encompasses 354 acres of coastal sage scrub, riparian, freshwater marsh and grassland habitats. The 55-acre Upper Peters Canyon Reservoir is home to many resident and migrating waterfowl. Willows, sycamores and black cottonwoods line the lake and Peters Canyon Creek which meanders through the canyon. The park offers a variety of graded roads and trails providing opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. The East Ridge View Trail provides a panoramic view of Peters Canyon and the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Upper Peters Canyon reservoir while traversing the Lake View Trail. Peters Canyon Creek Nature Trail guides hikers through lush groves of willows and rare black cottonwoods supported by a running creek. Visitors will encounter the park's grassland, coastal sage scrub and riparian habitats as well as eucalyptus groves on the Lower Canyon Trail. The wildlife population includes mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, opossums, raccoons and an occasional mountain lion. Many smaller amphibians, mammals and reptiles abound, attracted by the lure of Peters Canyon Reservoir and Creek. Cactus wrens, gnatcatchers and rufous-crowned sparrows may be found in the park's coastal sage scrub and grassland communities. The eucalyptus groves are home to Cooper's, red-tail and red-shouldered hawks that can be seen patrolling the skies for unwary prey.

Whiting Ranch is located on Portola Rd near the intersection of Bake Pkwy in Foothill Ranch. The trailhead is adjacent to a shopping center but don't let that stop you. This park is a good example of how development can co-exist with natural preserved space. This park lies within a beautiful wooded canyon and is filled with all types of vegetation including majestic oaks and sycamores . Limestone Canyon & Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park encompasses approximately 4,300 acres of riparian and oak woodland canyons, rolling grassland hills and steep slopes of coastal sage scrub and chaparral. The park is highlighted by scenic rock formations, including the beautiful Red Rock Canyon. There are three intermittent streams: Borrego, Serrano and Aliso Creek meandering through the park, each hosting an abundance of wildlife. Remnants of the former cattle ranching days can be seen throughout the park. Though 90% of the park burned in the Santiago Fire of 2007, the land is in the recovery process. Please respect that process by staying on marked trails and following park rules.