Upper Newport Bay Trail – San Diego Creek Trail loop from University of California, Irvine

Upper Newport Bay Trail – San Diego Creek Trail loop from University of California, Irvine

Moderate

2.5

(26)

riders

Upper Newport Bay Trail – San Diego Creek Trail loop from University of California, Irvine

02:03

42.3km

270m

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: October 9, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Quail Hill Open Space Preserve

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

3.48 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.

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6.63 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.

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7.96 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.

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10.8 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 …

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18.3 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 …

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18.4 km

Back Bay Loop Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Paved trail, about 3.5km (or 2.2mi) in length, on the north side of the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. It starts/ends on Irvine Ave and Jamboree, takes you away from the busy roads and offers great views.

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25.7 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 …

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29.6 km

Freeway Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Path running parallel to the highway. Excellent asphalt and only few users allow for a fast ride. Downside are the awkward crossings at Culver and Jeffrey.
The section on the …

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42.3 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types