If you are looking for a quick escape from the smog and traffic of Southern California, take a trip along the Tustin Trail – Esplanade Avenue. This short trail winds through quiet, palm-tree filled neighborhoods of Tustin in Orange County. Feel the Santa Ana winds as they blow your worries away on this pleasant trail. The Tustin Trail – Esplanade Avenue occupies a wide strip of land, providing much more park space than a traditional trail. One reason not to miss this Southern California gem is the landscaping: the colorful flowers and shrubs that line the trail make for a serene experience. The hard-packed clay trail surface is comfortable for all types of trail use. You are likely to meet friendly locals out enjoying the trail.
Beginning at the intersection of Fairhaven and Esplanade avenues, the trail parallels Esplanade Avenue heading south. The trail does have two busy road crossings; the first is at East 17th Street about 0.5 mile from the start and the second at Vanderlip Avenue, about 0.25 mile from the end of the trail.
Just beyond Vanderlip Avenue, the trail runs past, and serves as a wonderful outdoor outlet to, urban Guin Foss Elementary School. A short distance beyond the school, the trail ends at Warren Avenue. Two other short sections of the Tustin Trail are located nearby:
Newport Avenue and
Wanda Road.
To reach the Vandelip Avenue trailhead from the Santa Ana Freeway, take the Newport Avenue Exit and head north for about a mile. Take a left onto Vanderlip Avenue. Follow Vanderlip Avenue for about 0.25 mile. You will see Guin Foss Elementary School and a public parking lot on your left. The trail is adjacent to this lot.
This trail has been upgraded the 0.5 mile from 17th St. to Warren Ave. Graded, with a petro-liner under a clay surface, landscaping and a marked crossing at Vanderlip Ave with curb cuts, Noel Keller 11 Dec 09
Esplanade Trail is a curvy wide clay/sand surface, well landscaped, Park Trail, well used by walkers. No restroom & 1 drinking fountain. One street crossing at Dodge Ave. Some dry weather cracks to avoid. Street parking on Esplanade Ave. The north end ...