El Modena Open Space

If your dog is itching for some time in nature, El Modena Open Space is the pawfect place for a hike. This urban oasis is a breath of fresh air, literally. A hike through this natural area will rejuvenate your furry BFF and give them a chance to escape the busy streets of Orange.

From Patria Court, you can hop on the main trail in a counter clockwise direction. Hiking this way lets you tackle the steep hills first. Make your way up to the ridge, then keep trucking until you get to the top of the first hill. Paws for a minute so your pup can gaze out at Orange and the Santa Ana Mountains. If the sky is clear, you can see all the way to downtown Los Angeles. After descending from the hill, the terrain flattens out….until the next hill. Your pup’s quads will get a nice workout as you head up the second incline. Soak up some more scenery then follow the trail down the hill. After the third and final hill, the trail makes a U turn and begins to make its way back to the beginning. There are several spur trails so you can complete the loop, do an out-and-back hike, or let your pooch create their own route.

While you won’t be hiking through a lush forest, you will get to enjoy beautiful clumps of sagebrush and an endless supply of pear cacti. Wildflowers add a much needed splash of color to the area. Your dog won’t be the only critter around; keep your eyes open for bunnies, snakes, and red tailed hawks.

As always, bring plenty of water for both you and your pooch. Make sure your pal stays on the trail; the large amount of cacti make the off trail areas a real danger zone for paws. Don’t forget to clean up after your four legged friend. A hike through El Modena Open Space will definitely put a little pep in your pup’s step!