Touring * Beginner *

From Interstate 405 (the San Diego Freeway) in Irvine, take the Culver Drive exit heading south. At University Drive, turn right, and then turn in at the park entrance on the left. The parking fee is $2 per vehicle. A map of the park is available at the entrance station, and it includes the bike paths in the wilderness area to the east. Map: William R. Mason Regional Park Map, available at the park entrance station.

Nestled at the foot of the UC Irvine campus, William R. Mason Regional Park was originally part of the Rancho San Joaquin land grant. Today it is a pleasant and clean place to spend an afternoon building essential in-line skills. Smooth concrete sidewalks meander through the grassy park grounds past several picnic and tot play areas, three volleyball courts, and a unique Frisbee golf course. A little bridge crosses a narrow channel connecting Overlook Lake with Fountain Lake. Unfortunately, no swimming is allowed in these reclaimed waters. Access to the park's wilderness area bike trails can be found across from the maintenance yard driveway at the east end of the park. Skate across Culver Drive and follow the sidewalk a few yards to the right, where the bike path enters the tule grasses. The wilderness trails are described on page 377.