We explore the evolution of housing design in University Hills, UCI’s on-campus community of more than 1,600 faculty-staff households.  Rather than being completed all at once, it was built in 12 distinct phases over 40 years; it is a living museum of Southern California residential construction trends.  The 2.5-hour 4.3-mile loop begins with orientation at the Community Center and passes through or near each of the neighborhood’s 12 phases.  Near the end of the tour, an optional side-trip will take us off-pavement to the adjoining Bonita Canyon overlook in the UCI Ecological Preserve.

For those who have taken part in the ongoing series of retiree-emeriti hikes and walks, I would characterize the difficulty of our route as being on the strenuous side of a “walk,” but on the easy side of a “hike.”  Nearly all the loop comprises pavement, but this includes steepish grades and two flights of 20+ stairs.  The optional 0.5-mile off-pavement segment involves soil, gravel, rock, and close-by prickly plants.
Please bring sun protection, and your own water and snacks.  Restrooms will be available at the beginning, midway, and at the end of the route.  Parking at the Community Center is free.