Simply Op

07/17/26 Citrus Ranch Park, located in Tustin, California is probably the second most Opal-walked spot in Orange County.

I used to live in close proximity. Citrus Ranch Park offered a 1.6 mile loop that was perfect for a daily walk. I never actually golfed at the golf course, but I did eat hamburgers on the green once with a friend (not sure if that was permitted or not, but it was fun none-the-less).

Once you get to the top, there is a perfect view of the mountains. It is a great place to sit, rest, and ponder for a bit.

Truth be told, I had not been here since I moved to Corona Del Mar. I think I had tried to make peace with a chapter that had closed. As I sat, the memories just started to flow… a one-time visit from college friends (who I have not seen since), running around the loop at lightning speed because I had gotten startled by a coyote, endlessly taking pictures, getting my shoes muddy when I walked the path post rain, getting spooked by the spider that lived on the light post, accidentally dropping real silverware in the trash can (a had to be there moment), lizard watching, …etc.

Today, the lemons were green (very green). Perhaps, it is not peak season.

That being said, I still found a YELLOW one! Lone Op finds a lone lemon <3.

I included the playground pic because (a) you can walk the mini lemon bridge and (b) the foam turf is so squishy (it is a must hop stop).

If the loop was not enough, you can easily walk to Cedar Grove Park and Peters Canyon Trail(s). I did not walk the whole Peters Canyon Trail today, but I did walk to the trailhead and do a different loop for a little extra fun. The first time I had walked Peters Canyon, I had not been prepared (no water, no sunscreen, no food, no actual concept of the trail itself). The good news is… it is fairly well marked and generally well-traveled; I recall stalking a family until I felt like I was in the right direction again. It a great spot to get outdoors and get some steps in!

Thank you, Citrus Ranch Park, for your walkability, lemon abundance, and landscape. I am truly thankful to have had the opportunity to live nearby and to have made memories here, too. You will be missed. xoxo