The Pacifica Trail and Windes Nature Trail have been closed for four and a half years due to the Canyon II Fire that swept through in the fall of 2017. OC Parks let the landscape recover for several years, and more recently they have extensively regraded and realigned the trails. Both the Pacifica and Windes trails reopened to the public on February 12, 2022. Spring is an especially nice time to hike the trails; temperatures are generally not too hot, and the hills are a lovely green. The scenic viewpoint at the top of the Pacifica trail has three spotting tubes to help hikers locate Santiago Peak, Loma Ridge, and Angel Stadium. Even though the trail is called Pacifica, I'm not sure that the Pacific Ocean is actually visible from it; today's haze made it impossible to tell for sure. As you rest from your hike to the top, take a break and look for the cache. The container is nothing special; the true reward is the hike to the top and the fantastic views of the hills.
People who hiked the trails prior to the Canyon II Fire will notice that the stairs of the earlier trails are gone, that some segments of the trails have new alignments, and that some of the older, closed alignments are still visible. OC Parks has clearly indicated which sections are closed with barriers (fences, piles of branches, new cactus plantings). Please help minimize trail erosion and stay on the official trails. Also note that the trails may be closed during and for up to three days after rain events.
Santiago Oaks Regional Park is open daily from 7am to sunset. The OC Parks webpage for the park has a PDF map you can download. Parking is $3 on weekdays, $5 on weekends, and higher for some holidays and special events. It is free to walk, bike, or ride a horse in. Note, however, that the Windes and Pacifica trails are for hiking only; no bikes or horses are allowed on either trail. Limited free parking is available about 3/4 mile away on Madbury Drive in Orange (N33° 49.103' W117° 47.018'); please be considerate of the neighbors when parking. The street sweeping parking ban in that neighborhood appears to be Monday mornings.