Registration for this event is not required, nor does it guarantee entry. Registration is available on the website for those needing a map/driving directions to OC Public Library’s Library of the Canyons. The staging area will be available for parking on a first come, first served basis for arrival anytime between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm. Trails close at 1:00 pm. You will not be required to sign-in upon arrival.

Mesa Loop Exploration Day offers 2.5 miles of self-guided access along the Mesa Loop, which offers a panoramic view of Black Star Canyon, Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, and Cleveland National Forest. Begin your travels through the shaded Nature Loop Trail near the library, ideal for families. A 300-foot elevation gain takes you to panoramic vistas of Irvine Lake, Silverado Canyon, and the beauty of the Santa Ana Mountains as you reach the top of the Mesa. 

Enjoying the Day

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following protective measures during the activity in order to participate:

• Participants are required to stay on designated trails at all times.  Reminder: The Mesa trail system has rare and sensitive habitat. Your responsible behavior helps ensure continued access. This area is characterized by certain inherent dangers including mountain lions, rattlesnakes, poisonous insects, poison oak, ticks, extremes in weather, loose rocks, and steep/rugged and uneven terrain. Your safety cannot be guaranteed.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including plenty of water, proper attire to protect you from the sun and inclement weather, closed-toe footwear, first aid, medications, hand sanitizer, etc. Please see Trail Tips on the Lets Go Outside website for more tips. The map can be found here.
• The Library of the Canyons will offer a fun craft, free seed packets from the seed library, browse local wildlife books, and remember to pick up your hiking sticker!
• Multi-use trail etiquette: Please remember that bikers yield to hikers when sharing the trails. Click here for more trail tips.

Other Important Notes:

•  
  • OC Parks Rangers require all trails to be cleared for closure by 1:00 pm
  • No new trail users will be permitted onto the trails beginning one hour prior to closing.
  • Dogs are prohibited on the Irvine Ranch Open Space. By nature, dogs are predators; their presence and their lingering scent disturb the indigenous wildlife and disrupt vital routines long after a dog has left the area.
  • Minors, ages 17 and under, must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Adult mountain bikers are requested to wear helmets. Minors are required to wear helmets per state law.
  • Inclement weather or fire danger will cause the program to be cancelled.
  • To minimize the human impact on wildlife and their habitat, there may be unannounced trail closures or the rotation of areas being open and closed. This is an adaptive management approach to accommodate both the human users and the wildlife needs.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.

Learn more about the Canyons Staging Area

Learn more and register here.