You will enjoy a gorgeous sunset with panoramic views of Orange County while hiking in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space on the paved Hicks Haul Road. This hike travels 6 miles, out and back crossing over Loma Ridge. This is the perfect activity for you to get your work-out in and view the sunset. The hike is conducted at an average pace of 3 miles per hour, but you may travel a bit faster or slower, at a walk, run, or jog depending on your comfort level. Because of the paved surface of the road, you may wear regular running or walking shoes. Trail shoes are fine, but not required. Please bring adequate water.

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

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Learn more and register for Sunset Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road: Both Sides of Loma Ridge.

Join us for a morning walk to one of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks’ iconic geologic features. We will walk out to the red-faced cliffs of Red Rock Wilderness.  The early morning light from the sun will make for striking pictures of this geological treat.  We will cross the dry Silverado Creek and examine its effects on the local geology.  Then, we will stop at the red rock cliffs and discuss its formation and its future.  Finally, we will stop at an alluvial fan and talk about how it came to be.  This hike is geared towards families with curious minds.

The trail is an easy, flat ranch road, but the creek crossing is very rocky. Please bring water and all items needed to keep you safe during our walk. Hats and sunscreen are highly recommended as there is no shade along this route. Closed-toe shoes are a must.

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

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land. To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.

Learn more and register for Rocks are Rad: Geology Hike at Red Rock Wilderness.

Come search for evidence that animals leave behind in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Mule deer, bobcats, coyotes and even mountain lions call this hidden canyon home. Gain the basic tracking techniques as we search for evidence such as tracks, fur, bones, homes, and even scat. You never know what you may find! Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting a little dusty. This program is focused on older children and adults.

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

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

Reviewing the 1-through-5  Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Learn more and register for Animal Signs and Tracks in Agua Chinon.

Explore beautiful Limestone Canyon, part of OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, on this serene morning hike to Dripping Springs. Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve is one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the county. Dripping Springs is an extremely sensitive area and an essential watering hole for wildlife. We’ll hike through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands as we take in this iconic destination. This 7-mile hike moves between 2.5 and 3 mph with a total elevation gain of 1300 feet. This is not a fast cardio paced hike! Please come prepared with a sturdy day pack, water, snacks, closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail.

Each participant must carry his or her own day pack and water and be comfortable hiking an average moving pace of 3 miles per hour. Please come prepared with a minimum of 100 oz. (3 quarts) of water and trail snacks. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to this program.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate.

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Learn more and register for Explore Limestone Canyon Hike to Dripping Springs.

Enjoy an opportunity for self-guided exploration of Saddleback Wilderness, which offers scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea. Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Saddleback Wilderness offers 3.3 miles of designated trails for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use.

Saddleback Wilderness is located at 3066 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA. Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for your experience in the wilderness area.

Registration for this event is not required.

Activity registration is available on the website for those needing a map/driving directions to Saddleback Wilderness. The staging area will be available for parking on a first come, first served basis for arrival anytime between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm, but please take note that your vehicle must be removed from the area by 1:00 pm. You will not be required to sign-in upon arrival.

Do not stop or park anywhere along Santiago Canyon Road. The entrance gate will not open until 8:00 am.  Anyone stopped or parked along Santiago Canyon Road prior to the opening will be subject to citation. Thank you for your cooperation with regard to the safety of everyone on the road. Please plan your drive accordingly.

Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email info@irconservancy.org to coordinate parking.

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 Saddleback Wilderness 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 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.
• 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.

Learn more and register for Exploration Day: Saddleback Wilderness.

If you enjoy riding in the wilderness on empty trails then join us on this mountain bike through Limestone Canyon and the Red Rock Wilderness Parks. This ride is for experienced off-road riders, in excellent cardio shape and that are comfortable with moderate climbs and single track trails.

The route for this ride includes the majority of the 10 single track trails in Limestone Canyon and Red Rock Wilderness. These single tracks are generally not technical but do include some steep descents and some sections that may be slightly loose with small rocks. The connections between the single tracks will be on ranch roads and pavement.

Please note, this is a long ride at a distance of up to 19 miles, with up to 2000 feet of elevation gain and will take 3-4 hours to complete. It is important that participants bring sufficient food and water for a ride of this difficulty and duration. Electric Mountain Bikes of any class or type are not permitted.

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

· Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.

· Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.

· Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.

· All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver

· You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill. Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.

Learn more and register for Single Tracks of Limestone and Red Rock Wilderness.

Take a leisurely ride on beautiful Hall Canyon and Helo trail in the Black Star Wilderness Area, home of oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub. View evidence of the old ranch days when cattle once roamed the area and see wildflowers that are native to our area. You will see amazing views of the local canyons and red rock. Evidence of a more recent use of the land is an area used for helicopter landings and a large metal ball and chain the military and OC Fire departments used for training.

Equestrians who have trail riding experience, and their own fit and able horse are welcome. You will need to transport your horse to the staging area. Owners of unshod horses, please note that footing will include areas of gravel, rocky creek areas.

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

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• You are welcome to arrive 30 minutes prior to listed departure time to ready your horse.
• We will be contacting you for trailer details so we can give you direction on where to park it.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Learn more and register for Hall Canyon on Horseback.

Leave your workday and to-do list in the dust! Experience the beauty and calming serenity of Saddleback Wilderness during this evening hike. We will enjoy coastal sage scrub habitat and sweeping views of Orange County. This hike is 3 miles and includes about 350 feet of elevation gain. We will hike at a moderate pace and take a few breaks for water and to admire the beauty of nature.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

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

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.

Learn more register for Evening Unwind: Hike in Saddleback Wilderness.

Spend your morning helping to remove weeds and rebuild berms within the butterfly habitat islands in Limestone. With your help we will be able to maintain “islands” of host and nectar plants for butterflies in decline in Limestone Canyon. You will be transported from via a safari style truck from butterfly island to butterfly island through a beautiful oak woodland.

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

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Learn more and register for Group Stewardship Limestone Canyon Butterfly Habitat Islands.

This week in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, we’ll hike in the remote Fremont Canyon. The hike is just under 6 miles and includes a steep hill. We will hike from the mouth of Fremont Canyon, past a historic coal mine, to the Fremont Weather Station. After enjoying a spectacular view, we will hike back the same way to our starting point. Please bring water, a trail snack, sun screen, hat, and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail and wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes.

Participants must be able to hike 6 miles with an elevation gain of 1200 feet at an average moving rate of 3 miles per hour. Each hiker must carry his/her own water and supplies.

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

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Learn more and register for Thursday Morning Trek: Fremont Canyon.