The Irvine Ranch Open Space Ultra Distance, series is designed for experienced hikers who thrive on long days, big climbs, and the satisfaction of pushing physical and mental limits. This hike covers approximately 18 miles with 3,400 feet of elevation gain, traversing some of the most rugged and remote sections of the Irvine Ranch Open Space. This route combines steep ascents, rolling ridgelines, and exposed terrain with panoramic views that make every step worth the effort.

This is not a casual stroll — it’s a test of endurance, pacing, and preparation. Participants should have prior experience with strenuous, half-day or full-day hikes and be comfortable navigating challenging terrain in varying conditions.

Self-Sufficiency is Required There are no water sources, food stations, or supply drops along this route. Every participant is responsible for carrying all the gear, water, and nutrition they will need for the day. We strongly recommend: Water: Minimum 70 oz per person (more in hot weather) Food/Snacks: High-calorie, easily portable items to sustain 7 hours of hiking (energy bars, trail mix, sandwiches, electrolyte chews) Gear: Closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), extra layers, basic first-aid kit, trekking poles (optional but recommended) Under-prepared participants may be denied access to the hike.

Pace & Timing Expect to be on the trail for 7 hours, with extended climbs and limited shade. A steady, sustainable pace is critical. We will take short breaks as needed, but hikers should be able to maintain consistent forward progress throughout the day.

Important Notes This hike is physically demanding and not suitable for beginners. There will be no early exit points — once you commit, you must be prepared to complete the route. Weather conditions can greatly affect difficulty. Hot days will make the climbs especially punishing; cold or wet weather can increase risk and exposure. If you’re ready for a true challenge, breathtaking views, and the camaraderie of fellow Sufferfest enthusiasts, join us for the Irvine Ranch Open Space Ultra Distance Hike — and earn every mile the hard way.

Learn more and register here

*This program has been canceled due to trail closures and predicted rain.*

Inspired by the Japanese practice of “shinrin-yoku,” or “forest bathing,” this walk invites you to take a break and immerse yourself in the nature around you. Throughout the program you will be encouraged to explore your surroundings using your senses to deepen your connection with nature.

This is a guided, slow-paced walk with frequent opportunities to meditate and relax, designed for ages 16 and older. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or other comfortable seating and their favorite tea or water for the closing tea ceremony. Please wear comfortable attire and be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.

The program will begin at parking lot P. Please arrive on time to experience the full sequence of the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at 657-253-3681 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com

Take a leisurely equestrian ride through beautiful Limestone Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, and home of oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub.  View evidence of the old ranch days when cattle once roamed the area and see plants that are native to our area.  You will be touring the beautiful Natural Landmarks.

Equestrians must have their own horse, trail riding experience, and the ability to transport their horse to the staging area. Horses must be fit, able to comfortably ride the distance as described, and be well-behaved in a group. This walking equestrian ride travels on single-track and wide fire roads. It may include several moderate, steady climbs. Owners of unshod horses, please note that the footing may include areas of gravel and pavement. All riders under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must wear a helmet.

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 and register here.

Take a leisurely equestrian ride through beautiful Limestone Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, and home of oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub.  View evidence of the old ranch days when cattle once roamed the area and see plants that are native to our area.  You will be touring the beautiful Natural Landmarks.

Equestrians must have their own horse, trail riding experience, and the ability to transport their horse to the staging area. Horses must be fit, able to comfortably ride the distance as described, and be well-behaved in a group. This walking equestrian ride travels on single-track and wide fire roads. It may include several moderate, steady climbs. Owners of unshod horses, please note that the footing may include areas of gravel and pavement. All riders under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must wear a helmet.

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

Learn more and register here.

*This program is canceled due to wet and muddy conditions.*

Access is first come, first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.

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

Come explore 3.3 miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Saddleback Wilderness offers designated trails for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy one-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.

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.

Do not stop or park anywhere along Santiago Canyon Road. The entrance gate will not open until 8am.  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.

This is a natural area characterized by certain inherent dangers including: mountain lions, rattlesnakes, poisonous plants and insects, weather extremes, loose rocks and rugged terrain. The Irvine Ranch Open Space contains rare and sensitive habitat and is under strict protection. Participants are required to stay on designated trails at all times. OC Parks Rangers may issue citations for visitors found off-trail. For your safety, please stay on the designated paths during your visit to Saddleback Wilderness. To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.

Other Important Notes:

• OC Parks Rangers require all trails to be cleared for closure by 2:00 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.

Multi-use trail etiquette: Please remember that bikers yield to hikers when sharing the trails. Click here for more trail tips.

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 here.

Birds are among the most colorful and entertaining forms of wildlife on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Bring your binoculars and join us on a slow/medium paced walk in OC Parks’ Gypsum Canyon Wilderness, as we search for resident and visiting birds of the local coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, riparian, and grassland habitats. We will discuss the diverse features of the birds we observe and how they match the season, their habitat and lifestyle. We will travel mostly on ranch roads, usually without shade. Beginners to advanced bird enthusiasts are welcome. Please wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and bring water, along with sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen. Bring a small birding field guide if you have one. A few binoculars will be available to borrow.

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. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Learn more and register here.

This program has been canceled due to wet and muddy conditions.

If you are a beginner rider and perhaps have just completed one of the IRC mountain biking clinics or just want an enjoyable and relaxed ride in the Orange County wilderness, then join us on this docent led, group mountain bike ride in Weir Canyon Nature Preserve.

This ride starts in Irvine Regional Park but the vast majority of the ride is in the oak woodlands that make up the majority of Weir Canyon. The ride is about 7.5 miles long and climbs slightly with no significant climbs but does roll up and down throughout the route and has a total elevation gain of under 400 feet.

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.
• 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.

Please review the Difficulty Ratings to help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-5 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 here.

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 here.

Access is first come, first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.

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

Come explore 3.3 miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Saddleback Wilderness offers designated trails for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy one-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.

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.

Do not stop or park anywhere along Santiago Canyon Road. The entrance gate will not open until 8am.  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.

This is a natural area characterized by certain inherent dangers including: mountain lions, rattlesnakes, poisonous plants and insects, weather extremes, loose rocks and rugged terrain. The Irvine Ranch Open Space contains rare and sensitive habitat and is under strict protection. Participants are required to stay on designated trails at all times. OC Parks Rangers may issue citations for visitors found off-trail. For your safety, please stay on the designated paths during your visit to Saddleback Wilderness. To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.

Other Important Notes:

• OC Parks Rangers require all trails to be cleared for closure by 2:00 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.

Multi-use trail etiquette: Please remember that bikers yield to hikers when sharing the trails. Click here for more trail tips.

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 here.

Fly in for a bat-tastic evening with a special screening of The Invisible Mammal. This feature documentary explores the crucial role bats play in our shared environment, and how a team of female scientists set out to save a North American bat species from a deadly fungal disease. 

The movie run-time is 90 minutes. Food is prohibited within the interpretive center, but beverages are welcome.

The program is designed for ages 8 and older. Program and parking are free.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.