Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW HOURS: 8am – 1pm

Trail lovers, this one is for you! Enjoy self-guided access in magnificent Limestone Canyon. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use from 8am to 1pm. Parking is limited, however, and later attendees may be turned away from the event. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.

 Do not stop or park anywhere along Santiago Canyon Road. The entrance gate will not open until 8am. Please plan your drive accordingly. Anyone stopped or parked along Santiago Canyon Road prior to 8am will be subject to citation. Thank you for your cooperation with regards to the safety of everyone on the road. The continued offering of this program depends upon your strict adherence to this request.

CHECK-IN: 8am – 11am at the Registration tables.

All participants MUST check in and complete their registration at the Augustine Staging Area prior to accessing the trail system.

Trail routes vary in distance and level of difficulty. Please plan accordingly. Choices range from easy one-hour walks to strenuous 15-mile cardio hikes.

Visiting “The Sinks” is a 9-mile round trip hike over moderate terrain.

The Shoestring Trail Loop is approximately 5 miles long, and includes some steep elevation gain.

Participants are required to stay on designated trails at all times. In addition to being a rare and sensitive habit, the Irvine Ranch Open Space is under strict protection. There are often unseen dangers just off-trail including, but not limited to: mountain lions, poison oak, ticks, poisonous spiders, and venomous snakes. OC Rangers may issue citations for visitors found off-trail.

Other Important Notes:
Dogs are prohibited. No matter how cute yours may be, 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.

Trail users are allowed to enter the wilderness trails until 12:00pm, at which time registration will close.

OC Park Rangers require all trails to be cleared for closure by 1:00pm.

Minors, ages 18 and under, should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Unlike other IRC programs, on-site registration is available the day of the event.

Adult mountain bikers and equestrians are requested to wear helmets. Minors are required to wear helmets per state law.

If you are an equestrian, please email info@irconservancy.org at least 72 hours prior to the event so that we may verify whether your trailer can be accommodated in our parking configuration. Trailer parking is very limited and is subject to “first come, first served.”

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.

There are other activities nestled within Wilderness Access Day that you and your family and friends can enjoy. There is a Children’s Activity station set up for youngsters that may include crafts, games and storytelling! Also, there is a separate interpretive program that is guided by an IRC-Certified volunteer. If interested in joining this program, please register at www.LetsGoOutside.org/activities and click under “Wilderness Access Day – Guided Walk.” You will need to sign in on both rosters upon your arrival.