Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Equestrian Trail Riders, 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. Riders should have trail riding experience and a fit and able horse. Riders must also have the ability to transport their horse to the staging area.

PLEASE NOTE NEW HOURS: 8am – 2pm

Registration is open 8am – 11am

Do not stop or park anywhere along Santiago Canyon Road. THE ENTRANCE GATE WILL NOTE 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.

There is limited space for equestrian parking, carpooling is strongly encouraged. It is a “first come, first serve” for trailer parking and therefore pre-registration and early arrival (gates open at 8am) is HIGHLY recommended.

All participants MUST check in and complete their registration at the Augustine Staging Area prior to accessing the trail system. You must dismount your horse to check-in.

Trail routes vary in distance and level of difficulty. Please plan accordingly. Choices range from easy 30-minute rides to strenuous 10+ miles cardio rides.

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

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: 
Trail users are allowed to enter the wilderness trails until 1:00pm, at which time registration will close.

OC Park Rangers require all trails to be cleared for closure by 2:00pm.

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

Adult equestrians 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.

As an equestrian rider, 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.”

Please email info@irconservancy.org with questions and for more information. All participants must register in the Augustine Staging Area before accessing the trail system. Trail maps and day use badge will be provided upon check in.