The Richard Walters Memorial Hike in Limestone Canyon

Richard “Dick” Walters began his service with Irvine Ranch Conservancy as a Founding Volunteer. Over his many years as a docent, Dick led countless people over miles of trails on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, encouraging all to enjoy and appreciate the land. The Richard Walters Memorial Hike celebrates Dick’s legacy with a choice between two specially designed routes in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.

All participants will depart together from Augustine staging area, but will have two options to choose from to reach the mid-way gathering point of The Sinks, a beautiful sandstone formation sometimes called “The Grand Canyon of Orange County.” The default route is a moderately-paced 8-mile up-and-back hike with 700 feet of elevation. The second route offers “Dick’s Raptor Challenge:” an 8.5-mile climb to The Sinks via Raptor Trail and scenic Limestone Ridge, with almost 1200 feet of elevation. Registered participants may select their preferred guided route at the program start. Limestone Canyon is one of the most pristine areas of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, and home to oak woodlands, sycamores, grasslands, and a diversity of wildlife.

Dick’s service helped people understand the value of Limestone Canyon and other protected open spaces. One of his gifts was his ability to combine his positive and engaging personality with his knowledge and love of the trails to create his signature “Cardio Hikes.” Over the years, these regular programs gathered both experienced and new hikers to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. The hikes were demanding, but participants and volunteers alike were inspired by Dick’s indomitable enthusiasm and example. Dick continued to steward his cardio hikes into his 82nd year, and they continue now as an example of the many different ways to meaningfully connect the public to the land.

We invite you to join us on this special hike that continues and celebrates Richard Walters’ legacy.