Agua Chinon and the Sinks Exploration Day

Special Events
Agua Chinon and the Sinks Exploration Day

Please note: Pre-Registration is required due to limited parking capacity.

Start your weekend off by exploring the Agua Chinon wash and the Sinks through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided trail use in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Trail routes vary in distance and level of difficulty with choices ranging from easy one-hour walks to a strenuous 9.5 mile trek. Whether traveling by feet or on two wheels, this exploration day is a treasure waiting to be discovered by hikers and mountain bikers alike.

Visitors to the Open Space during this activity are able to visit the East Sinks Viewing Deck, offering a view of the “backside” of The Sinks.

All participants are required to check-in and complete their registration at the Portola Staging Area prior to accessing the trail system. The West Sinks route is 6 miles round trip with a challenging hill climb while a visit to the east viewing deck is a strenuous 8 miles round trip and may take the majority of the designated activity time.

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 Parks Rangers may issue citations for visitors found off-trail. For your safety, please stay on the designated paths during your stay in Agua Chinon.

Other Important Notes:

  • OC Park Rangers require all trails to be cleared for closure by 1:00pm.
  • No new trail users will be permitted onto the trails at least one hour prior to closing.
  • Dogs are prohibited on the Irvine Ranch Open Space. 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.
  • Minors, ages 18 and under, should 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.
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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.

Activity Details Led by IRC

Date:
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Time:
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Duration:
5:00
Type:
Special Events
Organization:
OC Parks
Area:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Staging Area:
Portola - Agua Chinon
Difficulty:
Variable
Distance:
Variable
Elevation Change:
Variable
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.

Registration is closed for this activity.