OC Parks Volunteer Appreciation Wilderness Access Day – Equestrian

The OC Parks Volunteer Program is pleased to invite you to a volunteer appreciation event, exclusively for OC Parks Volunteers and their guests! Come explore some of OC Parks’ newest trails at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Gypsum Canyon Wilderness features six miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Two lookout points offer sweeping views of the surrounding canyons and unique prehistoric rock formations, while seven new trails provide multiple loop options that vary in distance and range from easy to moderate in difficulty. Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is comprised of protected and preserved native habitats that a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, red-tailed hawks, California gnatcatchers and bobcats, call home.

There will be a guided hike taking place from 9:00am to 11:00am for those who wish to join, otherwise the event is self-guided.

Breakfast will be served, so advance registration is required. If you have any dietary preferences, please email volunteer@ocparks.com.

** This is a self-guided event, and it is up to attendees to plan their arrival time and own route for the day.  Event hours are from 8:00am to 2:00pm, and attendees may arrive anytime between the hours of 8:00am to 12:00pm to gain access to the trails.  Trails and trailhead/staging area parking will close promptly at 2:00pm.**

Come experience Gypsum Canyon’s beauty from the back of your horse. Designated trails will be open for self-guided access hiking, biking, and equestrian use during Wilderness Access Day in Gypsum Canyon. There is limited space for equestrian parking. Riders must also have the ability to transport their horse to the staging area.

Please note that you are asked to adhere to the following measures during the activity in order to participate:

• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and footwear, first aid, medications, etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.

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 so for your safety, please stay on the designated paths during your stay in Limestone Canyon. To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.

Other Important Notes:

• OC Park Rangers require all trails to be cleared for closure by 2:00pm.
• No new trail users will be permitted onto the trails at least two hours 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, must be registered by a parent or guardian.
• Adult mountain bikers and equestrians are requested to wear helmets. Minors are required to wear helmets per state law.
• Once registered, please email volunteer@ocparks.com 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.

Multi-use trail etiquette: Please Remember that bikers yield to hikers and that bikers and hikers yield to equestrians. 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 wildlife needs.

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