CANCELLED: Postponed Until Further Notice: 8:00 AM Entry Wilderness Access Day: Black Star Canyon

Special Events

This event is being postponed until further notice due to extreme heat. The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning, which is the highest weather rating for heat.

The next Black Star Wilderness Access Day will be scheduled for November, please check back on LGO for updates on additional self-guided access opportunities.

Pre-Registration for this event is required.

All participants are required to have a printed copy of their confirmation form to show proof of registration at the gate for this event.

You will need the confirmation form for you and your guests to enter the trail system. There will NOT be a registration table on site.

 

Please print your auto-generated confirmation email from letsgooutside.org  before you arrive.

8:00 AM Entry Wilderness Access Day: Black Star Canyon

Parking on Black Star Canyon Road is not reserved for this event. Parking will be limited.

Major crowds are typically present at the very start of the event.

When you are unable to maintain 6′ of distance, a facial covering will be required on the trail system. Tips for your safety and others during COVID-19 can be found below.

Black Star Canyon offers pleasant introductory trails for beginner hikers and families as well as challenging experiences for seasoned trail users. Designated trails are available for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. A variety of trail loops offer extended exploration throughout the canyons. Take time to explore the local plant communities and beautiful scenery in easy 30-minute walks or take in 7+ miles in a strong cardio trek. A new map is attached to your confirmation as some trails will be designated as one-way only due to COVID-19 guidelines.

Participants will want to plan their day successfully by using Trail Tips to prepare for your hike.

  • Maintain proper physical distancing, a minimum of 6 feet, between yourself and all other participants at all times.
  • A contact-less arrival system will be utilized to diminish touching and sharing items. There will be no on-site registration table. Bring a printed copy of your auto-generated confirmation email. You are required to show your confirmation.
  • Please bring plenty of water as there are no facilities in this wilderness setting on the trails and water will not be available at the staging area.
    • Rule of thumb: 1 liter or 32 ounces per hour, per person.
    • For longer or more strenuous hikes, carry a backpack or waist pack that can accommodate the amount of water you will need.
  • Please follow all County and State guidelines for COVID-19. You can learn more about facial covering guidelines here: Orange County Health Care Agency Guidelines
  • Please do not plan to gather, stopping to eat, or meet in groups.
  • There will be multiple one-way directional signs on the trail system. Please take the time to plan your route before you arrive. Follow the signs on the trails for the safety of all trail users at the event. Thank you for your cooperation. Black Star WAD Map COVID WebSize
  • Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, proper attire, and footwear, first aid, medications, hand sanitizer, recommended facial covering, etc.
  • Restrooms will be available at the staging area only, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.

Please plan your day accordingly to all the guidelines provided.

 

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. IRC Volunteers will be on the trail to call the rangers for assistance, but will not be available to provide naturalist interpretation assistance. 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 Black Star Canyon.

Other Important Notes:

  • There will be staggered reservation starting times. Be sure to check your reservation time before arrival.
  • OC Park Rangers require all trails to be cleared for closure by 12:00pm.
  • 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 and equestrians are requested to wear helmets. Minors are required to wear helmets per state law.
  • If you are an equestrian, there is a separate registration designated for you found at www.LetsGoOutside.org/activities and click under “Wilderness Access Day – Equestrians.” Once registered, 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.

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.

Activity Details Led by IRC

Date:
Saturday, September 5, 2020
Time:
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Duration:
4:00
Type:
Special Events
Organization:
OC Parks
Area:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Staging Area:
Baker
Difficulty:
Variable
Distance:
Variable
Elevation Change:
Variable
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Full

Registration is closed for this activity.