Mesa Loop Exploration at the Library of the Canyons: 7:00 AM Entry Only

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

This is for the 7:00 AM Entry Only

Enjoy an opportunity for self-guided exploration of the Mesa Loop, which offers a panoramic view of Black Star Canyon, Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, and Cleveland National Forest. This trail is approximately 2.5 miles with a 300-foot elevation gain. You will travel through an oak woodland grove, smell the sweet sage fragrances of the coastal sagebrush, and enjoy panoramic vistas of Irvine Lake, Silverado Canyon, and the beauty of the Santa Ana Mountains as you reach the top of the Mesa. Your exploration begins at OC Parks’ Canyons Staging Area located at Library of the Canyons on Santiago Canyon Road. The trail is in a wilderness setting and includes uneven, steep, rugged, rocky, natural surfaces. Participants should prepare themselves for this environment by reviewing all the information below.

We suggest forwarding the confirmation email to your registered guests.

Enjoying the Day

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

All participants are required to have a printed copy of their confirmation form for entry to this event. Please be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted and there will not be on-site registration.
Participants are required to stay on designated trails at all times. Reminder: The Mesa trail system has rare and sensitive habitat. Your responsible behavior helps ensure continued access. This area is characterized by certain inherent dangers including mountain lions, rattlesnakes, poisonous insects, poison oak, ticks, extremes in weather, loose rocks, and steep/rugged terrain. Your safety cannot be guaranteed.
Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including plenty of water, proper attire to protect you from the sun and closed-toe footwear, first aid, medications, hand sanitizer, etc. Please see Trail Tips on the Lets Go Outside website for more tips.
Maintain proper physical distancing, a minimum of 6 feet, between yourself and participants who are not in your household.
Bring and make use of recommended facial coverings while in the staging area and when on trail if you are unable to maintain 6′ of distance from others.
There will be one-way directional signs on the trail system. Follow these signs for the safety of all trail users at the event.

Other Important Notes:

Dogs are prohibited. A dog’s presence and lingering scent disturbs wildlife and disrupts vital routines long after a dog has left the area.
You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.

Learn more about the Canyons Staging Area