Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Enjoy riding in the wilderness on empty trails? Then join us on a docent-led mountain bike ride that loops through Fremont, Baker and Black Star Canyons. The route features expansive views, as well as the flora and fauna of the Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve and Black Star Canyon Nature Park. If you are very physically fit and in excellent cardio shape, this is a great opportunity to enjoy this seldom visited wilderness of Orange County!

This is a moderate-paced ride designed for the experienced beginner to intermediate rider who is in excellent cardio shape and is physically fit, but sometimes needs to move slower on steep ascents/descents. We will ride both fire roads and largely non-technical single track trails. The ride will regroup and rest as needed and an opportunity will be provided for a snack break.

Please note, the ride is approximately 15 miles long with 2300 feet of elevation gain. The route has climbs with some extended steep sections.  The climb to Cathedral Rock is a 3+ mile climb that gains 1500+ feet in altitude (average 9% gradient with a number of steeper pitches).

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

• Each individual adult must bring with them a signed liability waiver. Minors may be added to the waiver of their respective parent or legal guardian. The form will not be available on site.
• The waiver can be accessed and downloaded for print at home use here:  IRC Liability Waiver 2020.05
• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land. Electric Mountain Bikes of any class or type are not permitted.

The ride starts and ends at the Red Rocks Staging Area that is located along Black Star Canyon Road next to Peltzer Pines.  We will warm up for the climb to Fremont Canyon’s Cathedral Rock by riding some seldom ridden non-technical single-track trails in Baker Canyon. After the Baker Canyon warm-up, the ride will loop the southern portion of Fremont Canyon with a turnaround point at Cathedral Rock. Cathedral Rock is the high point on the south ridge of Fremont Canyon and offers great views of the Fremont and Santiago Canyon areas, as well as Orange County and the surrounding areas. The ride ends with a long downhill back to the staging Area.

This activity originates and ends in the OC Parks’ Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park and travels into OC Parks’ Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve.