The Gypsum Canyon Wilderness, is a recently established wildlands area within Lower Gypsum Canyon. A series of new trails offer access to Oven Canyon and the steep slopes of the central ridge. From the ridge line, the view of Gypsum Canyon is dramatic. Gypsum Canyon, once proposed for the development of 8,000 homes, is part of Orange County’s Natural Preserve system and managed by Orange County Parks. Access is limited. It is a wonderful place to be introduced to the plants that make this canyon home. The canyons are dominated by southern oak woodland, the slopes grassy coastal sage and chaparral still recovering from the 2017 Canyons 2 fire. Among the species seen here chaparral nolina (Nolina cismontana), cotton-thorn (Tetradymia comosa), fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica), many-stemmed dudleya (Dudleya multicaulis), and a small chance of seeing intermediate mariposa lily (Calochortus weedii var. intermedius), though we will likely be there too early for the latter. Provided we have adequate rain, a good diversity of late season wildflowers should be present. There are seven trails associated with new Wilderness area. Likely, conditions will be overcast, but there is potential for it to be quite hot if the clouds clear away.
Please wear adequate hiking shoes and sun protection as the trail is fully exposed with little to no shade.
Registration is closed for this activity..
