Mountain Bike Ride - Loop of Limestone Ridge and Red Rock Wilderness Area

If you enjoy riding in wilderness on empty trails then join us on a docent-led mountain bike ride that loops through three nature preserves that are part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. This ride is for experienced off-road riders in excellent cardio shape and comfortable with moderate climbs and largely non-technical single-track trails.

This ride starts by warming up on Limestone Canyon Road and then climbs Cactus Canyon to reach the top of the Limestone Ridge single track. The ride follows Limestone Ridge for most of the trail before plunging down to Santiago Canyon on the new Creek Trail. It continues on at the base of the Red Rock before entering Red Rock Nature Preserve for a loop around the top of the Red Rock.

Please note, the ride is 12 miles long, with approximately 1300 feet of elevation gain and will take about 2.5 hours to complete. It is important that participants bring sufficient food and water for a ride of this difficulty and duration. Also note that although the elevation gain of this ride is not severe and there are only two sustained climbs, there are a number of short but steep sections within these climbs.

This program originates at the Augustine Staging Area in Limestone Canyon and loops through portions of the Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve and the Red Rock Wilderness.

The route for this ride includes 8 of the 10 single track trails in Limestone Canyon and Red Rock Wilderness. These single tracks are generally not technical but do include some steep descents and some sections that may be slightly loose with small rocks. The connections between the single tracks will be on ranch roads and pavement.

Please note, this is a long ride at 24 miles, with approximately 2500 feet of elevation gain and will take about 4 hours to complete. It is important that participants bring sufficient food and water for a ride of this difficulty and duration.

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

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

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.
All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
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.