Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness, Equestrian

PRE-REGISTRATION is REQUIRED for this event.

All participants are required to have, a printed copy or on their phone, the confirmation email to show through the window of their vehicle to drive through the entry gate. You will need the confirmation email for you and your guests to enter the trail system.

Come experience Red Rock Wilderness’ beauty from the back of your horse. Designated trails will be open for self-guided access hiking, biking, and equestrian use during Wilderness Access Day in Red Rock Wilderness. Equestrian riders who have trail riding experience with their own fit and able horse will enjoy the historic ranch roads of days gone by. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas from the mighty ridge tops and drink in the cool canyon shade through the oak grove.

There is limited space for equestrian parking. Riders must also have the ability to transport their horse to the staging area.

Rain or inclement weather will cancel the program.

Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for your experience in the wilderness area.

Do not stop or park anywhere along Santiago Canyon Road. The entrance gate will not open until 8am. Anyone stopped or parked along Santiago Canyon Road prior to the opening will be subject to citation. Thank you for your cooperation with regard to the safety of everyone on the road. Please plan your drive accordingly.

Other Important Notes:

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.”
OC Park Rangers require all trails to be cleared for closure by 2:00 pm.
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. 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, must be registered by a parent or guardian.
Adult mountain bikers and equestrians are requested to wear helmets. Minors are required to wear helmets per state law.
Inclement weather or fire danger will cause the program to be cancelled.

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. 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 Red Rock Wilderness. To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.

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.