Mountain Bike Ride at Fremont to Lizard Rock

Join us in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a challenging, docent-led mountain bike ride through Fremont Canyon to the unique geological formation known as Lizard Rock. This 16-mile out-and back ride, with approximately 2,500 feet of elevation gain is designed for experienced off-road riders in excellent cardio shape and will take up to 3 hours to complete.

The ride begins at the Weir (Outdoor Education Center) Staging Area inside Irvine Regional Park. We’ll climb out of the park on Coal Mine Road, passing the Fremont Canyon Weather Station and a grove of rare Tecate Cypress. Upon reaching Lizard Rock, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of upper Fremont Canyon, Sierra Peak, Cathedral Rock, and a sandstone formation locally known as Mini-Moab. We will return to the staging area via the same route.

While the ride is entirely on fire roads, be prepared for steep sections (both uphill and downhill) and potentially loose rocks and soil. We’ll regroup and rest as needed, with multiple opportunities for snack and water breaks.

This ride is entirely on fire roads, but includes sections that are steep (both up and down) and potentially will have loose rocks/soil. The ride will regroup and rest as needed and multiple opportunities will be provided for a snack break.

Please note, the ride is a challenging 16 miles long, with approximately 2500 feet of elevation gain and will take up to 3 hours to complete. It is important that participants bring sufficient food and water for a ride of this difficulty and duration. This program originates at the Weir (Outdoor Education Center) Staging Area inside Irvine Regional Park and ventures into the Fremont Canyon Wilderness Park, the Weir Canyon Wilderness Park, the Coal Canyon Ecological Reserve and the Cleveland National Forest.

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.