The activities below are offered by a variety of organizations and their dedicated volunteers. All programs are FREE unless noted below. Programs led by IRC-Certified Volunteers require pre-registration, which closes at 4 p.m. on the day prior to the event. No walk-up registrations will be permitted for these events. For policies of other organizations, please use the sign-up information provided. For mobility device policies click here.
Note: Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for these events. For programs requiring online registration, each adult and child must be registered. |
Need help? For the fastest answers, look for organization-specific contact information in each event listing (click More Information for full listing). If no contact information is listed, email info@irconservancy.org for assistance.
Click here to learn more about IRC-Certified Volunteers. • Click here to learn more about the Difficulty Ratings.
Search & Filter Activities
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Stewardship Day at the West Sinks View Deck
![Stewardship](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-stewardship.png)
Please join us as we enhance habitat adjacent to the west viewing deck at the Sinks in Limestone Canyon. This area is characterized by beautiful geological formations that resemble a mini–Grand Canyon. Volunteers will travel for approximately 20 minutes in an open-air safari style truck to the project site. The morning will be spent watering native shrubs and rebuilding berms. We will be using small shovels and other tools. No experience necessary.
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Wilderness Access Day: Limestone Canyon
![Special Events](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-special-events.png)
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.
Start your weekend off by exploring numerous opportunities found throughout magnificent Limestone Canyon. Designated trails will be open for self-guided trail use in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Trail routes vary in distance and level of difficulty with choices ranging from easy one-hour walks to strenuous 15-mile cardio treks. Whether traveling by feet or wheels, Wilderness Access Day in Limestone Canyon is a treasure waiting to be discovered by hikers and mountain bikers alike.
Participants will want to plan their day successfully by using Trail Tips to prepare.
Wilderness Access Day: Limestone Canyon, Equestrian
![Equestrian](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-equestrian.png)
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 Limestone Canyon’s 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 Limestone Canyon. Equestrian riders who have trail riding experience with a 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.
Sunday, August 4, 2024
Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride from Irvine to Limestone Canyon
![Mountain Biking](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-mountain-biking.png)
We start our ride through OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space on the paved Hicks Haul Road, the extension of Jeffrey Rd north of Portola Pkwy. As we warm up on the climb to the top of the road, we enjoy increasingly beautiful views over Irvine. We then follow Loma Ridge to the East, with fantastic vistas of Orange County, the surrounding wildlands, and even Catalina Island on clear days. From Loma Ridge, we descend on a single track to Box Springs which provides year-round water for wildlife like deer.
After the springs, we continue to the Sinks, Orange County’s own “Grand Canyon,” where we enjoy our snacks during a short break. On our way back, we ride along Limestone Ridge, a fun singletrack that leads us towards the Augustine Staging area, enjoying views of Saddleback and Santiago Canyon. From there we will climb back up to Loma Ridge, and then coast back down on the paved Hicks Haul Road to our starting point. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for use in the Nature Preserve.
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Slow-paced Mountain Bike Ride – Limestone Canyon/Dripping Springs
![Mountain Biking](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-mountain-biking.png)
Enjoy the relaxation of riding in the wilderness on empty trails. Join us on this docent-led mountain bike ride through Limestone Canyon, part of OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will visit Dripping Springs which is a fern covered, year-round source of water for the local wildlife. The ride will also stop at the west viewing deck for the Sinks. This is a slow-paced ride designed for the beginner that has experience riding fire roads such as Limestone Canyon or Telegraph Canyon but wants to develop their climbing and riding abilities. The ride can also be enjoyed by more advanced riders looking for a relaxed ride in a beautiful setting.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for use in the Nature Preserve.
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Limestone Canyon – Weekend Hike to Both Sides of the Sinks
![Hiking & Fitness](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-hiking-fitness.png)
Join us on this moderate-paced hike over the ridge and the through beautiful Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will enjoy short breaks at the East and West Sinks viewing platforms before hiking back through the canyon. We will enjoy a view of wonderful vistas in addition to spectacular view of The Sinks. This hike involves hiking on both double and single-track trails with an elevation gain of 1000.
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Early Morning Hike to The Sinks: Limestone Canyon
![Hiking & Fitness](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-hiking-fitness.png)
Come along with us on this morning hike through beautiful Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. You’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of The Sinks as well as sweeping views of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains. This hike involves steep climbs and descents on both double and single-track trails.
Enjoy Nature’s Story, Vistas, and Special Places – Intro Hike in Agua Chinon to The Sinks
![Hiking & Fitness](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-hiking-fitness.png)
Join us on a slow-paced hike along the back-country ridges and valleys of Agua Chinon Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We’ll travel on rough old ranch roads passing by woodlands of majestic oak trees and expanses of Coastal Sage Scrub and enjoy wonderful vistas. Total round-trip distance is 6 miles with an elevation gain of 1000 feet at an average moving rate of 2.0-2.5 miles per hour. Some of the hills are strenuous and we will take breaks as needed. Participants should be in good hiking condition and have previously completed a similar distance hike.
Thursday, August 15, 2024
Thursday Morning Trek: Agua Chinon and The Sinks
![Hiking & Fitness](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-hiking-fitness.png)
Come out and join us on a breathtaking hike from the Irvine Open Space Preserve into OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. This week’s docent-led hike begins in the Agua Chinon wash, continues to The Sinks, and may include a side trip to Box Springs, a natural year-round source of fresh water.
Maximum distance is just short of 8 miles, with some sustained climbing in one section. Participants must wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes. Remember to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and all other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.
Sunday, August 18, 2024
Portola to The Sinks
![Hiking & Fitness](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-hiking-fitness.png)
Do you want to explore the Sinks, a geological rock formation that has got its reputation as “Orange County’s miniature Grand Canyon”? Come out and join us on a hike from the Portola staging area to the West Sinks in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon. Distance is about 6 miles, with some sustained climbing in one section. Participants must wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes. Remember to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and all other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. This activity originates in the City of Irvine (Portola Staging Area) and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.
Saturday, August 24, 2024
Limestone Canyon – Weekend Hike to Both Sides of the Sinks
![Hiking & Fitness](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-hiking-fitness.png)
Join us on this moderate-paced hike over the ridge and the through beautiful Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will enjoy short breaks at the East and West Sinks viewing platforms before hiking back through the canyon. We will enjoy a view of wonderful vistas in addition to spectacular view of The Sinks. This hike involves hiking on both double and single-track trails with an elevation gain of 1000.
Sunday, September 1, 2024
Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride from Irvine to Limestone Canyon
![Mountain Biking](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-mountain-biking.png)
We start our ride through OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space on the paved Hicks Haul Road, the extension of Jeffrey Rd north of Portola Pkwy. As we warm up on the climb to the top of the road, we enjoy increasingly beautiful views over Irvine. We then follow Loma Ridge to the East, with fantastic vistas of Orange County, the surrounding wildlands, and even Catalina Island on clear days. From Loma Ridge, we descend on a single track to Box Springs which provides year-round water for wildlife like deer.
After the springs, we continue to the Sinks, Orange County’s own “Grand Canyon,” where we enjoy our snacks during a short break. On our way back, we ride along Limestone Ridge, a fun singletrack that leads us towards the Augustine Staging area, enjoying views of Saddleback and Santiago Canyon. From there we will climb back up to Loma Ridge, and then coast back down on the paved Hicks Haul Road to our starting point. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for use in the Nature Preserve.
Thursday, September 12, 2024
The Lure and Lull of Limestone Canyon and The Sinks: Equestrian Ride
![Equestrian](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-equestrian.png)
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Slow-paced Mountain Bike Ride: Limestone Canyon/East Sinks
![Mountain Biking](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-mountain-biking.png)
Enjoy the relaxation of riding in the wilderness on empty trails. Join us on this docent-led mountain bike ride through Limestone Canyon, part of OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will visit the East Viewing Platform for a panoramic view of the geological feature call The Sinks. The route to The Sinks will include a fun downhill ride on the Dripping Springs single track. The return route will take us on the Limestone Ridge single track with views of Limestone Canyon, Santiago Canyon and the Santa Ana Mountains.
This is a slow-paced ride designed for the beginner that has experience riding fire roads such as Limestone Canyon or Telegraph Canyon but wants to develop their climbing and riding abilities. The ride can also be enjoyed by more advanced riders looking for a relaxed ride in a beautiful setting.
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Limestone Canyon – Weekend Hike to Both Sides of the Sinks
![Hiking & Fitness](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-hiking-fitness.png)
Join us on this moderate-paced hike over the ridge and the through beautiful Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will enjoy short breaks at the East and West Sinks viewing platforms before hiking back through the canyon. We will enjoy a view of wonderful vistas in addition to spectacular view of The Sinks. This hike involves hiking on both double and single-track trails with an elevation gain of 1000.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Early Morning Hike to The Sinks: Limestone Canyon
![Hiking & Fitness](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-hiking-fitness.png)
Come along with us on this morning hike through beautiful Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. You’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of The Sinks as well as sweeping views of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains. This hike involves steep climbs and descents on both double and single-track trails.
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Portola to The Sinks
![Hiking & Fitness](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-hiking-fitness.png)
Do you want to explore the Sinks, a geological rock formation that has a reputation as “Orange County’s miniature Grand Canyon”? Come join us on a hike from the Portola Staging Area to the West Sinks in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. Distance is about 6 miles, with some sustained climbing in one section. Participants must wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes. Remember to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and all other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. This activity originates in the City of Irvine (Portola Staging Area) and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.
Evening Family Beginner Mountain Bike Ride: Limestone Canyon to The Sinks
![Mountain Biking](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-mountain-biking.png)
For families and children ages 12 and up who would like to join IRC-certified volunteers in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space on a longer, slow-paced, family-oriented ride through sycamores, oaks, and habitat native to California. The route takes us to The Sinks, Orange County’s own “Grand Canyon.” Along the way, we will stop and talk about the local habitat, and hope to see some of our local native animals and raptors. The ride is an 8-9 miles with 400-800 feet of elevation gain that may require hike-a‐bike for some riders. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for recreational use.
Monday, September 30, 2024
Stewardship Day at the West Sinks View Deck
![Stewardship](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-stewardship.png)
Please join us as we enhance habitat adjacent to the west viewing deck at the Sinks in Limestone Canyon. This area is characterized by beautiful geological formations that resemble a mini–Grand Canyon. Volunteers will travel for approximately 20 minutes in an open-air safari style truck to the project site. The morning will be spent watering native shrubs and rebuilding berms. We will be using small shovels and other tools. No experience necessary.