Come out and assist OC Park Rangers assigned to the Irvine Ranch Open Space (IROS) during this monthly special access event. The event takes place in Limestone Canyon among beautiful oak woodlands and rolling hills, with spectacular views of Orange County that only few get to see. Job duties include event set up, traffic control, visitor service/check in, post assignments, and trail patrol. Must be a current Ranger Reserve with OC Parks to sign up. No past area experience is needed, but welcomed.

Please note: Pre-Registration for this event is required for this event. 

Pre-Registration will open on September 6, 2017 and close on October 6, 2017.

Start your weekend off by exploring the endless 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, hooves or wheels, Wilderness Access Day in Limestone Canyon is a treasure waiting to be discovered by hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers alike.

All participants are requested to check-in and complete their registration at the Augustine Staging Area prior to accessing the trail system. The highly popular “The Sinks” is a 9-mile round trip hike over moderate terrain and can take the majority of the designated event time.

Please note: Pre-Registration for this event is required for this event.                             

Pre-Registration will open on September 6, 2017 and close on October 6, 2017.

Join us on a moderate-paced hike through the beautiful Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. This month we will have a guided walk that is a 6.5-mile distance, and 700′ elevation gain, loop hike to introduce you to the newly restored Dripping Springs trail. Listen closely as your lead discusses recent stewardship activity on the trail and its positive effect on the land. Review the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.

Please make sure you are ready to go with close toed shoes, plenty of water, sunscreen, hat, and anything else you will need to be safe on the trail.

After our trek, you are welcome to enjoy the trails during Wilderness Access Day: Limestone Canyon.

Enjoy self-guided access in the southern portion of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve. The entire southern Open Space Preserve trail network will be open for self-guided hiking and biking from 8 am to 2 pm. This includes the single-tracks in Shady Canyon and Bommer Canyon that are reserved for guided activities only. Registration is not required for this event, though it is shown on the website. If you need driving directions, please use the online registration to receive a map and instructions for getting to Bommer. The Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp will be available for parking, but please take note that your vehicle must be removed from the Cattle Camp area by 2 pm.

Black Star Canyon offers pleasant introductory trails for beginner hikers and families, and challenging experiences for seasoned trail users. Designated trails are available for self-guided access for hiking, biking and equestrian use by connecting various loops to offer extended exploration throughout the canyons. Take time to explore the local plant communities and beautiful scenery in easy 30-minutes walks or take in 7+ miles in a strong cardio trek.

Parking is limited on Black Star Canyon Road and carpooling is strongly encouraged. All participants are requested to check-in and complete their registration at the Registration Booth prior to accessing the trail system. If you are found to be on the trails without a day use pass you will be immediately directed back to the staging area.

Ever wonder about the spooky stories surrounding Black Star Canyon? Join us for a 3 mile, with 750′ elevation gain, guided hike where an IRC volunteer will help separate fact from fiction along the beautiful Silmod loop trail. Review the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings to help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

Please come prepared for the hike with close toed shoes, plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat or sunglasses, and any medications that you will need to keep you safe on the trails.

After our talk, you are welcome to enjoy the trails during Wilderness Access Day: Black Star Canyon.

Enjoy self-guided access in the southern portion of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve. The entire southern Open Space Preserve trail network will be open for self-guided hiking and biking from 8 am to 2 pm. This includes the single-tracks in Shady Canyon and Bommer Canyon that are reserved for guided activities only. Registration is not required for this event, though it is shown on the website. If you need driving directions, please use the online registration to receive a map and instructions for getting to Bommer. The Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp will be available for parking, but please take note that your vehicle must be removed from the Cattle Camp area by 2 pm.

Have you ever wanted to know the name of a plant or animal on a hike? Come join us on a slow paced hike in beautiful Bommer Canyon as an IRC volunteer will teach you how to use materials such as a dichotomous key to help ID a plant or animal. This is an introductory hike which will consist of moderate interpretation and will include tips on getting into hiking outdoors. We will be hiking 2-1/2 miles with 600 feet elevation out and back with an opportunity to hike further on your own at our turn around point.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land. After the hike is over, please feel free to explore the trails on your own since this hike is occurring during Wilderness Access Day.

Come out and assist OC Park Rangers assigned to the Irvine Ranch Open Space (IROS) during this monthly special access event. The event takes place in Limestone Canyon among beautiful oak woodlands and rolling hills, with spectacular views of Orange County that only few get to see. Job duties include event set up, traffic control, visitor service/check in, post assignments, and trail patrol. Must be a current Ranger Reserve with OC Parks to sign up. No past area experience is needed, but welcomed.

Please note:

Pre-Registration for this event is required for this event.

Pre-Registration will open on November 1, 2017 and close on December 1, 2017.

Start your weekend off by exploring the endless 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, hooves or wheels, Wilderness Access Day in Limestone Canyon is a treasure waiting to be discovered by hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers alike.

All participants are requested to check-in and complete their registration at the Augustine Staging Area prior to accessing the trail system. The highly popular “The Sinks” is a 9-mile round trip hike over moderate terrain and can take the majority of the designated event time.

Join us on a moderate-paced hike through the beautiful Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. This month we will have a guided, geology based, hike that is a 9-mile distance, and 800′ elevation gain. Chat with your naturalist as you learn about the formation of The Sinks, an iconic geological formation often compared to a mini-Grand Canyon for Orange County as well as other geologic features of the canyon.

All participants must carry their own water! Please come prepared with a sturdy day pack (please see Trail Tips), plenty of water (recommended 70 oz), snacks, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail.

After our trek, you are welcome to enjoy the trails during Wilderness Access Day: Limestone Canyon.

Review the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.

Enjoy self-guided access in the southern portion of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve. The entire southern Open Space Preserve trail network will be open for self-guided hiking and biking from 8 am to 2 pm. This includes the single-tracks in Shady Canyon and Bommer Canyon that are reserved for guided activities only. Registration is not required for this event, though it is shown on the website. If you need driving directions, please use the online registration to receive a map and instructions for getting to Bommer. The Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp will be available for parking, but please take note that your vehicle must be removed from the Cattle Camp area by 2 pm.

Black Star Canyon offers pleasant introductory trails for beginner hikers and families, and challenging experiences for seasoned trail users. Designated trails are available for self-guided access for hiking, biking and equestrian use by connecting various loops to offer extended exploration throughout the canyons. Take time to explore the local plant communities and beautiful scenery in easy 30-minutes walks or take in 7+ miles in a strong cardio trek.

Parking is limited on Black Star Canyon Road and carpooling is strongly encouraged. All participants are requested to check-in and complete their registration at the Registration Booth prior to accessing the trail system. If you are found to be on the trails without a day use pass you will be immediately directed back to the staging area.

Discover the history found along the trails in beautiful Black Star and Baker Canyons from the back of your horse. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking, and equestrian use, where you can reach several peeks to view the local canyon terrain or meander along single tracks through the thick chaparral brush. Riders who have trail riding experience with a fit and able horse will enjoy choosing routes from easy 30-minute walks to strenuous 7+ mile loops.

There is limited space for equestrian parking along Black Star Canyon Road, carpooling is strongly encouraged. Riders must also have the ability to transport their horse to the staging area. It is a “first come, first serve” for trailer parking and therefore pre-registration and early arrival is HIGHLY recommended. Major crowds are typically present at the very start of the event. There are not typical equestrian amenities at the event such as hitching posts, steps to mount your horse or water troughs. Please be sure to time your arrival accordingly so you have plenty of time to enjoy the trails with your horse.  

Join a nature talk in the beautiful Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park. This month on the guided talk, we will offer an exploration of the birds that the Baker Meadow home. This will be a 2 mile out and back hike with 300 feet elevation. From the vibrant yellow-rumped warbler to the chatty acorn woodpecker, there are many different birds that live in this canyon. Come hear a short talk and see examples of these animals up close. No live animals are presented during the program but you may have a chance to see a wild birds along the trails!

After our talk, you are welcome to enjoy the trails during Wilderness Access Day: Black Star Canyon.

Review the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-1 activity on the land.

Please note:

Pre-Registration for this event is required.

Pre-Registration will open on January 3, 2018 and close on February 2, 2018 at 4PM.

Start your weekend off by exploring the endless 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, hooves or wheels, Wilderness Access Day in Limestone Canyon is a treasure waiting to be discovered by hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers alike.

All participants are requested to check-in and complete their registration at the Augustine Staging Area prior to accessing the trail system. The highly popular “The Sinks” is a 9-mile round trip hike over moderate terrain and can take the majority of the designated event time.

Please note: Pre-Registration is now required due to limited parking capacity.

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, carpooling is strongly encouraged. Riders must also have the ability to transport their horse to the staging area. It is a “first come, first serve” for trailer parking and therefore pre-registration is required. Major crowds are typically present at the very start of the event.

Join us on a easy-paced hike through the beautiful Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. This month join Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers as we travel along the trails identifying the flowers along the way such as Chocolate Lillies and California Poppies. This will be a 10 mile, with 1300 feet elevation, hike that will travel along the ridge line overlooking the canyon towards the East side of the Sinks and the Markel loop.

After our trek, you are welcome to enjoy the trails during Wilderness Access Day: Limestone Canyon.

Review the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land. Please come prepared with plenty (60 oz) of water, closed toed shoes, and a sturdy hiking backpack.

Come join us for a lovely hike in Bommer Canyon. We will learn about some of the old ranch equipment found in our nature garden followed by a quick trip on Bommer Pass. Throughout the hike, we will also have to keep our eyes open for signs of wildlife as we will be playing a game of animal bingo! This will be a slow paced, 2 mile hike with 250 feet elevation. This activity is suitable for all ages but please come prepared with closed toed shoes and water.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.

Black Star Canyon offers pleasant introductory trails for beginner hikers and families, and challenging experiences for seasoned trail users. Designated trails are available for self-guided access for hiking, biking and equestrian use by connecting various loops to offer extended exploration throughout the canyons. Take time to explore the local plant communities and beautiful scenery in easy 30-minutes walks or take in 7+ miles in a strong cardio trek.

Parking is limited on Black Star Canyon Road and carpooling is strongly encouraged. All participants are requested to check-in and complete their registration at the Registration Booth prior to accessing the trail system. If you are found to be on the trails without a day use pass you will be immediately directed back to the staging area.