Activities and Programs

Join us for a fast-paced, introduction to cardio hiking in the Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Along the way, we’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Orange County and possible wildlife sightings. This is a 3.5-mile cardio hike, completed in less than 1.5 hours and includes a 350+ foot total elevation gain. This hike is for physically fit hikers who enjoy the challenge of a faster paced outdoor experience. There are no rest stops, and the average 3.5 mile per hour pace can be difficult in the wilderness setting. Please bring a minimum 32 oz. of water. Come prepared with a pack, sturdy closed-toed hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Each participant must carry his or her own pack and water. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to this activity.

Access is first come, first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.

Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email info@irconservancy.org to coordinate parking.

Come explore 3.3 miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Saddleback Wilderness offers designated trails for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy one-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.

Saddleback Wilderness is located at 3066 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA.

Access is first come, first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.

Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email info@irconservancy.org to coordinate parking.

Come explore 3.3 miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Saddleback Wilderness offers designated trails for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy one-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.

Saddleback Wilderness is located at 3066 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA.

Access is first come, first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.

Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email info@irconservancy.org to coordinate parking.

Come explore 3.3 miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Saddleback Wilderness offers designated trails for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy one-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.

Saddleback Wilderness is located at 3066 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA.

Curious to learn about the plants among us, who’s sus and who’s not? Join us for a hike at Saddleback, part of the Irvine Open Space Preserve, where we’ll look at local flora, talk about native and non-native species, and learn how different plants impact our ecosystems. Learning to identify plants, both native and non-native, is a great way to cultivate knowledge about local flora and fauna!

This activity is geared towards participants who are curious about our local plants and ecosystem. Please bring water and all items needed to keep you safe during our walk. Hats and sunscreen are highly recommended as there is no shade along this route.

Access is first come, first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.

Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email info@irconservancy.org to coordinate parking.

Come explore 3.3 miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Saddleback Wilderness offers designated trails for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy one-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.

Saddleback Wilderness is located at 3066 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA.