Category: Equestrian

Explore Orange County's Mini Grand Canyon with Irvine Ranch Conservancy

12/5/2018

Agua Chinon to the Sinks, Limestone Canyon

Get out and explore The Sinks during your next outdoor adventure

One of the seven wonders of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, “The Sinks” in the Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, is a hidden gem in Orange County. A geological formation consisting of layered sandstone cliffs, The Sinks are often referred to as Orange County’s Mini Grand Canyon and have become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.

The red sandstone cliffs that form The Sinks are eroded in the Sespe Formation, a geological formation of southern California which is between 20-40 million years old. Visitors to The Sinks will experience the beautiful reddish-brown sandstone that drops off sharply into the canyon forming a natural bowl.

Choose Your Own Adventure on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

10/3/2018

Register for Wilderness Access Day programs and enjoy self-guided trails

Calling all hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians! Visitors of all ages and interests can discover hiking trails and spot native plants and wildlife during Wilderness Access Day programs. Hosted on different open spaces across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, Wilderness Access Days welcome families, hikers, bikers, and equestrians with their own horse to enjoy the great outdoors. Trekkers can choose their own adventure monthly during Wilderness Access Days or daily on self-guided hiking trails while exploring their natural surroundings.

During Wilderness Access Days, trails vary in distance and level of difficulty with choices ranging from an easy stroll in the shade to strenuous 15-mile cardio hikes. While exploring the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, remember to practice trail etiquette - bikers yield to hikers and bikers and hikers yield to equestrians. Whether traveling by foot, hooves, or wheels, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy trails on the Landmarks across OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, the City of Irvine’s Bommer Canyon, and OC Parks’ Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park.

Travel Through the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks by Saddle

9/22/2017

Riders enjoy Limestone Canyon in the afternoon.

Equestrians can experience the open spaces during self-guided and docent-led activities.

Nature lovers can explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks by registering for hiking, biking, and interpretive programs, and outdoor enthusiasts who own or have access to a horse can saddle up and join the fun on the open spaces! A variety of equestrian programs welcome the community to trot through designated trails on the Landmarks, where rare and native species cohabitate in Southern California’s Mediterranean climate.

“The Landmarks are home to many diverse terrains, and equestrians can experience the lands by registering for programs throughout the year,” commented Dave Raetz, Deputy Director of Irvine Ranch Conservancy. “Riders are invited to bring their horse to the Landmarks during designated activities and take in some of Orange County’s most beautiful open spaces by saddle.”

Power Down and Head Outdoors During National Screen-Free Week

4/27/2017

Volunteers get ready to harvest seeds at the Native Seed Farm.

Visit the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks in celebration of National Screen-Free Week to connect with nature and enjoy fresh air and exercise.

National Screen-Free Week kicks off on May 1, and the seven-day celebration encourages people to put down their devices and take time to enjoy the great outdoors. The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to a variety of programs, welcoming the community to explore the unique geology and diverse range of flora and fauna found on the lands. Register for a free activity on the Landmarks to enjoy fresh air and sweeping views, from the mountains to the sea.

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are found near densely populated areas, making them an oasis of nature amidst an urban landscape. Hundreds of species of plants and animals live on the open spaces, including eagles, badgers, mountain lions, rare species of birds and trees, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians.Screen-Free Week is the perfect opportunity to discover the wilderness in your own backyard, and explore permanently protected and rare natural habitats.

Equestrian Ride Travels through the Fall Colors of Limestone Canyon

11/8/2013

Equestrians are invited to enjoy the cooler temperatures and fall colors on a guided trail ride through beautiful Limestone Canyon. OC Park’s Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve is a spectacular and lush canyon with a rich diversity of plants and animals. It is a true favorite among hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and naturalists of all types -- especially The Sinks, a limestone canyon known as the “mini Grand Canyon.”

During the “Ride the Fall Colors of Limestone Canyon” event, equestrians will have the chance to see hawks, deer and other critters while enjoying spectacular scenery. Not only are the sycamore leaves turning a warm yellow, but the route itself climbs to Loma Ridge, offering vistas of Irvine Lake, Orange County and beyond.

Explore Orange County's Mini Grand Canyon with Irvine Ranch Conservancy

Choose Your Own Adventure on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Travel Through the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks by Saddle

Power Down and Head Outdoors During National Screen-Free Week

Equestrian Ride Travels through the Fall Colors of Limestone Canyon

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