September is National Wilderness Month, marking the anniversary of the 1964 Wilderness Act. This act of Congress created the National Wilderness Preservation System, and recognized wilderness as “an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.”
The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks provide a wilderness experience right here in Orange County. You can visit unique and protected wildlands just minutes from anywhere in the county. In fact, the OC Parks system includes more than 20,000 continuous acres of open space that is permanently protected and preserved. Most of this land is preserved for wildlife habitat, with docent-led recreation activities. While there are guided hikes and other programs scheduled almost daily, some say the best way to enjoy the local canyons is during the monthly Wilderness Access Days.
The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks provide a wilderness experience right here in Orange County. You can visit unique and protected wildlands just minutes from anywhere in the county. In fact, the OC Parks system includes more than 20,000 continuous acres of open space that is permanently protected and preserved. Most of this land is preserved for wildlife habitat, with docent-led recreation activities. While there are guided hikes and other programs scheduled almost daily, some say the best way to enjoy the local canyons is during the monthly Wilderness Access Days.
The next Wilderness Access Day is Saturday, September 5 in OC Parks’ Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park. The trail system in the Baker Canyon area will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and horseback riding from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. During Wilderness Access Days, Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and volunteers are available at the staging area and on the trails to answer questions and help you find your way. When you arrive, you’ll be provided with a trail map. There are routes available at various levels of difficulty and length, to suit each individual’s ability and availability for the day.
The weather is expected to cool a bit to the low 80s next week, so Saturday should be perfect for hitting the trails. Pre-registration is free for Wilderness Access Day and is strongly encouraged. With pre-registration, you will receive driving directions as well as a reminder email about your activity. Click here to register for the September 5 event in Black Star, and click here to see all scheduled Wilderness Access Days.
The weather is expected to cool a bit to the low 80s next week, so Saturday should be perfect for hitting the trails. Pre-registration is free for Wilderness Access Day and is strongly encouraged. With pre-registration, you will receive driving directions as well as a reminder email about your activity. Click here to register for the September 5 event in Black Star, and click here to see all scheduled Wilderness Access Days.
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