
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.
Home to the popular destination, “The Sinks,” OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve welcomes nature lovers of all ages to explore its remarkable features. Visitors can travel through the shaded valley or sunny ridgetop of Limestone Canyon during the 9-mile round trip to Orange County’s mini Grand Canyon. This lush preserve includes thick oak woodlands, riparian habitat, year-round springs, and iconic geologic features. Visitors can even spot a wide variety of wildlife in Limestone Canyon, including Mule Deer. Trail trekkers can kick off their weekend during the Wilderness Access Day in Limestone Canyon on Saturday, October 6 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. However, registration closes at 4 p.m. tonight (10/5), so sign up soon!
Bommer Canyon, October 20
Rich in history and nature’s wonders, the City of Irvine’s Bommer Canyon beckons hikers, bikers, and equestrians alike with its ancient oak and sycamore groves and rough rock outcrops. Participants can take advantage of self-guided access throughout the entire southern Open Space Preserve trail network in Bommer Canyon during Wilderness Access Days. The upcoming Wilderness Access Day on Saturday, October 20 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. welcomes visitors of all ages to Bommer Canyon for a day of exploration and adventure.
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, November 3
Visitors can escape their everyday responsibilities and get away to the backcountry of the Cleveland National Forest and the northern Santa Ana Mountains during Wilderness Access Days in OC Parks’ Black Star Canyon. Widely known for its rich historical stories from the ranching days and Gabrieleno or Tongva people, Black Star Canyon visitors are often in awe of the expansive red rock cliffs, panoramic vistas of the Irvine Lake and Pacific Coast and diverse flora, including the native sage scrub and chaparral habitats. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore this historical natural setting during the upcoming Wilderness Access Day on Saturday, November 3 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are comprised of nearly 40,000 acres of open spaces and
wildlands. Depending on the Landmark, hikers can enjoy flora including coastal sage scrub and oak woodlands, along with wildlife including mule deer, California gnat catchers, and even the occasional coast horned lizard or bald eagle! Visitors of all ages can explore the open spaces daily from the inland mountains to the coast through self-guided access on several designated trails throughout the county.
Choose your own adventure on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks during Wilderness Access Days and on self-guided trails! Most programs on the Landmarks are free with required pre-registration, which closes at 4 p.m. the day prior to each activity. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian, and nursery programs are suited for nature lovers age 8 and older. For more information on self-guided Wilderness Access Days or to register for a program on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks visit www.LetsGoOutside.org.