
The new East Sinks Viewing Deck, which boasts stunning vistas of Orange County’s very own “mini Grand Canyon,” is now open for visitors after a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 3 in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer and OC Parks staff were joined by hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and volunteers in dedicating the new deck, which is the second platform overlooking The Sinks.

- Intermediate Evening Mountain Bike Ride, Tuesday, 5/10, 6-8 p.m.
- Extreme Cardio Hike: Shoestring, Loma, to the Back Side of The Sinks, Saturday, 5/14, 6:30-9:45 a.m.
- Cardio Hike: Limestone Canyon and The Sinks, Saturday, 5/21, 7-10 a.m.
Visitors can also visit the new deck during Wilderness Access Day: Limestone Canyon, on Saturday, 6/4. During Wilderness Access Day, hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians can explore designated trails on their own that will take them to both the new East Sinks Deck and its companion West Sinks Viewing Deck, which was built in 2011. To read more about or register for Wilderness Access Day: Limestone Canyon, click here. Equestrian activities visiting the East Sinks Viewing Deck are also being added.
The East Sinks Viewing Deck is 8 feet wide and 24 feet long on a low raised platform, and was constructed from plantation cedar and recycled plastic rail caps. (Click here to see photos of the deck being built.) The deck can hold up to 20 visitors at one time and is identical in size and materials to the West Sinks Viewing Deck. Both the East and West Sinks Viewing Decks are approximately 4 miles from the Portola Staging Area and Augustine Staging Area, and are just more than 1 mile apart.
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve includes thick oak woodlands, riparian habitats, coastal sage scrub and rare grasslands, and year-round springs in addition to the iconic geological formation known as The Sinks. The rich diversity and abundance of plants and animals as well as an unusual variety of natural habitats make Limestone Canyon a favorite among hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and naturalists of all types.
OC Parks' Limestone Canyon in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks is part of nearly 40,000 acres of open space on the historic Irvine Ranch designated a Natural Landmark by both the State of California and the U.S. Department of Interior. This honor recognizes the exceptional value of these lands to California and the entire nation. The public is encouraged to get out into the wilderness and explore the beautiful, natural landscape of Limestone Canyon and enjoy views of The Sinks from the brand new East Viewing Deck. To learn more about or register for the programs listed above, click on the titles; for a list of all upcoming activities in the Landmarks, go to LetsGoOutside.org/activities.