
With the rising summer temperatures rolling in, it is extremely important that participants stay hydrated. If you are unsure of how much water you should pack, the general rule of thumb is each person should have 1 liter or 32 ounces of water per hour. Be sure to drink water throughout your outdoor adventure and not just when you’re thirsty. Many staging areas and trails generally do not have water available, so always be prepared with enough water before hitting the trails.
In addition to clothing, closed toe, athletic-type shoes are required for any type of hike. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for more strenuous hikes with steep or rocky trails, while good running shoes should be enough for flat or paved trails.
A light backpack or waistpack can help store clothing, water, identification, and other gear or necessities. Participants are encouraged to bring snacks, such as fruit, granola or a meal bar, especially for hikes that are 3 hours or longer.
Be sure to pack your cell phone, identification, allergy medications, and any asthma- or bee sting-related medications, if needed. Sunblock is an important necessity for the summer season that is needed for any outdoor activity and should be reapplied every two hours. You might also want to consider buying a small, basic first-aid pack to bring along.
You can also prepare yourself before participating in any activity by checking the level of difficulty and packing any necessary gear, clothing and water. Irvine Ranch Conservancy offers a variety of activities throughout the summer open to all. Visitors can review difficulty ratings on LetsGoOutside.org. Pack your water, apply your sunblock, grab your hiking shoes and soak in the bright summer sun on the Landmarks today!
- Spend your morning with a Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road on Tuesday, June 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Choose from a 3, 6 or 8 mile route and take in the sweeping views of Orange County and the Santa Ana mountains.
- Take in the sunshine and spend the day outdoors with family and friends during Wilderness Access Day: Bommer Canyon on June 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Discover new trails, scenic views and enjoy self-guided access in the southern portion of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve.
- Join a road run in the Irvine Ranch Open Space for Hicks Haul Road 5k Run on Saturday, June 22 from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. This Level-4 activity is an excellent opportunity for runners who may be preparing to run half or full marathons as well as all around general training. The route is entirely on a paved road surface, so trail specific running shoes are not required.
For more summer safety tips and to learn more about summertime activities offered on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, visit LetsGoOutside.org/activities. Most activities are free and open to the public with required pre-registration, which closes at 4 p.m. the day prior to each event.