
The clocks turn back on Sunday, November 5, but there's still plenty of time to explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks! The Landmarks are home to many self-guided trails and activities across the open spaces, and with the end of daylight savings time comes earlier mornings that give trail enthusiasts more time to start their day in the great outdoors. Rise and shine on the Landmarks this fall and throughout the year by registering for a morning program.
“The Landmarks are home to many morning fitness, recreational, and interpretive programs that allow the community to start their day with fresh air, sweeping views, and exercise” commented Dave Raetz, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Deputy Director. “Whether visitors are looking to kick off their day with an invigorating 8-mile hike through Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve or ease into the day with a morning of Tai Chi in Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, there’s a wide variety of programs to suit all ages and interests on the Landmarks.”
Hikers looking for a weekday challenge can explore the open spaces during the Mid Week Hike: Orchard Hills. This 10-mile hike from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. involves multiple steep climbs and descents and is led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers at a moderate pace of 3 mph in the City of Irvine’s Orchard Hills. The community can also explore OC Parks’ Bommer Canyon during the Thursday Morning Trek: Bommer Canyon from 8 – 11:30 a.m. This 7-mile hike travels through the old Irvine cattle ranch where corrals and ranch equipment still stand. Visitors can enjoy views of Irvine and potentially the ocean during this Thursday morning hike.
On Saturday, November 4 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. hikers, bikers, and equestrians of all ages can enjoy self-guided access through Black Star Canyon during Wilderness Access Day: Black Star Canyon. Whether visitors are looking to enjoy an early morning stroll through introductory trails or challenge themselves with more demanding trails, Black Star Canyon is the perfect open space to get outside and explore Orange County’s natural wonders. Located between Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve and the Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve, Black Star Canyon is known for its historical stories, red rock cliffs, and vistas of Irvine Lake and the Pacific Coast.
To make the most of daylight savings time as we “fall back” and gain an hour, take a look at the programs below and explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks this fall and throughout the year!
- Wilderness Access Day: Black Star Canyon on Saturday, November 4 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. encourages visitors to grab their hiking shoes, mountain bike, or even horse for self-guided access through OC Parks’ Black Star Canyon.
- Tai Chi in the Canyon on Monday, November 6 from 9 – 11 a.m. will lead participants through various levels and sets of Tai Chi, the slow and low-impact exercise known for its meditative qualities in Baker Canyon in OC Parks’ Black Star Canyon.
- Tuesday Morning Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road on Tuesday, November 7 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. will allow visitors to choose their own adventure and hike a 3, 6, or 8-mile route through OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.
- Mid Week Hike: Orchard Hills on Wednesday, November 8 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. encourages hikers to recharge their batteries during a morning 10-mile hike through the City of Irvine’s Orchard Hills.
- Thursday Morning Trek: Bommer Canyon on Thursday, November 9 from 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. will allow visitors to hike through the City of Irvine’s Bommer Canyon and gain extensive views of both Irvine and the ocean.
Most activities are free with required pre-registration, which closes at 4 p.m. the day prior to each event. Minors ages 18 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. For more details on programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks visit LetsGoOutside.org.