During wet weather, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy team and its partners work diligently to monitor storm damage and trail conditions so we can quickly address any issues and reopen the trails once they are safe for use. During closures, it is important that everyone does their part to minimize damage. Soil in our region tends to have a high clay content, which is great for capturing and retaining moisture during rare Southern Californian rainstorms. However, this also creates really slippery conditions for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. It also means that once the soil dries out, any ruts or footprints will harden, creating potentially hazardous conditions. In other words, using wet and muddy trails can not only cause long-lasting damage to the trails, but it can also be dangerous for visitors.

Make sure to check if a trail is open before heading out and try to avoid muddy areas once they have been reopened. All of this rain is sure to create some spectacular sights, but a little patience now will go a long way in sustaining the trails so everyone can enjoy them.
For any activity and trail updates due to weather, visit LetsGoOutside.org. To learn more about the significance of maintaining our trails visit IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.