Planning Your Outdoor Adventure in Irvine With the “Know Before You Go” Open Space Safety Campaign

Living in a community surrounded by abundant natural space means endless opportunities for hiking, biking and outdoor recreation. However, before you head out to explore, it’s essential to plan ahead and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for yourself and others. Whether you’re exploring solo or with friends, for a quick walk or a full-day adventure, it is important to be mindful of what you need to know before you go.

To help spread awareness, Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) assisted its partner, the City of Irvine, in launching the “Know Before You Go” Open Space Safety Campaign, a helpful guide to making the most of your time outdoors responsibly.

• Know the Weather: Check the current and forecasted weather for the day to ensure there are no unexpected changes. Also, check ahead for trail closures at letsgooutside.org or by calling the trail status line before heading out.
• Know What to Bring: Dress appropriately for the trail with sturdy shoes, pack extra layers in case of weather changes, bring essentials like food, water and sunscreen, and always pack a cellphone and carry a basic first aid kit for minor injuries.
• Know the Trail Markers: Trail markers help you navigate and identify your route. Most trails have a QR code or website on the trailhead marker; however, it is always a good idea to plan and familiarize yourself with your route before exploring.
• Know How to Get Help: Trail markers can also pinpoint your location in emergencies and have vital emergency information, so be sure to note the trail name, mile markers and how to access help before you begin.
• Know How to Be Safe: Be prepared to encounter potentially hazardous wildlife and plants, as the City of Irvine’s open spaces are protected wildlife sanctuaries. Animals like mule deer, bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, endangered birds and even rattlesnakes may be present, so learn how to identify and avoid rattlesnakes and poison oak. 
• Know Trail Etiquette: Respect the trails by following posted rules, avoiding loud music, packing out all belongings and leaving no trace of your visit.

The “Know Before You Go” program is a comprehensive trail safety and public awareness initiative developed by the City of Irvine Open Space Program. Key components of the “Know Before You Go” program include a comprehensive cataloging of all trail assets and improvements to physical infrastructure like trail signage equipped with QR code technology, providing instant access to safety information. Additionally, the City of Irvine has created a “Know Before You Go” interactive dashboard that serves as a one-stop shop, featuring a list of open space trails, mile markers and trailheads, as well as real-time weather forecasts and trail conditions. Included is also a video covering essential trail safety topics from pre-trip planning and equipment selection to emergency response protocols and environmental awareness. 

The program also enhances emergency response capabilities through the integration of innovative technology. The program features strategically placed half-mile interval markers with unique georeferenced coordinates integrated into both the Irvine Police Department and the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, enabling first responders to locate individuals in distress with unprecedented accuracy and reduce emergency response times. 

Your best resource in the open space is preparation. Do your research ahead of time to ensure a successful outdoor adventure. For more information or resources, visit cityofirvine.org/open-space-trails.