Activity Cards

Enjoy an afternoon family hike in Agua Chinon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We hike a gradual climb of 500 ft elevation as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer.  This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. The hike will average 3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would enjoy a slower-paced gradual climb hike. Hikers should be in good health able to do a beginning hike over a variety of terrains. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells of early evening.

Registration for this event is not required, although it is available on the website for those needing a map/driving directions to the Library of the Canyons. Registration does not guarantee entry to the event, but you will be emailed a map and driving directions, as well as a trail map. The staging area will be available for parking on a first come, first served basis for arrival anytime between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm, but please take note that your vehicle must be removed from the area by 1:00 pm. You will not be required to sign-in upon arrival.

Enjoy an opportunity for self-guided exploration of the Mesa Loop, which offers a panoramic view of Black Star Canyon, Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, and Cleveland National Forest. This trail is approximately 2.5 miles with a 300-foot elevation gain. You will travel through an oak woodland grove, smell the sweet sage fragrances of the coastal sagebrush, and enjoy panoramic vistas of Irvine Lake, Silverado Canyon, and the beauty of the Santa Ana Mountains as you reach the top of the Mesa. Your exploration begins at OC Parks’ Canyons Staging Area located at Library of the Canyons on Santiago Canyon Road. The trail is in a wilderness setting and includes uneven, steep, rugged, rocky, natural surfaces. Participants should prepare themselves for this environment by reviewing all the information below.

Enjoying the Day

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following protective measures during the activity in order to participate:

• Participants are required to stay on designated trails at all times.  Reminder: The Mesa trail system has rare and sensitive habitat. Your responsible behavior helps ensure continued access. This area is characterized by certain inherent dangers including mountain lions, rattlesnakes, poisonous insects, poison oak, ticks, extremes in weather, loose rocks, and steep/rugged terrain. Your safety cannot be guaranteed.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including plenty of water, proper attire to protect you from the sun and inclement weather, closed-toe footwear, first aid, medications, hand sanitizer, etc. Please see Trail Tips on the Lets Go Outside website for more tips. The map can be found here.

Other Important Notes:

• Dogs are prohibited. A dog’s presence and lingering scent disturbs wildlife and disrupts vital routines long after a dog has left the area.
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.

Learn more about the Canyons Staging Area

Looking for a way to give back to Nature this Spring? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! Every day at the farm is different; depending on the needs of the farm we will be harvesting seeds, weeding, trimming, or planting seed of our beautiful native plants.

Working with us at the Native Seed Farm is a great way to grow your community and cultivate knowledge about local native plants, ecology, and wildlife! Absolutely no experience or special equipment required!