Activity Cards

Join us in the backcountry wilderness packed with great sightseeing, photographic and artist sketching opportunities. Our journey begins in the afternoon, deep in a secluded canyon, where time is measured in centuries, even millennia. Little has changed in the 4 million years since a stream began carving an eternal path through the sandstone cliffs of this ancient place called Limestone Canyon.
You will board 4-wheel drive vehicles for a 13-mile tour of the canyon and hills surrounding it.
We will stop frequently for 15-30 minutes or so to admire the views, take photos, sketch landscapes and answer questions. Stops will include short walks that include views of the Sinks, a trip up Cactus Spur and an optional, single track, ½ mile hike into Box Canyon. Box Canyon provides the visitor a true backcountry experience.

From the Augustine Staging Area, we proceeded up Hicks Haul Road, an old ranch road that was paved to provide access to Irvine Lake and the mines in Black Star Canyon.
At the UCI research center, we head off-road up a narrow, windy, and sometimes bumpy, single-track road up to Loma Ridge and beyond.

Join us in the back country wilderness packed with great sightseeing, photographic and artist sketching opportunities. Our journey begins in the afternoon, deep in a secluded canyon, where time is measured in centuries, even millenniums. Little has changed in the 4 million years since a stream began carving an eternal path through the sandstone cliffs of this ancient place called Limestone Canyon.
You will board 4-wheel drive vehicles for a 13-mile tour of the canyon and hills surrounding it.
We will stop frequently for 15-30 minutes or so to admire the views, take photos, sketch landscapes and answer questions. Stops will include short walks that include views of the Sinks, a trip up Cactus Spur and an optional, single track, ½ mile hike into Box Canyon. Box Canyon provides the visitor a true back country experience.

From the Augustine Staging Area, we proceeded up Hicks Haul Road, an old ranch road that was paved to provide access to Irvine Lake and the mines in Black Star Canyon.
At the UCI research center, we head off-road up a narrow, windy, and sometimes bumpy, single-track road up to Loma Ridge and beyond.

This week in the Irvine Open Space, we’ll be in Bommer Canyon, once part of the historic Irvine cattle ranch where corrals and ranch equipment still stand. The hike will be a seven mile loop with some climbing, but rewards you with fantastic views overlooking the ocean and many Irvine locales. Please bring water, a trail snack, sunscreen, hat and any other neccessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail.   Get your boots out and register to hike the loop through the Laguna Coast Wilderness and back to Cattle Camp.