Activity Cards

Prepare for an invigorating adventure in the newly opened Gypsum Canyon Wilderness with our Cardio Hike. This 4.5-mile, fast-paced trek is designed to get your heart racing as you conquer 800 feet of elevation gain. Immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness, where you may encounter breathtaking sights and wildlife as you push your limits. This Cardio Hike in Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is tailored for those seeking a heart-pounding, fitness-enhancing adventure in the great outdoors. Whether you’re an experienced hiker looking to challenge yourself or a newcomer eager to explore, this hike promises a dynamic blend of natural beauty, exercise, and possible wildlife encounters. As you ascend and descend the rugged trails, you’ll not only strengthen your body but also nourish your soul with the splendor of nature. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the wilderness and improve your fitness. Join us for an unforgettable journey through Gypsum Canyon Wilderness on our Wilderness Cardio Hike!

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and suitable hiking shoes to navigate the terrain. Each participant is required to carry a minimum of 32 oz (946 ml) of water. Staying hydrated is essential, especially during a cardio hike. Energizing snacks will help keep your energy levels up as you tackle the elevation gain. Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

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

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.

Join us for an unforgettable guided mountain bike adventure through some of Orange County’s most scenic and protected landscapes. This docent-led ride kicks off at the historic Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp, where we’ll climb the West Fork Trail to the top of Bommer Ridge. Take in sweeping panoramic views as you catch your breath—this is just the beginning.

From there, we’ll flow over to Lizard Trail, riding through lush riparian habitat before a short climb brings us to Serrano Ridge. Enjoy a fun descent down Camarillo Trail as we make our way to the Nix Nature Center for a quick water refill and reset.The adventure continues with a mix of rolling climbs and rewarding terrain as we make our way to the Cattle Crest trailhead.

From there, we’ll ride Cattle Crest into Shady Oaks—both offering a fun blend of challenging downhill singletrack and short, punchy climbs to keep things exciting.
After one final push out of the canyon, we’ll reach the gate to Hogback—your gateway to one of the most fun, flowy singletrack descents in Orange County. We’ll finish with the exhilarating Ridge Route, a fast, flowing ride back down to our starting point.

Expect great trails, stunning views, and a supportive group atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or simply enjoy the ride, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. This intermediate-paced ride is designed for experienced riders who are in excellent physical condition and comfortable on challenging singletrack terrain. Expect a rewarding 15-mile route with approximately 3,000 feet of elevation gain, featuring a mix of sustained climbs, exhilarating descents, and a few technical sections where riders may choose to walk their bikes.

If you have at least a year of mountain biking experience and are ready for a fun, challenging ride in a truly beautiful setting, we invite you to join us. Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-5 activity on the land

This activity originates in the City of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve and travels into OC Parks’ Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. You can view the approximate route and find more details here. Please note that some trails are only accessible on designated Wilderness Access Days or on scheduled activities such as this. Also, routes are subject to change.

Join us in the back-country wilderness for a journey filled with beautiful sights that are photographic and artistic sketching opportunities. Our journey begins in the afternoon. We will be deep in a secluded canyon, where time is measured in centuries, even millennia, in the sandstone cliffs of this ancient place called Limestone Canyon. You will board a 4-wheel drive vehicle for a 13-mile tour of the canyon and hills surrounding it. We will stop frequently for 15-30 minutes to admire the views, take photos, sketch landscapes, and answer questions.