Activities and Programs

The activities below are offered by a variety of organizations and their dedicated volunteers. All programs are FREE unless noted below. Programs led by IRC-Certified Volunteers require pre-registration, which closes at 4 p.m. on the day prior to the event.  No walk-up registrations will be permitted for these events. For policies of other organizations, please use the sign-up information provided. For mobility device policies click here.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all participants, volunteers, and employees. Certain offensive behaviors, including problematic language or attacks based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or veteran status will not be tolerated. Participating in certain offensive behaviors may lead to dismissal from activities.

 

    Note: Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for these events. For programs requiring online registration, each adult and child must be registered.

Need help? For the fastest answers, look for organization-specific contact information in each event listing (click More Information for full listing). If no contact information is listed, email info@irconservancy.org for assistance.

Click here to learn more about IRC-Certified Volunteers.    •   Click here to learn more about the Difficulty Ratings.

Search & Filter Activities

Found 8 Events

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Photo Journey Limestone Canyon: The Sinks, Loma Ridge Backcountry and Sunset

Interpretive
Photo Journey Limestone Canyon: The Sinks, Loma Ridge Backcountry and Sunset

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. Stops will include short walks with views of The Sinks, a trip up Cactus and Markel Spur, with optional, single track, one-mile hike into Box Springs or a 1.5 mile Markel Spur to East Sinks loop hike. Both the Box Springs and Markel Spur hikes provide the visitor a true back-country experience. An alternative, but similar, hiking trail may be used.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Photo Journey Limestone Canyon: The Sinks, Loma Ridge Backcountry and Sunset
Date:
Sat, 03/30/2024
Time:
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
16 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Mid-Week Distance Hike: Agua Chinon, Sinks and Springs

Hiking & Fitness
Mid-Week Distance Hike: Agua Chinon, Sinks and Springs

Recharge your batteries with a refreshing mid-week hike through the Agua Chinon Wash in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. This hike will visit The Sinks and other possible destinations such as Box Springs, Dripping Springs, Loma Ridge, Limestone Canyon, Limestone Ridge or the “water tank” beyond the East Sinks viewing area.

This hike involves multiple steep climbs and descents, with 2100+ feet of accumulated climbing elevation, but is done at a moderate pace of approximately 3 mph. Please bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes. Hike distance is 12-14 miles. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.

Mid-Week Distance Hike: Agua Chinon, Sinks and Springs
Date:
Wed, 04/03/2024
Time:
6:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
14 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
12 of 20
More Information  

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Enjoy Nature’s Story, Vistas, and Special Places – Intro Hike in Limestone Canyon to East Sinks

Hiking & Fitness
Enjoy Nature's Story, Vistas, and Special Places - Intro Hike in Limestone Canyon to East Sinks

Join us on a slow-paced hike along the back-country ridges and valleys of Limestone Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We’ll travel on rough old ranch roads to the East Sinks View Deck passing by woodlands of majestic oak trees and expanses of Coastal Sage Scrub and enjoy wonderful vistas. Total round trip distance is 9 miles with an elevation gain of 900 feet at an average moving rate of 2.0-2.5 miles per hour. Some of the hills are strenuous and we will take breaks as needed. Participants should be in good hiking condition and have previously completed a similar distance hike. Please come prepared with a backpack, plenty of water (at least 1.5 liter), snacks, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid kit, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Each hiker must carry their own water and supplies. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to the event.

Enjoy Nature's Story, Vistas, and Special Places - Intro Hike in Limestone Canyon to East Sinks
Date:
Tue, 04/16/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
9 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/01/2024
More Information  

Saturday, May 11, 2024

Agua Chinon and the Sinks Exploration Day

Special Events
Agua Chinon and the Sinks Exploration Day

Please note: Preregistration is required due to limited parking capacity.

Start your weekend off by exploring the Agua Chinon wash and the Sinks through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided trail use in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Trail routes vary in distance and level of difficulty with choices ranging from easy one-hour walks to a strenuous 9.5-mile trek. Whether traveling by feet or on two wheels, this exploration day is a treasure waiting to be discovered by hikers and mountain bikers alike. Visitors to the Open Space during this activity are able to hike or bike to the West and East Sinks viewing areas.

Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for this challenging hiking and biking opportunity.

Agua Chinon and the Sinks Exploration Day
Date:
Sat, 05/11/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
Variable
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/26/2024
More Information  

Sunday, May 12, 2024

Slow-paced Mountain Bike Ride – Limestone Canyon/East Sinks

Mountain Biking
Slow-paced Mountain Bike Ride - Limestone Canyon/East Sinks

Enjoy the relaxation of riding in the wilderness on empty trails. Join us on this docent-led mountain bike ride through Limestone Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will visit the East Viewing Platform for a panoramic view of the geological feature call The Sinks. The route to The Sinks will include a fun downhill ride on the Dripping Springs single track. The return route will take us on the Limestone Ridge single track with views of Limestone Canyon, Santiago Canyon and the Santa Ana Mountains.

 Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for use in the Nature Preserve.

Slow-paced Mountain Bike Ride - Limestone Canyon/East Sinks
Date:
Sun, 05/12/2024
Time:
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
11 miles
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/27/2024
More Information  

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Mid-Week Distance Hike: Agua Chinon, Sinks and Springs

Hiking & Fitness
Mid-Week Distance Hike: Agua Chinon, Sinks and Springs

Recharge your batteries with a refreshing mid-week hike through the Agua Chinon Wash in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. This hike will visit The Sinks and other possible destinations such as Box Springs, Dripping Springs, Loma Ridge, Limestone Canyon, Limestone Ridge or the “water tank” beyond the East Sinks viewing area.

Mid-Week Distance Hike: Agua Chinon, Sinks and Springs
Date:
Wed, 05/29/2024
Time:
6:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
14 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/14/2024
More Information  

Sunday, June 2, 2024

Photo Journey Limestone Canyon: The Sinks, Loma Ridge Backcountry and Sunset

Interpretive
Photo Journey Limestone Canyon: The Sinks, Loma Ridge Backcountry and Sunset

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.

Photo Journey Limestone Canyon: The Sinks, Loma Ridge Backcountry and Sunset
Date:
Sun, 06/02/2024
Time:
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
16 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/18/2024
More Information  

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Mid-Week Distance Hike: Agua Chinon, Sinks and Springs

Hiking & Fitness
Mid-Week Distance Hike: Agua Chinon, Sinks and Springs

Recharge your batteries with a refreshing mid-week hike through the Agua Chinon Wash in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. This hike will visit The Sinks and other possible destinations such as Box Springs, Dripping Springs, Loma Ridge, Limestone Canyon, Limestone Ridge or the “water tank” beyond the East Sinks viewing area.

This hike involves multiple steep climbs and descents, with 2100+ feet of accumulated climbing elevation, but is done at a moderate pace of approximately 3 mph. Please bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes. Hike distance is 12-14 miles. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.

Mid-Week Distance Hike: Agua Chinon, Sinks and Springs
Date:
Wed, 06/26/2024
Time:
6:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
14 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/11/2024
More Information