Limestone Canyon-Wilderness Access Day (Moderate-Intermediate-Exploratory)
Details
To hike in this area you must first sign up with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy! https://www.irlandmarks.org/activities/sign-up.aspx?id=6919
NOTES: It's wildflowers time and there are some poison oaks on the trails. Limestone Canyon is connecting with Whiting Ranch, so it has most everything Whiting Ranch has including red rocks, sandstone, poison oaks and wildflowers...it's also a mountain lions country too...we are prepared and be aware being in nature? FYI!
We'll have a big crowd in our group, so carpool is highly recommended. Please see below driving direction for CARPOOL LOCATIONS
CHECKING TIME: 8:45 - 9:00 AM
GROUPS DISCUSSION AND START HIKING TIME: 9:15 AM
DURATION: about 2-3 Hours
DISTANCE: 6-8 miles
ELEVATION: 1000+ft gain
ESSENTIALS: Bring plenty of water, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat...snacks...
ABOUT THE HIKE:
The hikes in the Limestone Canyon Wilderness area are some of the most scenic hikes in Orange County. On dirt fire road and are well maintained by O.C. Parks and the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. There is no cost for parking on these hikes but you must sign up. Once a month a wilderness access day is offered when you are not required to sign up for one of the docent lead hikes to the area. The docent lead hikes are required because of the sensitive habitat in Limestone Canyon. Brian and Ashley described: "The hike goes through some of Orange County's best wilderness areas to one of its most spectacular geological formations, the sinks. The sinks are called the "Miniature Grand Canyon of Orange County" and are a beautiful sight to see. The nick name may be a little bit hyperbole, but this is a hike well worth doing, because the views at the sinks are amazing, especially after rains when everything is green.The sinks viewing platform is in a great location and looks at a dramatic portion of the sinks. The sinks were carved by a landslide that was either caused by a major storm or fault movement..."
More info of Limestone Canyon: http://www.irlandmarks.org/Explore/Limestone-Canyon-Wilderness-Area.aspx
DIRECTION:
Driving Directions to the Augustine Staging Area
From the North: If take the 55 exit E. Chapman Ave, going 4.5 miles it'll turn to Santiago Canyon Rd, see below:
If take the 5 freeway exit Jamboree Road, head north (toward the Tustin Market Place)approximately 5 ½ miles to Santiago Canyon Rd., turn Right on Santiago Canyon Rd., see below:
• Follow Santiago Canyon Rd. approximately 4.5 miles
• Turn Right into the Augustine Staging Area directly after going under a white bridge (it is the only bridge over Santiago Canyon Road)
• Look for right hand turn lane
• NOTE: If the gate is closed, the sign says Hicks Haul Road Gate- you are in the right area.
From South Orange County
• Take El Toro Road East (toward Saddleback Mountain)
• El Toro Road turns into Santiago Canyon Road
• Follow Santiago Canyon Rd. approximately 1.8 miles past Silverado Canyon Rd. to the Augustine Staging Area entrance
• Turn Left into Augustine Staging Area, look for the left hand turn lane (only left turn lane on Santiago Canyon Road)
• NOTE: If the gate is closed, the sign says Hicks Haul Road Gate- you are in the right area.
CARPOOL LOCATIONS:
Please make notes next to your name to carpool at Ralphs or Albertsons or meet at the trailhead.
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From North OC and near the 55 Frwy and E. Chapman Ave, Ralphs Market is a good location, I'll be there at 8:15AM and here is the address RALPHS 2620 E Chapman Ave Orange, CA 92869.
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From Central OC and you come from Orange, Irvine or Tustin area, Albertsons on Chapman and Jamboree is a good location. 8:30AM to be there and address: 8440 EAST CHAPMAN AVENUE Orange, CA 92867.
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From the South, take Santiago Canyon up from El Toro Rd., follow the IRC driving direction!
REMINDER:
By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings
> YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
> YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY
Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks and snake bites. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***
Limestone Canyon-Wilderness Access Day (Moderate-Intermediate-Exploratory)