2025-Sept: Red Rock Canyon-Scenic Shading Trail/Whiting Ranch Hike/Levels 1+/2

Special Hike to THE MOST SCENIC TRAIL IN OC THAT IS MOSTLY SHADED AND HEADING TO THE BEAUTIFUL RED ROCK CANYON! There will be an option for a group that like to go longer and faster for more workout earlier on another post!

=====Meeting at the parking lot near ARCO gas station/Ralph’s. Parking here is with a fee $3.
You can park at the lot across street by McDonald’s and walk over====

MEETING TIME: 3 PM (finish the hike in 2 hours)

GENERAL RATING/DIFFICULTY: Levels 1+ to 2 slow moderate to moderate paces for distance, elevation, and pace. Click to see RATING TABLE for more info about hiking levels https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating

DISTANCE/ELEVATION/DURATION: Estimated 4+ miles, few hundreds ft gain in 2 hours.

Please note: Hikers will join the organizer for a workout; there is no leader or sweeper on this hike

ESSENTIALS: Wear traction hiking shoes, bring water, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat

ABOUT WHITING RANCH:

Limestone Canyon & Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park encompasses approximately 4,300 acres of riparian and oak woodland canyons, rolling grassland hills and steep slopes of coastal sage scrub and chaparral. The park is highlighted by scenic rock formations, including the beautiful Red Rock Canyon. There are three intermittent streams: Borrego, Serrano and Aliso Creek meandering through the park, each hosting an abundance of wildlife. Remnants of the former cattle ranching days can be seen throughout the park.
Though 90% of the park burned in the Santiago Fire of 2007, the land is in the recovery process. Please respect that process by staying on marked trails and following park rules

More info:
Orange County Parks (http://www.ocparks.com/whitingranch/)
Whiting Ranch Wilderness (http://www.whitingranch.com/)

DIRECTION: from Frwy 405 or 5 going South, exit Bake Pkwy, turn left on Bake Parkway and going for about 5 miles. Turn left at Portola and turn left at the light to MacDonald parking. If you going North on 5, I think you should get off on Lake Forest and head toward Foothill Ranch, direction is similar to above. The trailhead is across the street from MacDonald

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
***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, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions or wildlife. 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***
>>>YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
>>>YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY