CANCELLED -- OC Hike - Limestone Canyon

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Irvine Ranch Conservancy has CANCELLED hike due to Trail Conditions:

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Our hike will go through some of Orange County's best wilderness areas to one of its most amazing geological formations. This spectacular and lush canyon includes thick oak woodlands, streamside habitats, year-round springs and an iconic geological formation called "the Sinks,” often compared to a mini-Grand Canyon. A rich diversity of plants and animals as well as an unusual variety of natural habitats make Limestone Canyon a true favorite among hikers, mountain bikers and naturalists of all types.

All participants MUST pre-register online click here. (http://letsgooutside.org/activities/2014/12/06/wilderness-access-day-limestone-canyon-9/) (Note: you must create an account on the web site before registering for an event. Some of you are already have an account from previous hikes)

You will be placed on a list for check-in at the Augustine Staging Area.

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You cannot access the trail system without registering.

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We were last there almost 3 years ago and to this day it was our biggest turnout in group history! See photos: https://www.meetup.com/localhikers/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=5257992

The complete hike will be about about 12.5 miles with 1500' total ascent. For moderate hikers there is an 8 mile option with about 700' gain. There will be maps available at check-in site and guides scattered about the open space.

Post-Hike lunch will be at Cook's Corner (http://www.cookscorners.com)

19152 Santiago Canyon Road,
Trabuco Canyon,
CA 92679
949-858-0266

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Directions to Augustine Staging Area:

From the North:

If taking the 55 exit E. Chapman Ave, going 4.5 miles it'll turn to Santiago Canyon Rd, see below:

If taking 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.

From the 241 Toll Road Traveling South....

•Exit Santiago Canyon Road
•Turn Left onto Santiago Canyon Road
• Follow Santiago Canyon Road approximately 3.25 miles
• Turn Right into the Augustine Staging Area directly after going under a white bridge (it is the only bridge over Santiago Canyon Road)

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Coordinates: 33.757842717277654,-117.69953162440873

If your map program tells you to take Jeffrey north to Santiago, get a new map and take Jamboree to Santiago

NOTE: If the gate is closed, the sign says “Hicks Haul Road Gate.” The gate will be opened at the start time of the event.

When you view Goole Map for directions check or uncheck options for Toll Road as you see fit.