California

Exploring the OC Grand Canyon

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” -John Muir

I had the opportunity to attend a press tour on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. The Landmarks are made up of more than 50,000 acres of open space preserves that span from the mountains to the sea, and some of the views are just gorgeous. Irvine Ranch Conservancy manages the Landmarks in partnership with OC Parks, the City of Newport Beach, and the City of Irvine encourages the community to register for programs and enjoy a variety of fitness, recreational, and interpretive activities.

Exploring the OC Grand Canyon

All activities are FREE with required pre-registration, which is open until 4pm the day prior to the event. Some programs are family friendly, which I have a few listed below, others are suitable for children 12 years of age or older. For more info visit LetsGoOutside.org/activities.

Check out my review of the Orange County mini-Grand Canyon with @IRLandmarks #ocmountainstosea #ocmom Click To Tweet

My morning was filled with adventure right from the start. We started our tour on an open-air truck that took us along the Loma Ridge into Limestone Canyon. I can only imagine what some of these hill sides would look like in the spring time!!

Exploring the OC Grand Canyon

Exploring the OC Grand Canyon

Exploring the OC Grand Canyon

Then we hopped off and took a short half-mile walk down to Box Springs trail ending at a shady oasis.

Exploring the OC Grand Canyon

Exploring the OC Grand Canyon

Exploring the OC Grand Canyon

After that we loaded back up and headed to the Sinks, or otherwise known the Orange County “mini-Grand Canyon.” The views were gorgeous and I definitely want to go back at sunset with the family.

Exploring the OC Grand Canyon

Exploring the OC Grand Canyon

Exploring the OC Grand Canyon

I learned that they offer fitness programs including hikes, mountain biking, yoga, Tai Chi and more. I have never done yoga outside, but I will be checking out all their upcoming “open-air” activities.

Exploring the OC Grand Canyon

Below you can find a list of upcoming events, and for more information on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and programs offered in partnership with OC Parks, the City of Irvine, and the City of Newport Beach, visit www.LetsGoOutside.org. The first few listed are family friendly hikes and we are going to be checking them out soon!

Exploring the OC Grand Canyon

 

*Some photos are curtesy of The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks*

This article has 4 comments

  1. Sarah

    I had no idea this heavenly place existed! I can’t wait to hike it!! Makes me love OC even more ?

  2. Justine Y @ Little Dove

    It looks absolutely incredible! What a neat event to be able to attend!

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