Hours: Access to areas in the Irvine Ranch Open Space is available through scheduled programs. For a full list, please visit www.irlandmarks.org/activities.
On June 29, 2010 the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to accept a donation of 20,000 acres from the Irvine Company to the County for preservation and guided recreation.
These special, protected wildlands, known as the Irvine Ranch Open Space, are operated by OC Parks, with public programs and activities available through the Irvine Ranch Conservancy.
Based on the geological and ecological significance, nearly 40,000 acres of open space on the historic Irvine Ranch, including the 20,000 of the Irvine Ranch Open Space, have been designated a Natural Landmark by both the State of California and the U.S. Department of the Interior. This honor recognizes the exceptional value of these lands to California and the entire nation.
They are available for passive recreation through various scheduled programs. These activities include hiking, mountain biking, equestrian rides, naturalist-guided tours and managed wilderness access days. Other uses are prohibited by the terms of the deed restrictions, conservation easements, County wilderness park designations, and the Orange County Central Coastal Natural Community Conservation Plan permit.
We invite you to visit irlandmarks.org and select from the many free activities offered. In addition to passive recreational programs, there are opportunities to participate in scientific research, stewardship and other volunteer activities.
OC Parks, in partnership with Irvine Ranch Conservancy and Into the Wild OC Trail Runs, presents seven unique race events throughout 2013 at various Orange County Parks venues.
