Enjoy an opportunity for self-guided exploration of Saddleback Wilderness, which offers scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea. Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Saddleback Wilderness offers 3.3 miles of designated trails for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use.

Saddleback Wilderness is located at 3066 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA. Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for your experience in the wilderness area.

Registration for this event is not required.

Activity registration is available on the website for those needing a map/driving directions to Saddleback Wilderness. The staging area will be available for parking on a first come, first served basis for arrival anytime between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm, but please take note that your vehicle must be removed from the area by 1:00 pm. You will not be required to sign-in upon arrival.

Do not stop or park anywhere along Santiago Canyon Road. The entrance gate will not open until 8:00 am.  Anyone stopped or parked along Santiago Canyon Road prior to the opening will be subject to citation. Thank you for your cooperation with regard to the safety of everyone on the road. Please plan your drive accordingly.

Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email info@irconservancy.org to coordinate parking.

Enjoying the Day

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following protective measures during the activity in order to participate:

• Participants are required to stay on designated trails at all times.  Reminder: The Saddleback Wilderness trail system has rare and sensitive habitat. Your responsible behavior helps ensure continued access. This area is characterized by certain inherent dangers including mountain lions, rattlesnakes, poisonous insects, poison oak, ticks, extremes in weather, loose rocks, and steep/rugged terrain. Your safety cannot be guaranteed.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including plenty of water, proper attire to protect you from the sun and inclement weather, closed-toe footwear, first aid, medications, hand sanitizer, etc. Please see Trail Tips on the Lets Go Outside website for more tips.
• Multi-use trail etiquette: Please remember that bikers yield to hikers when sharing the trails. Click here for more trail tips.

Other Important Notes:

• OC Parks Rangers require all trails to be cleared for closure by 1:00 pm
• No new trail users will be permitted onto the trails beginning one hour prior to closing.
• Dogs are prohibited on the Irvine Ranch Open Space. By nature, dogs are predators; their presence and their lingering scent disturb the indigenous wildlife and disrupt vital routines long after a dog has left the area.
• Minors, ages 17 and under, must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Adult mountain bikers are requested to wear helmets. Minors are required to wear helmets per state law.
• Inclement weather or fire danger will cause the program to be cancelled.
• To minimize the human impact on wildlife and their habitat, there may be unannounced trail closures or the rotation of areas being open and closed. This is an adaptive management approach to accommodate both the human users and the wildlife needs.

Learn more and register here.