We start our ride through OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space on the paved Hicks Haul Road, the extension of Jeffrey Road north of Portola Parkway. As we warm up on the climb to the top of the road, we enjoy increasingly beautiful views over Irvine. We then follow Loma Ridge to the East, with fantastic vistas of Orange County, the surrounding wildlands and even Catalina Island on clear days. From Loma Ridge, we descend on a single track to Box Springs which provides year-round water for wildlife like deer.

After the springs, we continue to the Sinks, Orange County’s own “Grand Canyon,” where we enjoy our snacks during a short break. On our way back, we ride along Limestone Ridge, a fun single-track that leads us towards the Augustine Staging area, enjoying views of Saddleback and Santiago Canyon. From there we will climb back up to Loma Ridge and then coast back down on the paved Hicks Haul Road to our starting point. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for use in the nature preserve.

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

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Learn more and register here.