"The Sinks as a mini-Grand Canyon": Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park

Today, we will take you to one of the parks in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, the land that stretches in a giant green crescent from Weir Canyon near the 91 Freeway, connect with the Cleveland National Forest, to the hillsides of Irvine and extend all the way to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Crystal Cove State Park near Laguna Beach.

Limestone

Canyon Wilderness Park, another hidden gem of Orange County wilderness, situated in Silverado, in the Eastern side of Central Orange County

As described on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks'website : "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 a true favorite among hikers, mountain bikers and naturalists of all types" https://www.irlandmarks.org/Explore/Limestone-Canyon-Wilderness-Area.aspx

"The activities at the Irvine Natural Landmarks are offered by a variety of organizations and their dedicated volunteers. These activities are guided or supervised programs. Some locations are open daily for self-guided access as well. All programs are FREE unless noted below. Pre-registration is required. Walk-up registrations are not allowed."

There are almost daily scheduled hikes with docent leads at Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park, but once a month there is an Open Access Day that will allow trail lovers to enjoy self-guided access in magnificent Limestone Canyon. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking, and equestrian use from 9am to 3pm

For more info and join a group to hike the next open access day March 3rd, 2012 http://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/events/53525802/

Also check out last year event with lots of wildflowers when we visited in May: http://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/events/17281373/