O: Red Rock Canyon of Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

Join us on a 4.0 mi, approximately 2.5 hour hike up the Borrego Canyon Trail and Red Rock Canyon Trail to see the remarkable Red Rock Canyon of Orange County. California Professional Geologist Jay Schneider will lead us on a hike with multiple stops to learn about the geology of Orange County over the past 65 million years. See remarkable outcrops of massive sandstones, conglomerates, and enjoy a hike up a dry braided stream to the canyon wall. Total elevation gain is 500 feet. Bring 2 liters water, snacks, hat, sunscreen, and hiking shoes. Bring trekking poles if you have them or can borrow them. Park at trailhead, 26701 Portola Parkway, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610 ($3 cash or credit card). Trailhead parking lot is small; if no more parking is available, you can either 1) travel northwest one block on Portola Parkway, turn right on Alton Parkway, and make first right on to Odessa and park in residential neighborhood, or 2) park across Portola Parkway in the mall lot. Do not park in the Ralph’s parking lot on the east side of Portola Parkway – they ticket and tow. Therefore, carpooling is recommended.
This is not a beginner’s hike. Some hiking experience is strongly recommended.
Five (5) Environmental Awareness credits can be earned through this hike.
Heavy rain in the previous 3 days usually causes closures in the OC Parks. Please check back the evening before or early in the morning the day of the hike for any cancellation in case it has rained in central Orange County between January 11 and 15. We look forward to seeing you hike with us!
No dogs.
No drones.
No children under 6.
Level: Easy
Cancellation Policy: Steady rain cancels
Sign up here:
https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001qFvPJIA0&mapLinkHref=https://maps.google.com/maps&daddr=O:%20Red%20Rock%20Canyon%20of%20Whiting%20Ranch%20Wilderness%[email protected],-117.66475