Red Rock Canyon in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park (5/23)

If the attendance list is full, please join the wait-list. I'm almost always able to accommodate everyone as the weekend approaches.

Overview: Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park encompasses approximately 2,500 acres in Orange County. This small slice of the foothills of the Santa Ana mountains features several ecosystems: riparian and oak woodlands, grasslands, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral.

The hike will be highlighted by Red Rock Canyon, which we reach just as the sunlight is low and optimal to really make the colors and details pop. While not as dramatic as the more famous Red Rocks outside of Las Vegas, the OC's version makes up for it in its intimacy.

I'm classifying this hike as advanced beginner. Total distance is about five miles, with about 500 feet of elevation gain. All that said, we'll be taking a leisurely pace with frequent stops, so as long as you have an ok fitness level, you'll be good to go.

Here are a few of the topics we'll be learning about:

- Natural history of the Whiting Ranch area

- Oakwoodlands, riparian woodlands, coastal sage, and chaparral ecosystems

- Wildflower and other plant identification

- Geology of Red Rock Canyon

- Watersheds of the Santa Ana Foothills

- Poison Oak identification in all of its forms

I've capped attendance for this event, so, if full, please join the waitlist and I'll try to accommodate as the event gets closer.

Location: Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park in Foothill Ranch CA

Starting point: Borrego Entrance at Whiting Ranch. Look for the Socal Science Hikes banner, and the guy with long hair, beard, and cowboy hat. I'll either be set up in the parking lot or near the giant sculpture at the trailhead. Parking fee is $3 at the kiosk or have an OC Parks Pass. There are also many large lots at the adjacent shopping centers.

Distance: Approximately 5 miles

Duration: About 4 hours

Elevation gain: ~700 ft

Terrain: Dirt trails, rocky washes

Difficulty: Advance beginner due to elevation gain

Age: 13 and older. Contact me to discuss exceptions.

Pets: No pets allowed

Recommended gear:

- Footwear suitable for dirt paths and rocky washes

- Clothing suitable for the weather

- Water

- Snacks (if desired)

- Binoculars, monocular, or spotting scope

- Journal or notebook if you're into that sort of thing

- Sun protection

- Headlamp or flashlight

Cost: This event is free, but if you enjoy your time and learn something, tips/donations are graciously accepted in person or at buymeacoffee.com/codycolborn

No Show Policy: In order to host as many people as possible, we keep track of no shows. After two no shows, you will be placed on the waitlist when signing up for a new event, and moved to the "going" list if space is available the night before the event.

Questions: If you have any questions, please message me through Meetup or text 424-244-0334.

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