Watch to learn more about the kind of public
access that is allowed on our Preserves
Learn about OCTA's seven permanently protected Wilderness Preserves. And make plans to visit the three that offer docent led hikes and equestrian rides.
Eagle Ridge Preserve
The Eagle Ridge Preserve is a 301-acre parcel located southeast of Carbon Canyon Road (State Route 142) in the City of Brea, just northwest of Chino Hills State Park. It’s located within the Chino Hills core habitat area, which forms the northeastern border of the County. The preservation of this property assists with the wildlife connectivity to the Puente Hills and Santa Ana Mountains.
OCTA’s acquisition of this property provides additional open space to the 14,173-acre Chino Hills State Park. The Preserve supports a variety of habitats, including chaparral, grassland, coastal sage scrub, and California walnut woodland.
Pacific Horizon Preserve
The Pacific Horizon Preserve is a 151-acre parcel located in the Southeast portion of the City of Laguna Beach. It is adjacent to Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, as well as Moulton Meadows Park. The Preserve serves as the final open space connection between the south end of the Laguna Greenbelt, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, and the sea.
OCTA’s acquisition of the Pacific Horizon Preserve will allow for the area to be preserved as open space, ensuring the preservation of wildlife mobility as well as various sensitive species in the area. The Preserve features a variety of habitats, including chaparral, grassland, and coastal sage scrub.
Silverado Chaparral Preserve
The 204-acre Silverado Chaparral Preserve is located in the northern foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains within Silverado Canyon. The Preserve is surrounded by open space with some adjacent low density residential development to the south, the Cleveland National Forest to the east, and county-owned land to the west.
OCTA’s acquisition of this property allowed this core segment of the Silverado Canyon area to be preserved as open space. Several important wildlife movement corridors on Silverado Chaparral Preserve are used by mule deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, gray foxes and more.
Bobcat Ridge Preserve
The Bobcat Ridge Preserve is a 48-acre parcel located northwest of the City of Rancho Santa Margarita in Trabuco Canyon.
The Preserve contains oak woodlands within an identified wildlife corridor connected to the Cleveland National Forest and is used by mule deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes and gray foxes, among many more. In addition, the Preserve is within the designated critical habitat for the coastal California gnatcatcher, a federally threatened species and state species of special concern.
Live Oak Creek Preserve
The Live Oak Creek Preserve is an 84-acre parcel located on the south side of Live Oak Canyon Road in the eastern portion of unincorporated Orange County, north of Rancho Santa Margarita.
The acquisition of Live Oak Creek Preserve was the EMP’s first step in joining together adjacent open space areas in the foothills, while at the same time limiting urban encroachment. Lying between the Santa Ana Mountains and Live Oak Canyon/O’Neill Canyon, the preserve protects wildlife movement between these two areas.
Trabuco Rose Preserve
The Trabuco Rose Preserve is a 396-acre parcel located northwest of the City of Rancho Santa Margarita in Trabuco Canyon. It’s bordered by the Cleveland National Forest to the north and Trabuco Creek to the south, while Hickey Creek drains the western side. The Preserve features rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 1,120 to 1,650 feet above mean sea level.
The acquisition of this preserve contributes to the EMP’s goal of joining together adjacent open space areas in the foothills, while at the same time limiting urban encroachment.
Wren's View Preserve
The Wren's View Preserve is a 116-acre parcel located northwest of the City of Rancho Santa Margarita in Trabuco Canyon, and immediately north of O’Neill Regional Park and Trabuco Creek.
The acquisition of this preserve contributes to the EMP’s goal of joining together adjacent open space areas in the foothills, while at the same time limiting urban encroachment. Major mammals expected to use these corridors include mule deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes and gray foxes.