Register for a free docent-led hike or equestrian ride.
Events are hosted by Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and made possible by OC Go (also known as Measure M) and are free of charge. Space is limited and registration is required. All equestrian riders and Wren’s View and Pacific Horizon Preserve hikers must be age 12 or over, and equestrian riders must bring their own horse. Stallions are not permitted. Trabuco Rose hikers may be age 8 or over, and hikers on the Annual Family Hike may be any age. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All adults must sign a liability waiver.
CALENDAR VIEW
UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
Frequently asked questions about docent-led hikes and equestrian rides.
Where do I park?
Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email with specific directions to the reserved offsite parking areas. Please note that parking is limited so carpooling is strongly encouraged.
are the EVENTS free?
Yes, there is no charge for the hikes and equestrian rides.
DOES OCTA PROVIDE HORSES FOR THE EQUESTRIAN RIDES?
OCTA does not provide horses. Attendees who wish to bring their own horse via trailer must notify OCTA during registration in order to be properly accommodated.
Are there bathrooms?
Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email which will include a brief description of the amenities/facilities available at each OCTA Wilderness Preserve. There are no bathrooms on any of the Preserves, but there are bathrooms close to the parking areas.
How should I prepare for the hike?
Hikers are encouraged to wear hats, light-colored pants and hiking/tennis shoes. It is important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun and heat with proper clothing and sunblock.
IS THERE WATER AVAILABLE?
Bottled water and light refreshments will be available from OCTA staff for all Wilderness Preserve hikes.
WHAT KIND OF WILDLIFE IS ON THESE PRESERVES?
Various wildlife is on the OCTA Wilderness Preserves and can be unpredictable, so always stay on the trail and be aware of your surroundings. On the Trabuco Rose and Wren's View Preserves, wildlife includes rattlesnakes, bobcats, coyotes, deer, and mountain lions. On the Pacific Horizon Preserve, wildlife includes bobcats and rattlesnakes.
CAN I BRING A DOG?
Pets are not permitted on any of the OCTA Wilderness Preserves hikes or equestrian rides.
CAN I BRING A BIKE, STROLLER, WAGON, ETC.?
Bikes, strollers or wagons are not allowed on any of the OCTA Wilderness Preserves hikes or equestrian rides.
ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED?
All equestrian riders and Wren’s View and Pacific Horizon Preserve hikers must be age 12 or over. Trabuco Rose hikers may be age 8 or over, and hikers on the Annual Family Hike may be any age. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Are there shaded or sitting areas to rest?
The tour guides will evaluate the group and set the pace. Please note that at any point you may ask to rest or leave the hike or equestrian ride. There are no sitting areas on the OCTA Wilderness Preserves. There is some shade on the Trabuco Rose Preserve, but no shade on the Pacific Horizon and Wren's View Preserves.
IS SMOKING PERMITTED?
No smoking will be permitted on any of the OCTA Wilderness Preserves.
HOW LONG IS THE HIKE OR EQUESTRIAN RIDE?
Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email which will include a brief description of the route/distance of each OCTA Wilderness Preserve. The hikes at the Trabuco Rose and Wren's View Preserves are considered moderate and last approximately one hour, and the hike on the Pacific Horizon Preserve is considered moderate to strenuous and lasts about two hours.
Are the hikes and equestrian rides guided?
OCTA staff participates in all Wilderness Preserve hikes and are available for a guided tour. The equestrian rides are docent-led.
Do I have to complete a liability waiver?
Yes, all attendees must fill out and sign a liability waiver in order to participate in any OCTA Wilderness Preserve hikes or equestrian rides.
Could a hike or equestrian ride be canceled?
Yes, dates and times are subject to change at OCTA’s discretion due to high wind advisories, rain, or muddy conditions.
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OCTA INSTAGRAM
About Us
The OC Go, also known as Measure M, Freeway Environmental Mitigation Program allocates funds to acquire land and fund habitat restoration projects in exchange for streamlined environmental approvals for all OC Go freeway improvement projects. Acquired properties were purchased and permanently preserved as open space. Funded restoration projects restore preserved open space lands to their native habitat and include the removal of invasive plant species.
To date, OCTA has acquired more than 1300 acres in Brea, Laguna Beach, Silverado Canyon, and Trabuco Canyon. A total of 12 restoration projects, resulting in 350 acres of restored open space, was funded throughout Orange County.
Contact Us
For more information, please feel free to contact us.
Marissa Espino,
Community Relations Officer
Email: mespino@octa.net
Phone: 714.560.5607
Website: Environmental Mitigation on OCTA.net
