Hike Saddleback and Red Rock Wilderness areas

Hiking brings me such happiness. Alone, I love to savor the sounds of nature: the vibrato of startled quails’ wings as the birds seek refuge off the trails; the songs of wrentits, finches and warblers; even the rhythmic crunch of my boots pacing out the miles. With a companion, the experience is enhanced as we share and savor unexpected sights, sounds and scents on the trails.

Perhaps best of all, as a volunteer trail guide, I enjoy helping groups of hikers learn about the many facets of our wilderness parks and open spaces. There’s enormous reward in seeing faces light up as participants gain new insights into the flora and fauna of our unique habitat.

One of my favorite places to lead hikes is within Saddleback Wilderness or Red Rock Wilderness areas, which were donated by Irvine Company as part of master planning for the Orange Heights community. Saddleback offers a mellow 3-mile hike with plenty of stops to talk about our surroundings. Red Rock Wilderness offers 8-miles of trails that lead to a scenic overlook. 

These vast open space preserves are a great way for local residents to get outside and enjoy nature. They can be accessed on Wilderness Access Days, which allow for self-guided exploration at your own pace, or docent-led guided programs which take place in small groups with interpretation along the way. Parking is free and dogs are not permitted.

Visit LetsGoOutside.org and search Saddleback Wilderness or Red Rock Wilderness to register for upcoming events.

Lynette Brasfield is an avid hiker, an Irvine Ranch Conservancy and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer trail guide and freelance writer and editor.