The trails east of Orange will link residents to spectacular canyons, rolling hills, geological formations and habitats for hundreds of species of plants and wildlife. Trails within the project area provide opportunities for hiking, horseback riding and biking close to home as well as connections to the vast open space on The Irvine Ranch^®, including a network of more than 200 miles of trails.

A total of 22 miles of new trails will be added as part of this project - 10 miles of paved trails and 12 miles of unpaved trails. In addition, a 12-mile stretch of bike lane along Santiago Canyon Road will be upgraded.

Ultimately, existing trails in the area east of Orange will be connected to Silverado Canyon and Limestone Canyon. For residents of Orange Park Acres, the plan extends existing trails to Irvine Regional Park and Irvine Lake. Eventually, some trails will reach down to Irvine.

For a city that needs more places where kids and adults can play, exercise or enjoy a picnic with family and friends, the proposed project east of Orange offers the perfect solution: a spacious sports park providing a multitude of outdoor opportunities for residents of all ages.

The Irvine Company will spend more than $58 million above what the city requires to provide 50 acres of public and private parks in East Orange. The centerpiece of this network of recreational space will be a 20-acre sports park worth more than $50 million built at no cost to current residents and available to all.

Through a joint planning process, the city's Park Planning and Development Commission worked with The Irvine Company and city staff to maximize the use of the land based on recreational priorities determined by the community through a series of public meetings. The planning effort resulted in a community sports park that includes: two softball fields, multi-purpose baseball/softball fields, two multi-purpose soccer/football fields, a skateboard park, two full-court outdoor basketball courts, an approximately 1,000-square-foot activity room, picnic shelters and other recreational amenities.

In addition to the sports park, the project will include another 30 acres of park space; 22 acres will be conveyed to the city to develop public neighborhood parks, including one in the Santiago Hills II area that will have lighted ball fields. $4.2 million will also be provided to help build the new community center and gymnasium at Grijalva Park. The rest of the acres will be developed as private parks and recreational facilities maintained by homeowner associations.

Explore Peters Canyon Regional Park on horseback or on foot. Picnic in Irvine Regional Park. Fish along the shores of Irvine Lake. Or join a guided mountain bike ride in Limestone Canyon. The natural wildlands, trails and parks on The Irvine Ranch offer something for everyone.

Within the East Orange area of The Irvine Ranch, more than 50 miles of guided hiking, biking and equestrian tours in Limestone, Fremont, Blackstar, Baker, Weir and Blind canyons have been opened. With 20 docent-led hikes, mountain bike rides and equestrian rides, there is something for everyone, from family friendly 2.5-mile hikes to 15-mile strenuous bike rides.

If you want to explore some “wild places,” consider these: “The Sinks” in Limestone Canyon, which is considered Orange County’s mini Grand Canyon; Hangman’s Canyon, boasting the folklore of Hangman’s Tree; the majestic Red Rocks of Blackstar Canyon; equestrian rides through Fremont, Weir and Blind canyons; and mountain biking in Limestone and Fremont canyons.

If you would like additional information on hiking, biking and equestrian adventures, please visit www.irvineranchwildlands.org.