Explore Orange County’s Protected Wilderness with OCTA

Free guided hikes offered throughout 2026 beginning in March, with select equestrian riding opportunities also planned

ORANGE - With spring on the horizon and Orange County's wildlife preserves springing to life, the Orange County Transportation Authority is inviting the public to experience the region's natural beauty firsthand through a series of free guided hiking tours throughout 2026 - the first planned for Saturday, March 7 in Trabuco Canyon.

Additionally, select equestrian riding opportunities are planned at designated OCTA preserves.

The guided tours, led by OCTA staff, feature scenic trails and the opportunity to learn about native plants and wildlife.

Guided hikes are scheduled at the following preserves:

• Wren's View Preserve (Trabuco Canyon) - March 7
• Pacific Horizon Preserve (Laguna Beach) - July 25
• Trabuco Rose Preserve (Trabuco Canyon) - Oct. 17

In addition to hiking tours, OCTA will host a limited number of guided equestrian riding tours for participants who bring their own horses. These rides offer a unique way to experience the preserves while maintaining strict limits to protect sensitive habitats.

Equestrian tours are scheduled at:

• Trabuco Rose Preserve - April 11, June 13, Aug. 8, Oct. 10, and Dec. 12

The open space preserves are permanently protected through OCTA's Freeway Environmental Mitigation Program, which uses funds from Measure M, the county's half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, to preserve valuable habitat, support native plants and animals, and offset environmental impacts from freeway projects.

In all, OCTA has purchased seven properties totaling more than 1,300 acres from willing sellers to protect the land in its natural state, preserving it as open space. The preserves are located in Brea, Laguna Beach, Silverado Canyon, and Trabuco Canyon.

In addition, 12 restoration projects have been funded throughout Orange County, allocating approximately $10 million to restore more than 350 acres of open space land.

The tours provide a rare opportunity to explore some of Orange County's protected natural landscapes that offer a glimpse of the county as it was generations ago.

Please note that dates are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on schedules, registration and other details about OCTA's wilderness preserves, visit preservingourlegacy.org.

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