Hitting the trails at Limestone Canyon on access day. The Grand Canyon of Orange County

Confession:

When I’m back home it can be hard for me to get motivated to do new things.

I don’t know why this is, I’m so good at adventuring when I’m out of my element. Maybe it’s cause I absolutely love the home I have built for my tiny family, or cause my bed is extra comfy, or maybe it’s the simple fact that I think…”Hey I’ll be here tomorrow why do I need to do this today?!?!”

Well I had one of those days, those lazy don’t you dare make me do anything days… and of course it was the lucky day I had special access to Limestone Canyon “The Grand Canyon of Orange County”! Ugh!

So I did what any girl would do in that situation; I whined and cried about my alarm going off at 6:00 am then I threw a tiny tantrum when I realized I would be running on roughly 5 hours of sleep if I got out of bed. I looked at the my trusty pal who was also whining and crying. I reset the alarm for 9:00 am and said screw this I can go on another access day. Then sat there wide awake for about 15 minutes having a very heated conversation with myself on why I should stay or why I should go. Until I finally convinced myself and my sidekick that it was time to get our butts outta bed.

SUCCESS…Now who’s making us coffee huh?!?

So the hike, I forced myself outta bed to do, was accessable through the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and we visited Limestone Canyon Natural Preserve in Silverado, which is widely known as the mini Grand Canyon.

This area is not open to the public daily, it’s considered a sensitive habitat therfore reservation are required to visit. They have guided hikes you can register for and also access days which you can get information about on their website.

So it was slightly important for me to get outta bed and go because I wasn’t sure when I was going to get access again AND the rain socal has been getting was for sure going to lead to some amazing greenery…(and it totally id). A lot of people said they’d never seen the preserve so green!

Now that’s green my friends!

There are a variety of trails you can explore here on access day but everyone said you gotta explore “the sinks”.

There are two viewing areas for the sinks and if you’d like to go to both it’s a pretty easy 10 hike. I actually ended up trail running most of the way back to get a good work out.
On the way to the sinks you start feeling as if you’ve completely left Southern California. The rolling hills, totally calm atmosphere, strange plants and trees. You’ll definitely enjoy your surroundings amd wonder where the heck you are

The first viewing area we approached was the West Sinks viewing deck. This is the traditional deck that most people visit. The views are unbelievable and the sinks do seem to resemble a mini Grand Canyon!

Then we headed to the newest viewing area at Limestone Canyon and boy was the hike to the East Viewing area just simply breathtaking. This is where you get a slight elevation gain and start having amazing views of the sinks and the lush lush green grass all around you!

Then you’ll arrive at the East Viewing Area to take in the views and smile at the hardwork you put in to get you butt out of bed to see this precious place!

So here’s my note to you. If you are like me and sometimes you just can’t get your cute lil booty out of the house, let this be your motivation…Just go, get outside, take that bike ride,  go on that hike cause I guarantee you’ll feel amazing afterwards.

Disclaimer: I did go straight home afterward hiking Limestone Canyon and took a 3 hour nap. But hey that was my reward for a day will spent!!!

Check out the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks to check out all activities and programs that are offered. You can located other Limestone Canyon access days and guided hikes through the sink. Adventure awaits!