Limestone Canyon and The Sinks in Irvine Ranch

Wilderness Access Day is one of the few days of the year when Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve opens its doors to the public. The rest of the year, the preserve is closed for conservation purposes to allow nature recover from us, humans. What a great concept!

The event was well-organized with booths set up to check in to get a badge and park rangers directing the traffic and showing people where to park.

I did not anticipate to see much at the preserve, but was really impressed by biodiversity of the it. From cacti to dozens of species of wildflowers, from Grand Canyon-type of landscape to open fields and beautiful ridges, Limestone Canyon was truly a treat.

While the hike was not that hard, it was relatively long clocking close to 10 miles. Wherever I looked, I saw something beautiful. I wondered what it would feel like camping there. We saw deer tracks, and the sign at the entrance warned about mountain lions, but we were not as lucky to see any animals this time. Well, just a few peculiar insects...

The weather was perfect for this hike, not too sunny, not too shady, just the right amount of breeze and warm air.

The wildflowers were really amazing. I felt so lucky to be able to see them at the preserve today.