Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

Dramatic rock formations, like the must-see Red Rock Canyon, are just one type of landscape these 2,500 acres feature. You’ll also encounter grassy hills, woodland canyons, and coastal sage scrub.

Park Information

26701 Portola Parkway, Foothill Ranch, CA

This park is open daily between 7:00 a.m. and sunset. Parking is $3.

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Park Map
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949-923-2245

2,500

acres of the Reserve's protected land

streams meander through Whiting Ranch

trails for hikers, bikers, and equestrians

More about Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

Stumble upon Red Rock Canyon, tucked away in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, and you just might think you’ve hiked to Arizona, but the smooth, red surfaces of this impressive formation are all Orange County. This dramatic destination is just one of the draws of this 2,500-acre park in the central area of the NROC.

In addition to three streams that meander intermittently through the land, you’ll experience oak woodland canyons, rolling grassland hills, and the all-important coastal sage scrub habitat of Whiting Ranch’s steep slopes. With 17 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails available—including both graded roads and single-track—this is a popular spot for everyone looking to soak up some nature. The park is teeming with wildlife, including mule deer, which have been known to draw a mountain lion or two, so keep an eye out for signs and stay aware of your surroundings. You’ll be rewarded with some incredible sightings.

Choose your own adventure: Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park's got the nature. How do you want to enjoy it?

Get wild! But do it respectfully.

: Expect the unexpected on your adventure. Tell a friend or family member where you are going and what time you plan to return, keep an eye on local weather reports, bring plenty of water, and carry emergency essentials with you. Some areas of the NROC do not have cell service, so you may not be able to rely on your smartphone for routing or communication. It’s smart to have a warm layer, rain jacket, and headlamp in your pack, along with means to stay hydrated and fueled beyond what you expect you’ll need, especially in the more remote areas of the Reserve.
: Each park within the NROC has its own activities, hours, and guidelines, all rooted in respect for the land. Before you visit, check out their site so there are no surprises.
: Nurturing the beauty of this nature is a communal effort—love your wild by taking nothing from the Reserve and leave no trace behind.
: You are bound to see some exciting wildlife on the Reserve, and we do mean wild. Respecting the animals’ space will ensure your safety and theirs.
: Though encountering them is rare, some larger or venomous animals could be threatening—the best thing to do is stay calm and be prepared. If you encounter a mountain lion, maintain eye contact, speak firmly, make yourself look larger, and slowly back away—do not crouch or run. If you see a snake on the trail, stop and give it space—most bites happen when people try to move or handle snakes. Walk around from a safe distance.

Ticks are also a natural part of Orange County’s wildlands, especially in grassy or brushy areas. Stay on designated trails, wear long sleeves and pants, and do a tick check after your hike. A little awareness goes a long way!
: We’ve got hundreds of miles of established trails—staying on them ensures your safety and minimizes disruption of the incredible habitats you’re exploring.
: E-bikes are great for urban settings. And hugely destructive for natural spaces. To ensure our habitats’ survival, e-bikes are not permitted on the Reserve.
: We love dogs, but even leashed pets disrupt natural habitats. Help us keep the Reserve’s ecosystems in balance by either leaving your dog(s) at home or making sure you bring them to a dog-friendly area of the Reserve. Find out more about the parks that welcome pets here.
: Take a few deep breaths instead! This safeguards the health of other visitors, prevents waste and wildfires, and protects our plant and animal life from pollution.