John McKinney

Orange County, A Day Hiker’s Guide explores the surprising array of outdoor wonders of an area better known for its theme parks than its nature parks.

Explore the wild side of Orange County in this enticing collection of parks and preserves in the second-most populous county in California—which is also the second-most biologically diverse, with its amazing variety of flowering plants and birdlife.

Book Details: ISBN: 0-9786575-1-9 240 pp. 6 X 9 2009 $16.95 $14.50

For more than a century, Irvine Ranch cowboys were the only ones to roam scenic Limestone Canyon, one of the wildest lands remaining in Orange County. Now, hikers can experience what is now known as Limestone Canyon Reserve by taking a guided hike.

Limestone Canyon, located in southeastern Orange County, borders Cleveland National Forest and Whiting Wilderness Park. The 5,000-acre reserve encompasses coastal sage scrub, chaparral and grassland communities, as well as oak and sycamore woodlands and even fern-surrounded dripping springs.

Limestone Canyon’s name came from the cement-making operation of early Santiago Canyon settler Samuel Shrewsbury. Limestone rock was melted, hammered into a powder, then mixed with sand and used as mortar.

OC's green spaces and tranquil places are closer than you think!

"A valuable accessory for the local hiker-whether a veteran or a newcomer."
--OC Weekly

Enjoy a full range of outstanding hikes on classic trails and brand-new pathways. All you need to know about hiking in OC's regional parks, wilderness parks, national forest and state parklands.