Where is Limestone Canyon Regional Park located?

Limestone Canyon Regional Park is located in Orange County, California, in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains.

How do I access Limestone Canyon Regional Park?

Access to the park requires registration for an open event through LetsGoOutside.org. There are options for both open and docent-led hikes.

What are the highlights of hiking to The Sinks?

The Sinks, often referred to as 'the little Grand Canyon of Orange County', is a geological feature formed by erosion, offering panoramic views from designated viewing areas.

What should I bring for a hike in Limestone Canyon?

It is recommended to bring ample water, suitable hiking shoes, and appropriate gear for weather conditions. The website provides specific recommendations based on selected activities.

Limestone Canyon Regional Park The Sinks Featured

Hikes In and Around Orange County

Limestone Canyon Regional Park - The Sinks

9 miles - Moderate Effort
3-4 Hours (Total)
Not Often Hiked
850 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 1,475 feet
No Dogs Allowed

Limestone Canyon Regional Park is an incredibly beautiful area to hike, but it's also home to a famous area called "The Sinks," also known as "the little Grand Canyon of Orange County." Limestone Canyon is not always open to the public, but this easy trail guide will show you how to visit and see The Sinks for yourself.

In this Guide:

How to Access Limestone Canyon Regional Park
Video and Directions to The Sinks
Insider Tips and Recommendations

Quick Links:
Book Access - Park Website - NOAA Weather Report - My May 2024 Gear

Where is Limestone Canyon Regional Park?

Limestone Canyon Place Map — Limestone Canyon Regional Park is located in Orange County, CA, in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains.

Before visiting Limestone Canyon Regional Park, you must register for an open event.

Visit LetsGoOutside.org
Go to "Activities" and filter by "Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve"
Find a match for the day that you want to visit. There are two types of hikes.
- Open hikes allow you to pick any open trails you'd like and hike freely.
- Docent-led hikes are traditional group hikes led by an expert. These hikes are great because you'll usually get a guided tour along the way.
Note that the hikes have difficulty ratings; you should find one that matches your level.
Hikes can have different starting areas as well. The website has a downloadable map of the current trails and starting areas.

Limestone Canyon Regional Park Ranger Display — You'll be able to see lots more on a docent-led group hike. They point out animals, plant species, fossils, bones, and anything else interesting. They'll also be there to answer any questions.

Gear Recommendations

When you pick your activity from the website, it will list how much water to bring, what type of shoes to wear, etc. You'll generally want hiking gear or fitness clothing and plenty of water. Summers and falls can be hot, while winter and spring can be lush and cool.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can also send non-emergency texts to just say that you're late, let friends and family follow along, and check the weather. You can see my review here.

Topo MTN Racer 3The wide toe box means no blisters, an aggressive tread is great on the trail, and it has lots of cushion for long days. It combines everything I love about every other shoe into one. The downside is the insole, replace it with a Superfeet Hike Support insole.

Garmin Epix ProThese watches are pricey, but I use them 24/7 for sleep tracking, workouts, heart rate, and tracking my hike. It has preloaded hiking maps that help me navigate the trails and is a backup to my smartphone navigation. The Epix Pro has a great battery life, a screen similar to an Apple Watch Ultra, and works in harsh conditions when just using the buttons. See my review here.

Osprey Hikelite 26This updated version of the Hikelite 26 offers incredible value for the money. It's got a wide trampoline back, so your back doesn't get sweaty. It's under 2lbs, has deep side pockets, and is a great balance of what you need without what you don't.

Check out the complete list here. ( Updated May 2024)

The Sinks Trail Map

Limestone Canyon Trail Sign — Limestone Canyon is well-marked, with trail signs at all the trail junctions.

If you go on a general open day, I recommend hiking to The Sinks, aka the Mini-Grand Canyon, the main attraction. This guide has directions for that hike. There are many more trails and you could include others to choose your own adventure as well.

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

Limestone Canyon Trail Closed — Under certain circumstances, some trails can closed. Please print the map at home or save it to your phone before leaving. Cell reception in the park is spotty.

The Sinks Hike Directions

Limestone Canyon Historic — This area was used for cattle grazing from the 1800s until 2010 when it was turned into a park. This photo, with Saddleback Mountain in the background, is from 1892.

The Sinks Hike Directions 4 — At about 2.2 miles, make the left onto the Raptor Trail and do a short climb.

Limestone Canyon Rehab — From the climb, there are nice views into Limestone Canyon. The area is actively being restored to its native habitat after being grazed by cattle for over 100 years.

The Sinks Hike Directions 5 — When you reach the junction with Limestone Ridge Trail, make the right.

The Sinks Hike Directions 6 — The Limestone Ridge Trail offers epic views into Limestone Canyon and into the Santa Ana Mountains.

The Sinks Hike Directions 7 — Avoid any side trails and stay straight on Limestone Ridge.

The Sinks Hike Directions 8 — At around 4 miles you'll get views into The Sinks on your right.

The Sinks Hike Directions 9 — And at about 4.4 miles, look for the trail on the right up to the East Sinks Viewing Area.

The Sinks Hike Directions 1 — Once on the platform, you'll have panoramic views of The Sinks.

Need More Info?

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.