Trail running is a continually changing adventure triggering all your senses. The crisp clean air swirling into your lungs, the mud squishing under your feet , finding the proper foot placement, balancing on top of rocks, the water crossings, the views, the smells, the sounds, and did I mention the challenge to the human body. Whether it is spring, summer, winter, or fall you will find beauty and excitement each time you run trails.
2023 Trail Locations and Descriptions
December 2nd - Into the Wild Fremont Canyon 28.8k - Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve, in all its beauty, is situated in the Santa Ana Mountains of Orange County. Read More
2024 Trail Locations and Descriptions
April 13th - Into the Wild Black Star Canyon 9.2k - Black Star Canyon is part of Southern California's permanently protected wildland located in eastern Orange County. Our figure eight course will fill all your senses in this stunning region. Black Star is known for its soaring sandstone cliffs, Red-tailed Hawks flying overhead, and majestic panoramas of the Santa Ana Mountains
May 1st (New Race #1) – Into the Wild Saddleback Wilderness 5k (limited to 75 participants) – Saddleback Wilderness, nestled in Orange County, proudly debuts as the newest trail system in the area. It is situated at the site of America's first off-road motorsports park, formally recognized as Saddleback Park. The natural habitat has been restored, providing a sanctuary for a diverse range of protected native flora and fauna. Our invigorating evening mid-week 5k's will allow you to explore new land and enjoy sweeping sunset views of Orange County.
May 25th - Into the Wild Limestone Canyon 12k/25k - Limestone Canyon offers runners the experience of seeing "original California" in its fall glory. The course will meander under a canopy of thick oaks, alongside seasonal creeks, a year-round dripping spring and past a striking geological formation known as "the Sinks." This pristine canyon will give runners a sense of calm solitude as they race through serene meadows and rolling hills. Once on the ridge you will be captivated by panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Irvine Lake, and the Cleveland National Forest.
June 5th (New Race #2) – Into the Wild Saddleback Wilderness 5k (limited to 75 participants) – Saddleback Wilderness, nestled in Orange County, proudly debuts as the newest trail system in the area. It is situated at the site of America's first off-road motorsports park, formally recognized as Saddleback Park. The natural habitat has been restored, providing a sanctuary for a diverse range of protected native flora and fauna. Our invigorating evening mid-week 5k's will allow you to explore new land and enjoy sweeping sunset views of Orange County.
December 7th - Into the Wild Fremont Canyon 28.8k - Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve, in all its beauty, is situated in the Santa Ana Mountains of Orange County. Fremont Canyon is often referred to by some as "the Yosemite of Orange County," because of its picturesque granite rock formations, caves, ridgelines, and steep canyon walls. The peak of Fremont, situated at 2,376 ft., one can take in the breathtaking views of the snow-covered San Gabriel Mountains and as far north as Los Angeles and Palos Verdes. The one loop course offering 4035 feet of elevation gain and loss, will take you past many varieties of endangered plants, including coastal sage scrub, chaparral, oak woodlands, and the rare Tecate cypress. This diverse habitat of Fremont teems with wildlife, including cactus wrens, bats, Granite Spiny lizards, San Diego mountain king snakes, Bell's sage sparrows, rock wrens, mountains lions, mule deer and golden eagles.
Into the Wild OC Trail Runs works as a partner with OC Parks and the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. By hosting these events Into the Wild OC Trail Runs will contribute to the Irvine Ranch Conservancy and the parks to directly support the habitat and wildlife. We encourage our runners to contribute time to the land by volunteering for activities with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy which helps give back to these protected lands.
We invite you to join our trail races and discover the unique land in which we live, work, and play!
