Just south east of the city of Irvine, on the southern end of Orange County, is the scenic Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. Don't let the newly developed shopping centers restaurants fool you, because just beyond the parking lot ($3 Daily Use Fee) of the Borrego Canyon Trailhead, you will find yourself surrounded by nature and wildlife galore. 

Right after a good rain the trails are a bit muddier than most hiking trails in the area as it is a natural runoff from the top of the canyons. Follow the Borrego Trail about a mile and a half or so before the trail splits to the left and right. Take the trail to the right and follow that along another hundred yards before you see the trail marker for Red Rock Canyon. This portion to the heart of the canyon is a little more than a half a mile. The canyon offers some really cool scrambling and exploring opportunities. The higher you are able to hike, the better the view back down the canyon and beyond to the small town of Foothill Ranch.

Note: Horse back riding and mountain biking is also available on part of this trail