Whiting Ranch features riparian, oak woodland, grassland, chaparral, and coastal sage scrub environments throughout various canyons and hillscapes.

[1] The park is home to over 17 miles of trail spread out over 23 different paths, making the location a popular destination for mountain bikers, hikers, and horseback riders.

The lower portion of Borrego Canyon is tightly situated between two Foothill Ranch housing tracts and is covered with a swath of oak trees.

[7] Red Rock Canyon is an area at the north end of the park that has become a popular location for visitors.

At 1,500 feet, visitors seek out the spot for panoramic views of the landscape as well as the suburban cityscape of Orange County.

Whiting Ranch is also home to several small bird species, including the cactus wren and the endangered California gnatcatcher.

[19] On January 9, 2004, a 35-year-old cyclist named Mark Reynolds was attacked and killed by a mountain lion at Whiting Ranch.

Investigators later announced that they believed Reynolds was attacked and killed while crouching down to fix his bike after its chain broke.

The attack was only the 22nd in California since 1890 and only the sixth time a person had been killed by a mountain lion in the state's recorded history.