Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. During this hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve, you may travel at various hiking speeds based on your comfort level.  This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip up to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.

Join us for a challenging and beautiful adventure as we hike to the Hangman’s Tree Monument on Loma Ridge. Hike distance is 6 miles and affords fantastic views along the way, spanning the Pacific coastline, San Gabriel peaks and the Santa Ana Mountains. Several very steep climbs and descents are part of this route. We’ll accumulate almost 1800 feet of climbing elevation.

Visit Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, and explore OC Parks’ newest trails!

This slow-paced hike offers an approachable experience for all skill levels to embrace their senses and explore the local flora and fauna. The hike will cover 3 to 4.5 miles with elevation gain. Hike through a variety of habitats then up a single-track trail with switchbacks and elevation gain to different overlook points with a spectacular view of Orange County.

Non-native and invasive plant species are invading our native habitat and open spaces. They aggressively compete with our native plants for resources and spreads rapidly once established. Monitoring, management, and removal of these plant species is an important aspect of land management and habitat restoration.

Help us to manage populations of invasive plants and remove them from the habitat. No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to work outside and get dirty! Snake chaps, gloves, and tools will be provided but please feel free to bring your own if you have them. Please wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, close toed shoes, and protective sun protection. Note: This is a wilderness area, there are natural hazards. Snakes, including rattlesnakes, are occasionally seen here.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers with your furry friend(s) (maximum of 2 dogs per person) for a dog walk at Upper Newport Bay. Come enjoy an easy, 3-mile hike over easy but uneven, unpaved terrain with approximately 75 feet of elevation gain. We will stop along the way to learn about the Bay as well as how to keep both your dog and the wildlife safe when out on our trails.

Please wear closed-toe shoes, have sun-protection as needed, and bring water for both you and your four-legged friends.

To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all participants, we have a few important guidelines:
1. Behavioral Expectations – We welcome well socialized dogs that are up to date on their vaccines.
2. Leash Requirement – To ensure the safety of other participants and wildlife, we thank you for keeping your dog leashed at all times within the nature preserve.
3. Owner Responsibility – Owners are fully responsible for their dog’s behavior and asked to keep a close watch on their canine companions.

Adverse weather will cancel the program. The program and parking are free.

Space is limited and advance registration is required.

The Youth Action Team, an after school community-service based program throughout the City of Irvine regularly volunteers their time to steward the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. This week, middle school students will spend their afternoon helping at the Native Seed Farm! Stewardship activities can include planting native species, weeding, harvesting seed, nursery work, watering and more. Please help lead this group and provide a wonderful experience they will never forget!

Join us every Wednesday night in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. During the spring, summer and fall, hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. This hike travels about 3.5 miles, up to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. The hike is conducted at an average of 3-3.5 miles per hour, but you may travel a bit faster or slower, at a walk, run, or jog depending on your comfort level. Most participants finish the route in about 1 hour. Because of the paved surface of the road, you may wear regular running or walking shoes. Trail shoes are fine, but not required. Please bring adequate water.

This week in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, we’ll hike in Baker Canyon. This scenic hike includes steep climbs and descents on both single and double-track trails with about 1100 feet of accumulated climbing. We will enjoy sweeping views of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and the Santa Ana Mountains. On clear days, we can see Catalina Island and even beyond into the Los Angeles Basin. Please wear hiking shoes/boots and bring water, a trail snack, sun screen, hat, and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. Participants must be able to hike 7 miles with an elevation gain of 1100 feet at an average moving rate of 3 miles per hour. Each hiker must carry their own water and supplies.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers to observe the sights, sounds and smells of nature during an intimate nature walk led by a certified nature and forest therapy guide. Through a series of invitations, you will be encouraged to explore in the present moment and deepen your connection with nature.

Experience the benefits of spending time outdoors in a mindful way during a lovely morning at Upper Newport Bay. Please note this is a slow-paced program designed for ages 14 and older.

Please wear comfortable attire. You may also bring a sitting material if you wish (i.e. tarp, seating pad, small chair, etc.). The program and parking are free.

Advance registration required. Adverse weather will cancel the program.

Hiking is a great way to connect to nature and stay healthy and active. If you are new to the outdoors, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Come out to the Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, and start your hiking journey, or continue your existing one, on the right foot. Hiking 101 will help you understand gear, build your knowledge and skills and provide tips to assist you out on the trails. We will lead you through the basics of hiking: defining your hiking goals, packing appropriately, understanding and minimizing risks, and practicing proper trail etiquette. The activity will include a packing demonstration and a hike through our wildlands. No experience is necessary for this activity. 

Join OC Park Naturalists for story time and a short hike with your little ones (ages 3-6) as we explore Willow Staging Area! Our theme of the month is snow! We will explore how animals stay warm in the winter and build our own snowy habitats with fake snow!

Age: 3-6 year-olds. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Willow Staging Area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (West side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).

Parking: $3/car at Willow Staging Area parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 1/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection.

Safety precautions and protocols:

Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

Join us at our beautiful Native Seed Farm for an all-levels Vinyasa yoga class. This one-hour outdoor yoga class will incorporate both static posture holds and a dynamic sequence of asanas, flowing from one pose to the next, while connecting breath with movement. The practice will include options for modifications, proper alignments and breathing techniques. Increase balance, flexibility, strength, and mental clarity while reducing tension and stress.

Please bring water, a yoga mat, a large towel (optional) to place under your mat, wear athletic clothing, and bring appropriate clothing layers for the temperature.

Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. During this hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve, you may travel at various hiking speeds based on your comfort level.  This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip up to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.

Enjoy a five mile out and back moderate fitness hike (averaging about 3 mph) before experiencing yoga outdoors at the Community Center. The hike is highlighted with a short but steep climb which provides great views of the Quail Hill neighborhood and beyond. The yoga is suitable for those with little or no experience, focused on hips, legs and core. Our focus on breath calms the nervous system and has positive effects on mental, emotional and physical health. If you have never done a yoga hike before you will be surprised how connected you feel to nature. Please bring water, your own yoga mat plus a large beach towel, and wear shoes appropriate for hiking on trails.

Enjoy self-guided access in the southern portion of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve. The entire southern Open Space Preserve trail network will be open for self-guided hiking and biking from 8 am to 1 pm. This includes the single tracks in Shady Canyon and Bommer Canyon that are reserved for guided activities only. Registration is required for this event. The Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp will be available for parking, but please take note that your vehicle must be removed from the Cattle Camp area by 1 pm.

Looking for a way to give back to Nature this Spring? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! Every day at the farm is different; depending on the needs of the farm we will be harvesting seeds from beautiful native plants, planting new seeds in the annual plots, working in our native plant demo garden, or tending to younger seedlings in our nursery.

Working with us at the Native Seed Farm is a great way to grow your community and cultivate knowledge about local plant and wildlife! Absolutely no experience or special equipment required! 

Spend your morning watering, mulching and weeding the newly planted Coast Live Oak seedlings within a beautiful oak woodland in Baker Canyon. No experience necessary.

Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, this walk invites you to take a break from the busy world and immerse yourself in the nature around you. Through a series of invitations, you will be encouraged to explore your surroundings using all your senses to deepen your connection with nature.

This is a guided, slow-paced walk with frequent opportunities to meditate and relax, designed for participants ages 16 and older. Participants are encouraged to bring along a yoga mat or other comfortable seating and their favorite tea or water for the closing tea ceremony. Please wear comfortable attire and be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.

The program will begin outside the Santiago Oaks Nature Center. Please arrive on time to experience the full sequence of the program.

Registration is required.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

The program is free, and parking is $3 per vehicle.

For questions, please contact resource specialist, Shelly Marshall at 657-253-3681 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about the Newport Back Bay.

Our Wild Tales program is offered select Fridays from 10:00-11:00am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

Advance registration is recommended. Program and parking are free.

Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.

Nature journaling is a wonderful tool to make observations, create lasting memories, and foster a deeper connection with nature. Each session will cover the basics of nature journaling, including basic art principles and journal anatomy. Monthly prompts will help guide your eyes and ears to the wonders in nature.

Bring a nature journal and your own art materials such as pencils, pens, or watercolors. A portable chair is recommended along with sun protection, water and snacks. Be prepared to move along the trail a short distance and sit to document the beauty around you.

This program is geared for ages 10 and up. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No experience necessary!

We will begin outside of the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. The program and parking are free.

Advance registration required. Rain or adverse weather will cancel the program.