Enjoy nature with friends and family in Round Canyon. We hike along a fairly flat trail as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. The hike averages 2-3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would like a slower-paced and level hike.

Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, and bring water for the hike. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells of the early evening.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.

Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in partnership with OC Parks. Relax in nature with park staff and volunteers. Enjoy a short walking meditation, breathing and energization exercises, and sitting meditation. Bring a blanket and a pillow. No experience necessary. Ages 16 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.html. For questions call: 949-497-8324. Parking: $3.

Crystal Cove State Park docents will lead a guided interpretive 2-hour, 4-mile full moon hike on Saturday, December 19, at 6:30 p.m.  Terrain will be uneven and steep with a 700 foot elevation gain/loss in some areas on this moderate night hike.  Meet at the Berns Amphitheatre (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park follow the signs to the Campground.) Wear sturdy shoes, bring water & a flashlight, and dress in layers.

Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation in partnership with OC Parks. Learn, practice or just enjoy spotting summer and year-round resident birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this 1.5-mile hike over primarily flat, but uneven terrain through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States. No experience necessary! For ages 12 and up (minors must be accompanied by an adult). Wear hiking or walking shoes and bring your binoculars (Limited binoculars available on loan). Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area. Online reservations required: http://www.eventbrite.com/o/laguna-canyon-foundation-1000954979. For questions call: 949-497-8324. Parking: $3

If you are new to mountain biking and interested in getting started the right way, or if you just want to hone your existing bike skills, this is the clinic for you.  IRC’s Mountain Bike Skills Clinic covers the basics of equipment, bike setup, braking, gearing, bike handling, trail-side bike maintenance and trail etiquette. Riding techniques will be taught and practiced at the Mountain Bike Skills Development area. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

Remove Russian Thistle and planting native plants.Wear a hat and bring sunscreen along with water to drink. Wear closed toe shoes and bring gloves as well.Bring snacks if you get hungry.

Are you ready to try a new exercise that is fun and energetic while enjoying the great outdoors? Come dance to the fantastic aerobic workout, ZUMBA!! Join us as we take on a variety of Latin flavor moves through dancing the Salsa, Maringa, Flamenco and more! Different dance routines feature interval moves from fast to slow rhythms, adding in resistance training to tone and sculpt your body while burning calories. You don’t need to be a professional dancer, just have the drive to try! It’s high energy, it’s zesty…it’s ZUMBA! Please wear comfortable workout clothes, closed toed shoes, bring plenty of water, and be ready to move!

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

Come visit the Office of Natural Resources at the City of Newport Beach at the Back Bay Science Center every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM to experience the beauty of Upper Newport Bay while touring a research and education facility! Explore tidepool touch tanks, observe coastal bay and estuary birds, or examine some biofacts in the Teaching Lab. Open to all ages.  For any questions, please contact: marineeducation@newportbeachca.gov.

Join us every Monday night for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. During the summer, 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 about 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!

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation in partnership with OC Parks. Now is a great time to start a new fitness routine beginning with an easy 2.5-mile hike over moderate but uneven terrain to Barbara’s Lake and back (45-ft. elevation gain). Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer and registered dietitian to learn about fitness and nutrition during this 1.5-hour hike. Wear walking or hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, and bring water. Ages 12 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (405 South to 133 south to stoplight at 73 turn-off; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.) Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.html. For questions call: 949-497-8324. Parking: $3.

Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like planting native plants and sowing native seeds can greatly improve habitat for wildlife. You can be part of that positive impact! All training, tools, and gloves will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort.

Note that this activity is held on the 4th Tuesday of each month, and minors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult registered for the program. Participants ages 16 and 17 may participate on their own, with a signed parental waiver (instructions provided after registration).

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

Ready for a workout? Forget the gym for the day and head outside! Join us for an exhilarating morning fitness walk on the paved Hicks Haul Road. This hike allows you to choose between a 3, 6, or 8 mile route, all of which are conducted at the speed of about 3.0 to 3.5 miles per hour.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3/4 activity on the land.

The road is paved and the terrain is smooth, so this is a great walk for anyone who wants a “wilderness experience” without getting dirty!  We will have two fairly steep hill ascents and descents. Along the way, you will have sweeping views of much of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains. Various animals, like hawks, deer, and lizards are also frequently seen in this area.

Walkers should be confident in their ability to hike 3, 6, or 8 miles at a steady pace. Ages 16 and up. Low interpretation.

Recharge your batteries with a refreshing mid-week hike through Bommer Canyon. This area was historically a center for cattle operations that occurred in the San Joaquin Hills up until the late 1990s, and is now part of the Open Space Preserve.

This hike involves multiple steep climbs and descents across a variety of trail types, including some narrow singletracks, with 2200+ feet of accumulated climbing elevation, but is done at a moderate pace, approximately 3 mph. Please bring plenty of water, and wear sturdy shoes. Hiking distance is 10-12 miles.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.

Enjoy a free sea glass jewelry making activity on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Education Commons in the Historic District at Crystal Cove State Park (Park in the Los Trancos lot – PCH inland at stoplight Los Trancos then walk across the street or take the shuttle.)  Learn how to turn sea glass into a one of a kind creation.  Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15)

No pre-registration is required.

Join us every Wednesday night for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. During the summer, 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 about 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!

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens in the open space when the sun goes down, then sign up for the popular full moon hike. Experience the serenity of a moonlit night in Bommer Canyon. This hike is just over 3 miles and includes 700 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in partnership with OC Parks.
Explore the beauty and diversity of Willow Canyon, Bommer Ridge, and Emerald Canyon in the backcountry of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. This will be a strenuous, 7.2-mile hike (650-ft. elevation gain) over rocky, steep, and uneven terrain. We will hike through sycamore and oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub, and along ridges with beautiful vistas. Participants should be fit and able to hike long distances. For your safety and comfort bring 2-3 liters of water, a hat, a hearty snack and proper hiking shoes. Ages 15 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road). Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.html. For questions call: 949-497-8325.). Parking: $3.

Calling all litterbug busters! Join the Office of Natural Resources at the City of Newport Beach the last Saturday of every month from 9:00AMto 12:00PM as we clean beaches and waterways of debris and litter to keep our ocean healthy. In an effort to reduce the amount of single-use plastic that will be used at each cleanup, we encourage you to bring reusable buckets and gloves, though we will provide bags and gloves if needed. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear close-toed shoes, and be sure to bring sunscreen and a reusable water bottle! Open to all ages, but participants under 18 years must have a parent/guardian present and sign their waiver.  Look for our blue EZ-Up tent and see you there!  For any questions, please contact: marineeducation@newportbeachca.gov.

Led by OC Parks staff with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Enjoy a leisurely 2.0-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain with Resource Specialist Laura Cohen to celebrate the winter solstice – and holiday season – in nature. See what’s happening with the plants and animals at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park during the holidays. Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required. Sign-up online: http://www.eventbrite.com/o/laguna-canyon-foundation-1000954979. For questions call: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3.

Enjoy a low tide at Crystal Cove State Park on a guided tidepool walk to Pelican Point on Saturday, December 26 at 2 p.m.  A volunteer will help identify animals and describe some awesome adaptations.  Meet at Pelican Point parking lot #2, at the top of the boardwalk near the parking lot (PCH coastward at Newport Coast, right at kiosk to first lot.)  $15 day-use fee