Enjoy a full moon hike in Black Star Canyon on Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. We will travel at an easy pace, allowing time to enjoy our surrounding sights and sounds. This program is for participants who would enjoy a slower paced hike, are in good health and can walk on uneven surfaces in a wilderness environment. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, and bring water and a red tinted flashlight for the hike. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells along with the full moon.

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

Hiking combined with outdoor yoga adds a unique dimension to your fitness experience and yoga practice. YIKING allows the spirit to link with the natural environment. The rigorous cardio hike meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve followed by a  steep ascent and descent to and from West Loma Ridge through Changala’s Pass. The hike distance will be about 4 miles, making your muscles more pliable, enhancing the yoga stretches. YIKING invokes a sense of harmony and flow, as you breathe deeply, refreshing your mind, body and spirit— all in a location with sweeping views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.

All participants must bring a yoga mat and carry it along on the hike to the hillside yoga site. Please wear clothes comfortable to stretch in. Hiking poles and sun protection are encouraged.

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

Summer is a wonderful time to learn about our local nature.  Join a park naturalist on a family hike at Crystal Cove State Park to learn about the plants and animals living in the park on Sunday, December 27 at 9 a.m. Meet at the Berns Amphitheater (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park, follow signs towards the campground.)

$15 day-use fee. See additional Family Hike programs in November here.

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.

Free activities in the Muth Interpretive Center’s Discovery Classroom. The activities are self guided and may include hands on exhibits, outside hikes, crafts and more.

Learn about some of the fun and interesting animals that live at Crystal Cove State Park on Sunday, December 27, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Historic District Education Commons where Park Naturalist Alex will host a Beachside Chat.  Park in the Los Trancos lot (PCH inland at stoplight Los Trancos then walk through the tunnel or take the shuttle.) Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15).

Enjoy a low tide at Crystal Cove State Park on a guided tidepool walk to Pelican Point on Sunday, December 27 at 2:30 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

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.

Take a break and get some fresh air! Join us on a mid-week hike through scenic Quail Hill. This program is for those who just want to get out and hike away the stresses of the week. Enjoy the views and a little quiet time in Irvine’s beautiful Southern Preserve. Several single-track trails, steep climbs and descents are part of the experience. There is over 2700 ft. of climbing elevation accumulated along the route, but it is done with a moderate pace, approximately 3 mph. Distance is 10-12 miles. Bring plenty of water (48 oz. minimum) and wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.

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

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.

Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation in partnership with OC parks. Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 6.5-mile hike (700-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain. Ages 15 and up. Not for beginners. Hiking poles suggested. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd. east to end; meet at the gate.) Online reservations required: http://www.eventbrite.com/o/laguna-canyon-foundation-1000954979. For questions call: 949-497-8324.