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 digital photographs, documenting the landscape throughout the Irvine Ranch Open Space. The photos will provide a “before” photo that may be used to compare with future conditions, such as pre and post fire and changes in vegetation structure.

Want to have fun while giving back to Nature? Like to play in the dirt?

Sign up to help behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind native seed farm in Irvine! You will be working to helping us expand the Farm’s impact by planting new plants into our growing fields, and weeding to protect them while they grow. Tools, knee pads and training will be provided. No experience needed!

Join us for this relaxing combination of hiking and yoga in Bommer Canyon. Participants will hike around a 1-mile loop, strolling through the local meadow and finding unity within nature. Then we will return to our yoga mats where we will be led in 45 to 60 minutes of guided yoga, as the canyon slowly warms up for the day.

Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a durable yoga mat to rest on the dirt. An extra cloth or padding is highly recommended, in addition to two towels for yoga positioning assistance. Some mornings are chilly, so dress in layers that are flexible to move in; jeans are not recommended. Remember to wear sun protection for the hike such as a hat and sunscreen.

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

Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in partnership with OC parks. Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 5.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (571-ft. elevation gain). Ages 15 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at the 73 toll road; and 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 weeding and planting native plants can greatly improve habitat for wildlife. You can be part of that positive impact while enjoying the beauty of Newport Bay and Big Canyon. All training, tools, and gloves will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort. Note that this activity is held on the 2nd Thursday of each month.

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

Please join IRC staff as we convert Dripping Springs ranch road into a single track trail! Activities may include planting native plants along the trail side, weeding out non-native invasive species and watering newly planted plants.  Your effort will help to create a beautiful clear path for people as well as important habitat for wildlife. Spend the day working through grassland, coastal sage scrub, and woodland habitats and then hike to Dripping Springs, a natural water source dripping out of an earthquake fault and then down a gorgeous fern-covered rock face. This unique feature supports many rare plants and animals in the area. No previous experience is needed; however we will be hiking approximately 2.5 miles with heavy tools. Thank you for your continued support of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks!

Please review the Difficulty Ratings before registering. Understanding the 1-through-5 ratings system 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 strenuous, fast-paced, 5.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (571-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Ages 15 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (I-5/405 to 133 south, past El Toro Road intersection, location is on right-hand side of road). Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.html. For questions call: 949-497-8324. Parking: $3.

Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a durable yoga mat to rest on the dirt. An extra cloth or padding is highly recommended. Some mornings are chilly, so dress in layers that are flexible to move in; jeans are not recommended. Remember to wear sun protection for the hike such as a hat and sunscreen.

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

Join us for a fast-paced, early morning hike in Limestone Canyon. This 8- mile cardio hike, completed in 2 hours, includes a 1100-foot elevation change, and is for experienced, physically fit hikers who enjoy the challenge of multiple steep climbs and descents. Along the way we’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Orange County, possible wildlife sightings, and the beautiful Limestone canyon and ridge.

You must be an experienced cardio hiker in excellent physical condition to participate in this program. There are no scheduled rest stops on this eight (8) mile cardio hike, and the average four (4) mile per hour pace is extremely difficult over steep terrain in the wilderness setting.

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

Are the regular cardio hikes a little too fast for you? If so, join us in beautiful Weir Canyon for this slower intro-to- cardio hike that incorporates a little more interpretation.  Along the trail, you’ll pass through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands. Multiple steep climbs and descents are included throughout this 6 mile hike. Enjoy views of Saddleback Peak and the Cleveland National Forest along the way.

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

California native grasslands are a disappearing habitat that is home to many unique and endangered plants and animals. Please join Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and volunteers for an opportunity to participate in a hands-on habitat restoration activity.  Come join the team and help native plants and wildlife so they may thrive in West Loma.

No experience is necessary other than a desire to explore and care for our open space. Participants will engage in plant identification, removal of invasive weeds, and planting native plants.  Sturdy footwear is recommended for walking on uneven terrain, kneeling, bending, and gardening in the wilderness.  All tools will be provided.

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 for an informative and energizing hike in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. We will begin at the beautiful Augustine Staging area traveling up the paved Hicks Haul Road, across East Loma and down Sandtrap, finally returning to the staging area via Limestone Canyon road. Along the way we will discuss the effects, both positive and negative that fire has had on this beautiful area. We will stop to see the restoration progress of the removal of non-native plants in the canyon. Restoring the native grasses and other plants will help the area be more fire resistant. There will be several stops, but the pace will be moderate and include several steep climbs and descents.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

Want to give back to your community while learning about the history of oranges at Santiago Oaks Regional Park. Volunteers are needed to help care for the historic orange trees. The orange trees as well as the park are nestled in a small and quaint canyon at the base of the Santa Ana Mountains in the City of Orange. Experience is not required. Training will be provided. Volunteers will need to wear long pants and shoes with closed toe and closed heel. NO SANDALS. Bring sunblock, a hat to wear and water to drink. Work gloves and tools will be provided. The work involved may include one or all of the following; weeding, picking fruit, painting tree trunks, and making water wells around the trees.

Would you like to give back to Irvine Park and have fun at the same time?

Work alongside park staff in restoring the wild side of Irvine Park. Projects include trail work or natural habitat restoration on trails and nature gardens. Past projects have included brushing back trails, removing invasive weeds in the nature garden and restoring trails over grown with invasive plants. Projects change each month providing diverse experiences to participants.

Please be prepared for strenous work that may include up to a 1-mile hike to the work location. Please bring snacks and water.

We will provide gloves, tools and training.

Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in partnership with OC Parks. Learn about the California Native Plants and wildflowers with a Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist on this enjoyable 2.5 mile hike (45-ft. elevation gain) over moderately uneven terrain. 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.