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.

Come enjoy a leisurely paced, 2-3 mph, hike in the Irvine Open Space. Get to know the nature around you as we explore the Orchard Hills loop at that magic time just before and after sunset. We will walk around an avocado orchard that borders on the natural open space. Far-reaching views from the highest point reward your effort.

The Orchard Hills route is 3 miles and includes several significant climbs. Please be prepared with water and closed toe sturdy shoes or boots, and all other necessary elements to keep you healthy on the trail.

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

Explore the intriguing Mesa in beautiful Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park on this moderate-paced cardio hike. Along the trail, you’ll pass through coastal sage scrub, oak woodlands and reach the top of the mesa. One main steep climb and descent are included on this quick cardio hike.

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!

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.

This monthly meeting is for OC Parks Ranger Reserves only. This is a mandatory meeting where we will discuss various topics pertaining to the Ranger Reserve program as well as offer additional ongoing training.

This is the time of year when raptors think about romance – they pair up and display to their partners. We will be observing all birds on this walk, but pay special attention to the ones we see soaring. Please wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking, along with sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen. Bring your binoculars, or borrow ours. This program is part of the continuing Better Birding Basics series.

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

This week in the Irvine Open Space, we’ll be in Quail Hill, once part of the historic Irvine cattle ranch. The hike is seven and a half miles with some climbing, but rewards you with fantastic views overlooking Laguna Canyon and many Irvine locales. Please bring water, a trail snack, sunscreen, hat and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail.   Get your boots out and register to hike the Quail Trail and Shady Canyon trails.

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

Invading weeds degrade habitat for birds and other wildlife. Help us keep wildlife healthy by weeding artichoke thistle from the Quail Hill loop in Irvine. This activity takes place on uneven terrain and sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. All training, tools, and gloves will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort. Rattlesnakes are occasionally seen here and generally avoid people, but protective gear 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.

Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in partnership with OC Parks. Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Ages 15 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/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.

Join us for a brisk half-day hike in the beautiful Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.  This loop hike is for physically fit hikers who relish the challenge of multiple steep climbs and descents.  The hike offers sweeping views of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains as well as possible wildlife sightings and may include a visit to The Sinks.

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

The cactus wren need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like planting and seeding native plants can greatly improve habitat for this threatened bird and other wildlife. You can be part of this positive impact while enjoying the scenery along Mule Deer Trail in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. This activity takes place on sloped terrain and sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. All training, tools, and gloves will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort. Rattlesnakes are occasionally seen here and generally avoid people, but protective gear will be provided. Note that this activity is held on the 3rd Friday 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 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.

After the sun has set, our nighttime critters come out to start their hunt for food. Owls are common in Bommer Canyon, soaring silently in flight as they hunt for small mice. Let’s explore the trails as we listen for their nightly calls, watch for their silent flight and enjoy the evening in the canyon.

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

Are you a nature lover, hiker, gardener, or just need to get outside to refresh yourself? Does the idea of adopting a canyon across four seasons and being part of a longer term project interest you? Please come help Irvine Ranch Conservancy restore local habitat, native plants and wildlife so they may thrive in Agua Chinon.

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. Simple tools will be provided for you as required. Sturdy footwear is recommended for walking on uneven terrain, kneeling, bending, and gardening in the wilderness.

This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.  From our conveniently located Portola staging area, come venture out for something big each month, adopt Agua Chinon!

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. Come on out and help restore the wild lands we so enjoy! There’s no better way to start a Saturday morning than by joining Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks staff in an invigorating project of non-native plant removal and/or planting native plants. Help us make a healthier environment for the native wildlife and for ourselves. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 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: Free for Keep It Wild Volunteers!

Join us for a docent-led mountain bike ride through the Irvine Open Space Preserve. This moderate-paced mountain bike tour through the picturesque hills of Bommer and Shady Canyons includes a combination of ranch roads and multiple intermediate and advanced level technical single-track trails, with many steep climbs and descents. Over 2700 feet of accumulated climbing elevation is experienced on this route.

Please note, this program is an intermediate-to-advanced ride featuring only a few short rest stops, steep climbs and rocky descents. It requires above average fitness and mountain biking skills, and a mountain bike with a minimum of front suspension.

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 2 pm. This includes the single-tracks in Shady Canyon and Bommer Canyon that are reserved for guided activities only. Registration is not 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 2 pm.

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!