The activities below are offered by a variety of organizations and their dedicated volunteers. All programs are FREE unless noted below. Programs led by IRC-Certified Volunteers require pre-registration, which closes at 4 p.m. on the day prior to the event. No walk-up registrations will be permitted for these events. For policies of other organizations, please use the sign-up information provided. For mobility device policies click here.
Note: Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for these events. For programs requiring online registration, each adult and child must be registered. |
Need help? For the fastest answers, look for organization-specific contact information in each event listing (click More Information for full listing). If no contact information is listed, email info@irconservancy.org for assistance.
Click here to learn more about IRC-Certified Volunteers. • Click here to learn more about the Difficulty Ratings.
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Saturday, December 11, 2021
Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike
Explore the richness of Newport Beach’s Buck Gully Reserve as we hike during the beautiful early evening hours. The stream is running and the rich plant and animal life is enjoying the cool, shady canyon, making for a fantastic evening hike in a natural oasis amid the suburban surroundings. We’ll walk along San Joaquin Hills Road, which overlooks Buck Gully, for the first mile and then drop down into the canyon on the Bobcat Trail, looping back through the upper end of the gully along the Buck Gully Trail. This activity is conducted at a walking pace, approximately 3 miles per hour.
Sunset Stroll: Fremont Canyon
Come for a relaxing sunset stroll in the wildlands of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Experience the sights and sounds as dusk settles in while learning about the native plants and animals. We will be walking at a leisurely pace of 1.5 mph for an hour and a half on trails with little to no elevation gain. Please wear sturdy shoes, comfortable clothing, and be prepared for the cooler evening temperatures. Don’t forget to bring water, a flashlight, and binoculars if you choose.
Sunday, December 12, 2021
Sunset Mountain Bike Ride to Cathedral Rock
Think you would enjoy a challenging, but relaxing evening biking in the wilderness on empty trails with both a sunset and a nice view of city lights, then join us on this summer time ride to Cathedral Rock. Cathedral Rock is located at the high point on the south/east ridge of Fremont Canyon; this spot provides views of the Fremont Canyon Wilderness as well as Orange and Los Angeles Counties. This ride is for experienced off-road riders, in excellent cardio shape, that have some experience with evening/night riding.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land. Electric Mountain Bikes of any class or type are not permitted.
Monday, December 13, 2021
CANCELLED Geminid Meteor Shower – Peters Canyon
CANCELLED DUE TO EXPECTED HEAVY RAINS
Gear up for this amazing stargazing night as we view this winter’s meteor shower! Cozy up under the stars to capture one of this season’s spectacular outer galactic shows! We will view the different stars, constellations and tell stories of astronomy folklore as we watch for meteors to flash across the night sky. You will have the opportunity to make an out-of-this-world craft to take home. Please dress in many warm layers as the evening is quite chilly in the canyon. Also, you are welcome to bring your own blankets and chairs to sit and enjoy the show.
For questions, please contact Resource Specialist, Kelley Brugmann at 714-973-6625 or Kelley.Brugmann@ocparks.com
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
CANCELLED Geminid Meteor Shower – Irvine Park
CANCELLED DUE TO EXPECTED HEAVY RAINS
Gear up for this amazing stargazing night as we view this winter’s meteor shower! Cozy up under the stars to capture one of this season’s spectacular outer galactic shows! We will view the different stars, constellations and tell stories of astronomy folklore as we watch for meteors to flash across the night sky. You will have the opportunity to make an out-of-this-world craft to take home. Please dress in many warm layers as the evening is quite chilly in the canyon. Also, you are welcome to bring your own blankets and chairs to sit and enjoy the show.
Program is free though there is a Park Entrance Fee per entry vehicle.
For questions, please contact Resource Specialist, Kelley Brugmann at 714-973-6625 or Kelley.Brugmann@ocparks.com
Thursday, December 16, 2021
Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. This hike is done at an easy walking pace. This out-and-back program travels 2.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.
Friday, December 17, 2021
Full Moon Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. This hike is done at an easy walking pace. This out-and-back program travels 2.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back down.
Thursday, December 23, 2021
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. This hike is done at an easy walking pace. This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.
Saturday, January 1, 2022
Evening Slow-Paced Mountain Bike Ride: Limestone Canyon and Loma Ridge
Join us for an evening ride in Limestone Canyon on this docent-led mountain bike ride ending in a beautiful sunset vista on Loma Ridge . This is a slow-paced ride designed for the intermediate rider who is in excellent cardio shape and physically fit. The rider should have experience and skills, but may need to move slowly in more technical areas with steep descents/ascents. Riders must have a minimum of one year of mountain bike experience. This ride is very strenuous with difficult terrain and intended as a “hike-a-bike” ride.
If you are very physically fit and in excellent cardio shape, you won’t want to miss out!
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for recreational use.
Thursday, January 6, 2022
Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. This hike is done at an easy walking pace. This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. This hike is done at an easy walking pace. This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.
Monday, January 17, 2022
Full Moon Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. This hike is done at an easy walking pace. This out-and-back program travels 2.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back down.
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike
Explore the richness of Newport Beach’s Buck Gully Reserve as we hike during the beautiful early evening hours. The stream is running and the rich plant and animal life is enjoying the cool, shady canyon, making for a fantastic evening hike in a natural oasis amid the suburban surroundings. We’ll walk along San Joaquin Hills Road, which overlooks Buck Gully, for the first mile and then drop down into the canyon on the Bobcat Trail, looping back through the upper end of the gully along the Buck Gully Trail. This activity is conducted at a walking pace, approximately 3 miles per hour.
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. This hike is done at an easy walking pace. This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. This hike is done at an easy walking pace. This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.
Sunday, January 30, 2022
Family Hike: Red Rocks/Black Star Canyon
Enjoy an early afternoon family hike in Black Star Canyon, part of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. We will hike along a flat trail and cross a creek as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. The hike will average 3-4 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation.
This program is for participants who would enjoy 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 early evening.
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Family Hike: Mesa
Enjoy nature with friends and family on the Mesa. We start our program by climbing a small hill at an easy pace to reach the top. Once up on the mesa, we will hike along a fairly flat trail as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. 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 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.
Intermediate Evening Mountain Bike Ride
Explore Limestone Canyon by night on this intermediate mountain bike night ride. We will ride out of Augustine, up Loma Ridge, down to The Sinks, and along Limestone Ridge or Limestone Valley, depending on the group. Please plan for a distance between 10-12 miles. Please arrive early as it will get dark quickly.
Trails include natural hazards such as sand, tree roots, exposed rocks, and ruts. Expect several steep climbs on this 12-mile ride with an elevation gain of 2,600 feet. This night ride is for experienced adult riders. Lights required. Electric Mountain Bikes of any class or type are not permitted. Arrive 15 minutes early.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.
Thursday, February 3, 2022
Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. This hike is done at an easy walking pace. This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.
Sunday, February 6, 2022
Family Hike: Red Rocks in Black Star Canyon
Enjoy an early afternoon family hike in Black Star Canyon, part of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. We will hike along a flat trail and cross a creek as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. The hike will average 3-4 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation.
This program is for participants who would enjoy 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 early evening.