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.
Search & Filter Activities
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Evening Hike in the Canyons
Come join us for some after work exercise on the Mesa Loop. The hike will cover close to 3 miles round trip at a moderate pace and will offer us beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding canyons. Also keep your eyes open for any animals starting their nightly routines. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. A flashlight with a red tinted light is not required but might be nice to have as it will be dark out when we finish our hike.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Family Hike: Black Star Canyon
Enjoy an early evening 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.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Shhh…Hike, Look and Listen
Come end your day with a quiet walk through the calming canyons on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. We will watch for soaring red-tailed hawks, listen to birds quietly sing, and inhale the fragrance of fresh sage. Shed away the day’s repetitions and join us as we take a “slow walk” into Baker Canyon, mindful of all that is happening around us. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight and be prepared for the canyon’s cooler evening temperatures by wearing warm layers. Take in the tranquil evening as we quietly walk along the trails.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Family Hike: Round Canyon
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.
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Evening Hike in the Canyons
Come join us for some after work exercise on the Mesa Loop. The hike will cover close to 3 miles round trip at a moderate pace and will offer us beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding canyons. Also keep your eyes open for any animals starting their nightly routines. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. A flashlight with a red tinted light is not required but might be nice to have as it will be past sundown when we finish our hike.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Independence Day Fireworks Night Hike
Join us for what’s sure to be an exciting evening of watching the fireworks from atop the hills in Irvine’s Open Space. This is a challenging hike geared toward experienced hikers with appropriate hiking shoes. Come and enjoy a little nighttime in the wilderness and celebrate our country’s independence. Flashlights are not needed by most participants, only low power ones with red LEDs or filters should be used if necessary in order to preserve night vision.
Bring a pad (kneeling pads work well) or blanket, which you can carry up the trail, to sit on while watching the fireworks. The viewing location that we will be using is on an incline, it is too steep for chairs. Hiking poles are recommended; bring binoculars to watch the fireworks. Wear appropriate clothing layers, it will be warm hiking up and cool while watching the fireworks.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.
Monday, July 9, 2018
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Fitness Hike in Bommer Canyon
From the beautiful oak tree lined trail to the expansive hilltop views, this is an enjoyable, fast-paced evening fitness hike in scenic Bommer Canyon. This hike is a little over 3 miles with 700 feet of elevation gain in the first half. Participants must be able to hike 3+ miles per hour with little need to rest. Hiking boots are not required, but sturdy non-slip closed toe shoes are a must. Please bring a pack, water, and any other necessities to keep you safe 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.
Evening Hike in the Canyons
Come join us for some after work exercise on the Mesa Loop. The hike will cover close to 3 miles round trip at a moderate pace and will offer us beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding canyons. Also keep your eyes open for any animals starting their nightly routines. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. A flashlight with a red tinted light is not required but might be nice to have as it will be past sundown when we finish our hike.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Advanced Cardio Hike to East Sinks Viewing Deck: Limestone Canyon
Come along with us on this evening advanced cardio hike through beautiful Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve to the East Sinks Viewing Deck. You’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of The Sinks as well as sweeping views of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains. This hike involves steep climbs and descents on both double and single-track trails.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-5 activity on the land.
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Family Hike: Agua Chinon
Enjoy an early evening family hike in Agua Chinon, part of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. We hike a gradual climb of 500 ft elevation of 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 will average 3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation.
This program is for participants who would enjoy a slower-paced gradual climb hike. Hikers should be in good health able to do a beginning hike over a variety of terrains. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, and bring water for the hike. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells of 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.
Night Mercury Hike in Orchard Hills
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The hike will begin with a short presentation on natural and man-made events that may occur in the night sky. We will attempt to see the elusive planet Mercury. In order to preserve our night vision, standard flashlights will not be used. Please bring a flashlight with a red lens or red LEDs for safety reasons.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land
Nighttime Bugs: Augustine Staging Area
Join us for this evening program as we explore biodiversity at the local level with that most diverse group of organisms, the insects! Taking advantage of the fact that UV light is highly visible to most insects, we will attract them by using black-lights (low energy/low-frequency UV lights). We can then examine them up close, record the different types (and their numbers). Don’t forget your camera as you’ll see creatures that are normally buzzing around, but not highly visible. You will be able to help us document what we find.
NOTE: No hiking is involved with this program. We will remain in the staging area
Monday, July 16, 2018
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Orchard Hills Evening Hike
Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Family Hike: Black Star Canyon
Enjoy an early evening 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.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
Sunday, July 22, 2018
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.