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
Monday, April 29, 2024
Early Morning Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Come explore the newly opened Gypsum Canyon Wilderness, the northernmost portion of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. This scenic hike involves steep climbs and descents on several single-track trails and is done at an average moving pace of 3 miles per hour. The rewards are many: panoramic views of Fremont and Weir Canyon Nature Preserves and beyond, possible wildlife sightings, interesting rock formations, and beautiful wildflowers in season.
Equestrian Trail Ride: Horseshoe Loop to Fremont
Bring your horse and join us on the sage-scented trail up and down gentle hills. We will start from Irvine Park and proceed on the Irvine Regional Park Horseshoe Loop to Waterworks Trail that will take us under the towering overpass of the 241 Toll Road. We will see the foot of the Irvine Lake Dam and catch a glimpse of the heart of Fremont Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will pass the site of an enormous coal pile left by miners of yesteryear and then return to the park.
After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Join us every Monday night for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. During the spring, summer and fall, 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 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!
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Tuesday Morning Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Ready for a workout? Forget the gym for the day and head outside! Join us for an exhilarating morning fitness hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. 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. The footing on the asphalt paved road is smoother than dirt roads and single track trails normally found in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, but is beginning to show its age with cracks, crevices and an occasional dip. Otherwise, the terrain is smooth, so this is a great walk for anyone who wants a “wilderness experience” without getting dirty! The 6 and 8 mile routes experience two fairly steep ascents and descents. The 3 mile route takes you to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. 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.
Dripping Springs Trail Restoration
Spend the morning watering and mulching Coast Live Oak seedlings within a beautiful oak woodland and then hike to Dripping Springs, a natural water source dripping out of an earthquake fault and down a gorgeous fern-covered rock face. Your work on the trail will benefit the rare plants and animals that this unique feature supports!
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 in the Irvine Open Space Preserve 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.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
CANCELLED: Limestone Canyon Distance Hike
Join us for a scenic, and challenging distance hike in the beautiful Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. This hike is for physically fit hikers who enjoy the challenge of multiple steep climbs and descents. This 10–13 mile hike offers sweeping views of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains as well as possible wildlife sightings. This hike may include a visit to The Sinks and/or Dripping Springs.
Mid-Week Distance Hike: Bommer Canyon
Take a break and get some fresh air! Join us on a mid-week hike through Bommer Canyon and Shady Canyon or Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 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 Open Space Preserve. Several single-track trails, steep climbs and descents are part of the experience. There is over 2200 ft. of climbing elevation accumulated along the route, but it is done with a moderate pace, approximately 3 mph. Distance is 12-14 miles. Bring plenty of water (100 oz. minimum recommended) and wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. We will be meeting at the Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp.
Adaptation Spotlight: Butterfly Wings
Join OC Park Naturalists as we learn about butterflies! We will go for a short hike to look for butterflies and take an up-close look at the wings of butterflies!
This program is for ages 7 and up. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Please wear closed-toed shoes, sun protection, and bring water.
Advance registration required. Please register all participants- including children. Learn more and register here..
The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. This program will begin at the James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or I-405 to 133 south to stop light at 73 toll road; make a U-turn and go 1/2 block. Dilley is on the right). We will meet in the parking lot.
For questions, please email shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com
Please note: Rain or muddy conditions will cancel the program.
After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Join us every Wednesday night in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. During the spring, summer and fall, 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 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!
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Thursday Morning Trek: Quail Hill
This week in the Irvine Open Space Preserve, 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 singletrack trails.
Fitness Hike – Ridge Park
Please be aware this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous, and fast-paced, 6.6-mile hike (1,100-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.
Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:
Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org is required for this event. No walk-ups.
Each participant must register individually. Register here. For group registration or questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org.
Group sizes will be minimized for safety purposes.
Each individual adult must sign the liability waiver – provided by the lead volunteers – when they arrive at the event.
Participants must be at least 16 years old and those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A waiver, provided on arrival, must be signed by each participant at the start of the program.
Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection.
In an effort to protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Location: Ridge Park, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Meet at the end of Ridge Park Road/Trail Entrance.
Parking: Free.
Please note: Wet or muddy trail conditions may lead to cancellation of this event.
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 in the Irvine Open Space Preserve 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.
Friday, May 3, 2024
CANCELLED: Early Morning Hike: Weir Canyon
Join us on this early morning hike enjoying beautiful Weir Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Starting in Irvine Regional Park, we pass through Lower and Upper Weir Canyon to a scenic overlook. We then head down Upper Blind Canyon as we wind our way back to our starting point. This hike is around 9.5 miles with one significant climb and descent.
Morning Hike at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Explore Gypsum Canyon Wilderness and hike OC Parks’ newest trails!
Learn about native plants and animals that can be found in the area and take in remarkable views of Gypsum Canyon. This moderate hike on unpaved dirt trails is approximately four miles round trip with 600 feet of elevation gain. We’ll cover many topics including birding, history, geology and native plants while taking breaks to enjoy the views.
Participants should come prepared with water, snacks, sun protection and sturdy walking shoes. Rain or adverse weather conditions will cancel the program. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Advance registration required.
Spring Morning Yoga Hike at Quail Hill
Enjoy a five mile out and back hike to warm up your legs before experiencing a gentle flow yoga practice in nature. The hike is highlighted with a short but steep climb at a medium pace and takes us to a 360 degree view of the Quail Hill neighborhood. The yoga is suitable for those with little or no experience; slower in pace and gentle in practice. Our focus on breath calms the nervous system and has positive effects on mental, emotional and physical health. If you have never done a yoga hike before you will be surprised how connected you feel to nature. Please bring water, your own yoga mat plus a large beach towel, and wear shoes appropriate for hiking on trails.
Toddler Treks
Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about the Newport Back Bay.
Our Toddler Treks program is offered every Friday from 10:00-11:00am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.
The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.
Advance registration is required.
Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.
Sounds of the Evening
Join OC Park Naturalist on an evening walk where we will enjoy the sounds of nature. The sounds of an area can tell us a lot about its ecology, if we listen closely enough. So come enjoy a stroll along Mary’s Trail as we listen to what nature has to say.
This a flat walk at a slow pace. Please wear closed-toed shoes, sun protection, and bring water.
Advance registration required. Please register all participants including children. Learn more and register here..
The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. We will meet at the Nix Nature Center amphitheater near the bathrooms.
For questions, please email shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com
Please note: Rain or muddy conditions will cancel the program.
Bommer Canyon East Fork and Ridge Route Loop Hike
Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic views overlooking the city of Irvine and the hillsides to the north. This hike is just over 3 miles and includes 700 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition and should be able to hike steep hills.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Advanced Cardio Hike: Limestone
Join us for a strenuous, extremely challenging, fast-paced, early morning cardio hike in Limestone Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Along the way we’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Orange County and possible wildlife sightings. This is an 8 mile cardio hike, completed in 2.5+ hours, includes a 1000+ foot elevation change. This hike is for experienced, physically fit hikers who enjoy the challenge of multiple steep climbs and descents. This hike is much faster than a regular walking hike. We average four (4) miles per hour fast-paced and is extremely difficult over steep terrain in the wilderness setting.