Do the majestic oak trees found in our local wild lands fascinate you? Would you like to know more about them, their survival techniques and the relationships they have with the wildlife that resides here? Then come out on this hike in Weir Canyon where we will observe and learn about the wonderful oaks in our ecosystem. This will be a moderate hike and a highly interpretive activity. There will be several stops along our 7-mile round trip journey into the lower and upper portions of Weir Canyon, revered for its protected oak woodlands.

Please come prepared with a sturdy day pack, water, snacks, closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. All participants must carry their own day pack and water (minimum of 64 oz. recommended) and be comfortable hiking an average moving pace of 3 miles per hour. The canyon may be cool during the return portion of the hike, dressing in layers is advised.

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

Highly experienced mountain bikers can explore one of the most rugged and remote areas of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks from the trails of Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve on this moderately paced intermediate ride.  Fremont Canyon remains one of the most wild places in Orange County, with a diversity of rare plants and animals, and this ride includes natural trail hazards such as sand, tree roots, ruts, and exposed rocks.  PLEASE NOTE: there are multiple very steep climbs, with an approximate elevation gain of 3,500 feet over 19 miles.  This hard ride is for expert adult-only riders in excellent physical condition who will be rewarded with the remote wonders of Fremont Canyon.

Please review the Difficulty Ratings to help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-5 activity on the land. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for recreational use.

Join us on the Landmarks for an equestrian trail ride through the northwestern historic section of the old Irvine Ranch; now part of the Irvine Ranch Open Space known as the Weir Canyon Preserve, featuring the old oxen trail from San Juan Capistrano. Discover Robber’s Roost and the thick grasslands under some of the oldest live oaks on the historic Ranch. Places where Juan Flores and his gang rumored to hideout and look for his enemies traveling the route by wagon or horseback. Red-tailed hawks, bobcats and mule deer call this canyon home and are sure to greet us along our adventure.

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

Come join us for a fun themed craft project anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.!

Crafty Kids Sunday features FREE craft activities in the Muth Interpretive Center’s Discovery Classroom.

All ages are welcome, recommended for ages 2 to 10 years old. No registration is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be observed.

Join us for an easy, stroller friendly walk along Upper Newport Bay to enjoy all the sights, sounds, and smells of fall. We will stay on the paved Bayview Trail and pause frequently to observe birds, wildflowers, and any other wildlife that happens to be present.

Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times.

Current CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be observed.

Rain will cancel the event.

Walk in’s welcome, but space is limited, so advance registration is suggested.

For more information call (949) 923-2277 or email nathan.taxel@ocparks.com

Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space. 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.

Lend a helping hand at maintaining the trails at Santiago Oaks Regional Park.

Partner with an OC Parks Volunteer as they guide you through the proper tool use to repair highly used and heavily washed out trails. Tools and safety talk are provided by Volunteers and/or Staff. Bring gloves and water if you have them. Sun protection is important and be ready to work up a sweat as we mend our trails for all to enjoy!

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Kelley at Kelley.Brugmann@ocparks.com

Join us every Monday night 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 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!

Join us for an exhilarating morning fitness hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. This hike is a 6-mile route as a group – which is conducted at the speed of about 3.0 to 3.5 miles per hour.

The group may spread out for social distance reasons but generally will remain together for the entire hike.

The footing on the asphalt paved road is smoother than dirt roads and single-track trails normally found in Limestone 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 hike 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.

UPDATE: Park in Weir LOT near Outdoor Education Center.

Be prepared to experience the beauty and wonder of Weir Canyon including the beautiful views of the Overlook Trail.  This ride will travel through Weir Canyon, where the trail weaves its way through a beautiful oak woodland inhabited by deer, coyotes, bobcats, and a variety of native birds. You will travel the route of the Butterfield Stage and see a monument dedicated to the Mexican Ox Cart drivers.

We will continue our ride through coastal sage scrub over large rock formations past oak woodlands and up the Overlook Trail. On a clear day, we will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and more distant views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles Basin, and Cleveland National Forest.

Participant’s horse must be able to ride 9+ miles with an accumulated elevation gain of 1800 feet.

This ride travels on wide trails and single tracks with several moderate to steeper climbs. Equestrians who have trail riding experience and their own fit and able horse are welcome. You will need to transport your horse to the staging area. Owners of unshod horses, please note that footing will include areas of gravel and distances over asphalt pavement. Please bring water on the ride.

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 every Wednesday night 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.

Do you like the pace of the Thursday Morning Treks, but want to go a little longer distance? Join us this morning for a hike in Weir Canyon to the Overlook Trail. We will hike through coastal sage scrub and oak woodlands and up the Overlook Trail. On a clear day, we will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and more distant views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles Basin, and Cleveland National Forest. Please wear hiking shoes/boots and bring water, a trail snack, sunscreen, hat, and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail.

Participants must be able to hike 9+ miles with an accumulated elevation gain of 1800 feet at an average moving rate of 3 miles per hour.

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

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.

Upper Newport Bay’s long running and popular story time is back! Wild tales will be offered every Friday and include an outdoor story time in our newly renovated amphitheater, an age appropriate hike, and a craft project in our classroom. Each session will have a new story, hike theme, and craft project.

Activities are designed for ages 2-4 but all are welcome.

Current CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be observed.

All Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent of guardian at all times.

Rain or heat advisory will cancel the event.

Join us for a challenging docent-led mountain bike ride for very experienced off-road riders in excellent cardio shape. Climb challenging State Spur to Cathedral Rock, and then descend into Fremont Canyon while passing some of Orange County’s most spectacular geological formations. The ride continues out to Mini-Moab and then over to Sierra Peak, passing the Tecate Cypress forest, then past Sierra Peak, and over to the last descent down through historic Black Star Canyon.

Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space. 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.

Join us on the Landmarks for an equestrian trail ride through the northwestern historic section of the old Irvine Ranch; now part of the Irvine Ranch Open Space known as the Weir Canyon Preserve, featuring the old oxen trail from San Juan Capistrano. Discover Robber’s Roost and the thick grasslands under some of the oldest live oaks on the historic Ranch. Places where Juan Flores and his gang rumored to hideout and look for his enemies traveling the route by wagon or horseback. Red-tailed hawks, bobcats and mule deer call this canyon home and are sure to greet us along our adventure.

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

Join OC Parks staff for a beginning archery course for first-time archers. This course will include safety instruction and provide you with an introduction to the sport of archery. All archery equipment will be provided.

Event and parking are both free. Rain will cancel the event.

[Please note: this is a Children’s Program] Spend a few hours in the wildlands of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks with your young naturalists. We will learn about animals and their important roles in the Oak Woodlands habitat through fun games, nature activities and a very leisurely paced walk on a trail with little to no elevation gain. Please wear sturdy shoes, comfortable clothing, and bring water. Binoculars and a magnifying glass are optional. This activity is tailored towards elementary school-aged children. In order to maximize the availability for young participants we kindly request that only one adult caretaker per family signs up.

Join OC Parks staff for a beginning archery course for first-time archers. This course will include safety instruction and provide you with an introduction to the sport of archery. All archery equipment will be provided.

Event and parking are both free. Rain will cancel the event.