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.
Updated Difficulty Ratings: The Hiking and Fitness Difficulty Ratings have been updated to reflect our current activities. Please click below to read the ratings.
Click here to learn more about IRC-Certified Volunteers. • Click here to learn more about the Difficulty Ratings.
Search & Filter Activities
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Thursday Morning Trek in the Red Rock Wilderness
Take in stunning views of the surrounding hillsides and hike atop the iconic red rocks at the newly opened Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.
This morning hike will guide visitors through beautiful hills and valleys to the top of the infamous red rocks and past a model airplane field. Spectacular views of Irvine Lake and the Irvine Ranch Open Space will be enjoyed along the way.
Friday, November 29, 2024
Distance Hike into Red Rock Wilderness
Come along with us on this scenic distance hike across Loma Ridge into the newly opened Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. This hike involves numerous ups and downs on groomed and maintained trails and is done at a moderate moving pace of around 3 mph. As we pass across the top of the Red Rocks, the panoramic view of the surrounding area is nothing short of spectacular.
CANCELLED: Morning Mountain Bike Ride at Red Rock Wilderness
Join an intermediate-level ride on OC Parks’ newest trails in the recently opened Red Rock Wilderness!
This ride will be moderately paced and include a mix of sustained singletrack climbs and fun twisty descents. Participants will reach a ridgeline lookout with panoramic views of Black Star Canyon, Santiago Canyon and Irvine Lake. Periodic breaks and trailside interpretation will be sprinkled in along the way. This ride will be approximately 8 miles with 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this Level 3 activity on the land. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for use in the park and participants must provide their own mountain bikes to participate.
Participants should come prepared with water, snacks, sun protection and any other gear needed for a ride in a remote area. Minors must be experienced and capable riders, wear helmets and be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times to participate. Rain or adverse weather conditions will cancel the program.
Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.
Thursday, December 5, 2024
The Lure and Lull of Red Rock Wilderness Equestrian Ride
Take a leisurely equestrian ride through beautiful Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, home of oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub. View beautiful geological formations and see plants that are native to our area. You will be touring the beautiful Natural Landmarks. Equestrians must have their own horse, trail riding experience, and the ability to transport their horse to the staging area.
Friday, December 6, 2024
Crazy 8 Hike in Red Rock Wilderness
Join us on this moderate paced fitness hike in OC Parks Red Rock Wilderness Park. We will hike around 8 miles at a 3.5 mph pace through coastal sage brush and see views of the surrounding Limestone and Black Star Wilderness areas. This hike is designed for fit individuals who relish the challenge of a brisk outdoor adventure. Please bring a minimum 70 oz. of water. Come prepared with a pack, sturdy closed-toed hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Each participant must carry his or her own pack and water. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to this activity.
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Nature Hike at Red Rock Wilderness
Visit Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, and explore OC Parks’ newest trails!
This slow-paced hike offers an approachable experience for all skill levels to embrace their senses and explore the local flora and fauna. The hike will cover 3 to 4.5 miles with elevation gain. Hike through a variety of habitats then up a single-track trail with switchbacks and elevation gain to different overlook points with a spectacular view of Orange County.
Monday, December 16, 2024
Cool Birds of Fall in Red Rock Wilderness – Bird Walk
Birds are among the most colorful and entertaining forms of wildlife on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Bring your binoculars and join us on a slow/medium paced walk in OC Parks’ Red Rock Wilderness, as we search for resident and visiting birds of the local coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, riparian, and grassland habitats. We will discuss the diverse features of the birds we observe and how they match the season, their habitat and lifestyle. We will travel mostly on ranch roads, usually without shade. Beginners to advanced bird enthusiasts are welcome. Please wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and bring water, along with sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen. Bring a small birding field guide if you have one. A few binoculars will be available to borrow.
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness
Come explore OC Parks’ newest trails at Red Rock Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity.
Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Red Rock Wilderness features more than 8 miles of new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding along with a scenic overlook that offers 360-degree views of the nearby iconic red rocks, Black Star Canyon Wilderness, Irvine Lake, Santiago Canyon and beyond. 3 miles of multi-use trails within Loma Ridge Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, will also be accessible for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Visitors will have the opportunity to provide voluntary feedback about Red Rock Wilderness through on-site participation surveys and offer naming suggestions for several unnamed trails.
Rain or inclement weather will cancel the program. Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.
Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness, Equestrian
Come explore OC Parks’ newest trails at Red Rock Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity.
Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Red Rock Wilderness features more than 8 miles of new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding along with a scenic overlook that offers 360-degree views of the nearby iconic red rocks, Black Star Canyon Wilderness, Irvine Lake, Santiago Canyon and beyond. 3 miles of multi-use trails within Loma Ridge Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, will also be accessible for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Visitors will have the opportunity to provide voluntary feedback about Red Rock Wilderness through on-site participation surveys and offer naming suggestions for several unnamed trails.
Rain or inclement weather will cancel the program. Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.