Activities and Programs

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.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all participants, volunteers, and employees. Certain offensive behaviors, including problematic language or attacks based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or veteran status will not be tolerated. Participating in certain offensive behaviors may lead to dismissal from activities.

 

    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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Found 433 Events

Friday, April 12, 2024

Morning Mountain Bike Ride at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking

Join us for an intermediate-level ride on OC Parks’ newest trails in the recently opened Gypsum Canyon Wilderness!

This ride will be moderately paced and include a mix of sustained singletrack climbs and fun twisty descents. The ride will reach a summit with panoramic views of Gypsum Canyon and surrounding areas. Periodic breaks and trailside interpretation will be sprinkled in along the way. This ride will cover between six and seven miles with 900 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.

Morning Mountain Bike Ride at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Date:
Fri, 04/12/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 03/29/2024
More Information  

Spring Morning Yoga Hike at Quail Hill

Hiking & Fitness
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.

Spring Morning Yoga Hike at Quail Hill
Date:
Fri, 04/12/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Quail Hill
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
8 of 15
More Information  

Wildflower Walk For All

Interpretive
Wildflower Walk For All

The heavy rains of winter have lifted and revealed a beautiful bouquet of California wildflowers. Join us for a casual stroll as we follow the flow of Santiago Creek through Irvine Park. Along the way, we will peruse the petals of some of our favorite blooms currently sprouting this spring season along with some of the year-round favorites.

The walk will begin at the Irvine Regional Park Nature Center and travel approximately 2 miles along paved walkways. This program is accessible for those with wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is recommended.

Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program and strollers are permitted. Sun protection, wearing sturdy footwear, and bringing water are strongly encouraged.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist, Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Wildflower Walk For All
Date:
Fri, 04/12/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Irvine Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Toddler Treks

Interpretive
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.

The program and parking are free. Advance registration is required.

Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.

Toddler Treks
Date:
Fri, 04/12/2024
Time:
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
16 of 50
More Information  

Bommer Canyon East Fork and Ridge Route Loop Hike

Hiking & Fitness
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.

Bommer Canyon East Fork and Ridge Route Loop Hike
Date:
Fri, 04/12/2024
Time:
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
18 of 20
More Information  

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Fremont Loop Distance Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Fremont Loop Distance Hike

Join us for an extremely challenging and strenuous hiking adventure in the scenic Fremont Canyon Wilderness Area. This 16-mile loop hike is for experienced, physically fit distance hikers. The hike is on fire/SCE dirt roads with numerous significantly steep, unrelenting climbs and descents. We hike the entire rim of Fremont Canyon, passing by an abandoned coal mine, the Fremont Weather Station and the remnants of a rare stand of Tecate cypress. Along the way we’ll have sweeping views of Orange County, the Santa Ana Mountains and surrounding mountain ranges.

Fremont Loop Distance Hike
Date:
Sat, 04/13/2024
Time:
7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
16 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 03/29/2024
More Information  

Limestone Canyon – Weekend Hike to both Sinks

Hiking & Fitness
Limestone Canyon - Weekend Hike to both Sinks

Join us on this fast-paced hike over the ridge and the through beautiful Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. While this will not be a cardio hike, it will be a steady pace of 3 mph with short breaks at the East and West Sinks viewing platforms. We will enjoy a view of wonderful vistas in addition to spectacular view of The Sinks. This hike involves hiking on both double and single-track trails with an elevation gain of 1000.

Limestone Canyon - Weekend Hike to both Sinks
Date:
Sat, 04/13/2024
Time:
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
10 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 03/29/2024
More Information  

Animal Signs and Tracks in Weir Canyon

Interpretive
Animal Signs and Tracks in Weir Canyon

Come search for evidence that animals leave behind in nature. Mule deer, bobcats, coyotes and even mountain lions call this hidden canyon home. Gain the basic tracking techniques as we search for evidence such as tracks, fur, bones, homes, and even scat. You never know what you may find! Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting a little dusty. This program is focused on older children and adults.

Animal Signs and Tracks in Weir Canyon
Date:
Sat, 04/13/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 03/29/2024
More Information  

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Looking for a way to give back to Nature this Spring? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! Every day at the farm is different; depending on the needs of the farm we will be harvesting seeds from beautiful native plants, planting new seeds in the annual plots, working in our native plant demo garden, or tending to younger seedlings in our nursery.

Working with us at the Native Seed Farm is a great way to grow your community and cultivate knowledge about local plant and wildlife! Absolutely no experience or special equipment required! 

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Sat, 04/13/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 03/29/2024
More Information  

Habitat Restoration in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

Stewardship
Stewardship

Come learn about ecological restoration techniques and help OC Parks Volunteers in restoring native areas within Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. Local wildlife needs native habitat to survive, and you can help restore native areas. Learn about identifying and controlling non-native plants, active and passive restoration techniques, and how our local birds, insects, and animals flourish with the right habitat.

This activity may take place on up to moderately sloped, off-trail terrain so please dress appropriately (sturdy boots, long sleeve shirts and pants, hats, and sun protection). Tools, training, and gloves will be provided. All work is within Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park.

Minimum age of 14 years accompanied by a parent/guardian. If under 18 years old, a waiver must be signed by a parent/guardian, provided at the start of the event. This is a wilderness park, so please be aware of the potential for hazards such as rattlesnakes and mountain lion activity. For more information contact Mark Bowler (mark@markbowler.us)

Habitat Restoration in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
Date:
Sat, 04/13/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
9 of 10
More Information  

Mountain Bike Clinic: Fundamental Skills

Mountain Biking
Mountain Bike Clinic: Fundamental Skills

If you are new to mountain biking and interested in getting started the right way, or if you are an intermediate rider wanting to broaden your existing bike skills, this is the clinic for you!

Class begins with an overview of rider fundamentals: Balance, Body Position, and Wheel Placement. You will learn which is your “Chocolate Foot,” why the mantra ‘Heavy Feet / Light Hands” is essential, and how to “Fly Your Head Like a Cheetah.” Theory will always be followed by a cycle of demonstration, practice and feedback. Difficulty will be tuned for individual participants with levels for Beginner, Experienced, and Challenge. These riding techniques will be taught and practiced at the Mountain Bike Skills Development area.

Mountain Bike Clinic: Fundamental Skills
Date:
Sat, 04/13/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
2.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 03/29/2024
More Information  

Trail Work Days at The Oaks

Trail Work
Trail Work Days at The Oaks

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 Park Staff.

Bringing gloves, water, and sun protection is highly recommended. Be ready to work up a sweat as we mend our trails for all to enjoy! Be prepared to hike several miles carrying hand tools over uneven terrain.

Program and parking are free. Please let the front entrance booth park attendant know you are registered for this program.

Advance registration required.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Trail Work Days at The Oaks
Date:
Sat, 04/13/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
9 of 10
More Information  

Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Come explore OC Parks’ newest trails at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Gypsum Canyon Wilderness features six miles of new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Two lookout points offer sweeping views of the surrounding canyons and unique prehistoric rock formations, while seven new trails provide multiple loop options that vary in distance and range from easy to moderate in difficulty.

Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is comprised of protected and preserved native habitats that a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, red-tailed hawks, California gnatcatchers and bobcats, call home. Visitors will have the opportunity to provide voluntary feedback about Gypsum Canyon Wilderness through on-site participation surveys and offer naming suggestions for several unnamed trails.

Advance registration is required.

 

Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Date:
Sat, 04/13/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where:
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 04/05/2024
More Information  

Family Hike: Round Canyon

Interpretive
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’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. 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.

Family Hike: Round Canyon
Date:
Sat, 04/13/2024
Time:
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2.5 miles
Minimum Age:
6
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 03/29/2024
More Information  

Keep It Wild – Laguna Coast

Stewardship
Keep It Wild – Laguna Coast

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks at one of our habitat restoration stewardship events in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park as we learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call the canyon their home. Depending on the time of year, volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities, including removal of non-native plants, seed collection, and/or planting of native plants. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy!

Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:

Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org/events is required for this event. No walk-ups. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration or questions, please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org.
Group sizes will be minimized for safety purposes.
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.
Please wear long pants, closed- toed shoes and sun protection, and bring water.
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: The Nix Nature Center (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651).

Parking: Free for Keep It Wild volunteers!

Please note: Wet or muddy trail conditions may lead to cancellation of this event.

Keep It Wild – Laguna Coast
Date:
Sat, 04/13/2024
Time:
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
16
More Information  

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Double Loop Hike: Baker Canyon

Hiking & Fitness
Double Loop Hike: Baker Canyon

Come explore OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. This scenic hike involves steep climbs and descents on both double and singletrack trails and around 1100’ of accumulated climbing elevation. Though challenging, the hike rewards you with sweeping views of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and Santa Ana Mountains. On clear days you can see Catalina Island and even beyond Orange County into the Los Angeles Basin.

Double Loop Hike: Baker Canyon
Date:
Sun, 04/14/2024
Time:
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
7 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 03/30/2024
More Information  

Intro to Cardio Hike: Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop

Hiking & Fitness
Intro to Cardio Hike: Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop

Thinking the cardio hikes might be too fast for you? If so, join us in beautiful Weir Canyon for this slightly slower introduction to cardio hiking. Along the trail, you’ll pass through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands where deer and bobcats are frequently observed. Multiple steep climbs and descents, and sweeping views, are included throughout this 6-mile hike. Please make sure you are in excellent physical condition! Even though this is a slower cardio hike, it is faster than a walk. You must be able to hike 3+ miles per hour the entire time without stopping.

Intro to Cardio Hike: Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop
Date:
Sun, 04/14/2024
Time:
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 03/30/2024
More Information  

FREEKS Ride: Clockwise

Mountain Biking
FREEKS Ride: Clockwise

Join us in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space 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. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for use in the Nature Preserve. 

FREEKS Ride: Clockwise
Date:
Sun, 04/14/2024
Time:
7:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
25 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 03/30/2024
More Information  

Land Tending with LCF – Laguna Coast

Stewardship
Land Tending with LCF – Laguna Coast

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks at one of our Land Tending Days in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park as we learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call the canyon their home. Depending on the time of year, volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities, including removal of non-native plants, seed collection, and/or planting of native plants. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy!

Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:

Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org/events is required for this event. No walk-ups. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration or questions, please email Marjorie Rhodes at marjorie@lagunacanyon.org.
Group sizes will be minimized for safety purposes.
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.
Please wear long pants, closed- toed shoes and sun protection, and bring water.
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: Volunteers will be meeting at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters (10 Phillips St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651) then shuttling to the restoration site with LCF staff.

Parking: Free for Keep It Wild volunteers!

Please note: Wet or muddy trail conditions may lead to cancellation of this event.

Land Tending with LCF – Laguna Coast
Date:
Sun, 04/14/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
16
More Information  

Rocks are Rad: Geology Hike at Black Star Canyon

Interpretive
Rocks are Rad: Geology Hike at Black Star Canyon

Join us for a morning walk to one of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks’ iconic geologic features. We will walk out to the red-faced cliffs of Black Star Canyon.  The early morning light from the sun will make for striking pictures of this geological treat.  We will cross the dry Silverado Creek and examine its effects on the local geology.  Then, we will stop at the red rock cliffs and discuss its formation and its future.  Finally, we will stop at an alluvial fan and talk about how it came to be.  This hike is geared towards families with curious minds.

Rocks are Rad: Geology Hike at Black Star Canyon
Date:
Sun, 04/14/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 03/30/2024
More Information  
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