Are the regular cardio hikes a little too fast for you? If so, join us  in beautiful Weir Canyon for this slower intro-to- cardio hike that incorporates a little more interpretation.  Along the trail, you’ll pass through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands. Multiple steep climbs and descents are included during the 5 mile hike. Enjoy views of Saddleback Peak and the Cleveland National Forest along the way.

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

Come along with us on this morning 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.

Please come prepared with a sturdy day pack, water, snacks, closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail on this half-day hike in the wilderness area.

Each participant must carry their own day pack and water and be comfortable hiking an average moving pace 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.

In partnership with OC Parks, join Newport Bay Conservancy for a fun-filled parent and child experience including storytelling, a short nature walk, and arts and crafts. $5/child, pre-registration is required by calling 949-923-2269 or emailing info@newportbay.org. Recommended for ages 2-5.

Black Star Canyon offers pleasant introductory trails for beginner hikers and families, and challenging experiences for seasoned trail users. Designated trails are available for self-guided access for hiking, biking and equestrian use by connecting various loops to offer extended exploration throughout the canyons. Take time to explore the local plant communities and beautiful scenery in easy 30-minutes walks or take in 7+ miles in a strong cardio trek.

Parking is limited on Black Star Canyon Road and carpooling is strongly encouraged. All participants are requested to check-in and complete their registration at the Registration Booth prior to accessing the trail system. If you are found to be on the trails without a day use pass you will be immediately directed back to the staging area.

Discover the history found along the trails in beautiful Black Star and Baker Canyons from the back of your horse. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking, and equestrian use, where you can reach several peeks to view the local canyon terrain or meander along single tracks through the thick chaparral brush. Riders who have trail riding experience with a fit and able horse will enjoy choosing routes from easy 30-minute walks to strenuous 7+ mile loops.

There is limited space for equestrian parking along Black Star Canyon Road, carpooling is strongly encouraged. Riders must also have the ability to transport their horse to the staging area. It is a “first come, first serve” for trailer parking and therefore pre-registration and early arrival is HIGHLY recommended. Major crowds are typically present at the very start of the event. There are not typical equestrian amenities at the event such as hitching posts, steps to mount your horse or water troughs. Please be sure to time your arrival accordingly so you have plenty of time to enjoy the trails with your horse.  

Looking for a way to give back to Nature? Craving the crispy sweet smell of the hillsides in summer? 

Then sign up to help behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine!  You will be harvesting seeds from quirky summer wildflowers such as vinegarweed, yellow pincushions, and California buckwheat. 

Just bring a reusable water bottle for yourself,  and all other tools and training with be provided!  You will get introduced to some of our beautiful native plants, and then we’ll get to work.

Reviewing the 1-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this Level 1 activity.

Led by Newport Bay Conservancy on behalf of California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Newport Bay Conservancy Naturalists lead a walk starting at the entrance of Shellmaker Island along Back Bay Drive. There are great opportunities to view shorebirds, waterfowl, and other birds while learning about this important estuary. Please call 949 923-2269 for reservations which are encouraged. Bring sun protection and binoculars if you have them.

Join a guided hike in the beautiful Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park. Come hear a short talk by an IRC volunteer and then join the trails in the meadow.

After our talk, you are welcome to enjoy the trails during Wilderness Access Day: Black Star Canyon.

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

The Newport Bay Conservancy offers a 2-hour guided kayak tour of the Back Bay in the heart of Newport Beach every Sunday. This is one of the best ways to appreciate Upper Newport Bay by getting out on the water. Kayaking in the Newport Beach Back Bay is fun and easy. Tours leaves from the Newport Aquatic Center at 10:00 am. They are great for both novices and experiences paddlers alike.

In partnership with OC Parks, join Newport Bay Conservancy for an easy hike for all ages. Families will learn about the Bay and the trails around it. The hike will start on the patio and will last only an hour — dependent on weather — and will be on both paved and dirt trails. No formal program, as it’s a great introduction to the Bay and a Naturalist will talk about whatever you discover along the way. RSVP by calling 949-923-2269 or emailing info@newportbay.org.

Uncover the mysteries and myths of the mighty bat.

Join Park Ranger Jenn in a family friendly program discovering the truth and cool facts about bats. Learn why we should love our neighborhood bats and why they are so beneficial.
• Program includes a presentation and bat walk. (Bats are not guaranteed)
• Please bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on during presentation.
• Event and parking are both free.
• This is a night program so please dress warmly.

Turn right at the stop sign after the park entrance and
park in Parking Lot A. Meet at the outdoor amphitheater.

Rain will cancel event.

Come explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks in your backyard! This scenic loop hike will involve a few steep climbs with a net gain of about 1000′ but you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the northeastern edge of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. On clear days you can even see Catalina Island and beyond Orange County into the Los Angeles Basin.

Please come prepared with closed toe hiking boots or shoes, water, trail snacks, sun screen, hat, day pack or hip pack, and any other necessary equipment or supplies you might need to keep you safe on this hike.

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

We start our ride on the paved Hicks Haul Road, the extension of Jeffrey Rd north of Portola Pkwy. As we warm up on the climb to the top of the road, we enjoy increasingly beautiful views over Irvine. We then follow Loma Ridge to the East, with fantastic vistas of Orange County, the surrounding wildlands, and even Catalina Island on clear days. From Loma Ridge, we descend on a single track to the Box Spring which provides year-round water for wildlife like deer.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.

Oak trees provide shade and acorns, which the Indians used to grind into acorn meal. We continue to the Sinks, Orange County’s own “Grand Canyon,” where we enjoy our snacks during a short break. On our way back, we ride down on Limestone Ridge, a fun singletrack that leads us towards the Augustine Staging area, enjoying views of Saddleback and Santiago Canyon. From there we will follow the Shoestring Trail to climb back up to Loma Ridge, and then coast back down on the paved Hicks Haul Road to our starting point.

The Newport Bay Conservancy offers a 2-hour guided kayak tour of the Back Bay in the heart of Newport Beach every Sunday. This is one of the best ways to appreciate Upper Newport Bay by getting out on the water. Kayaking in the Newport Beach Back Bay is fun and easy. Tours leaves from the Newport Aquatic Center at 10:00 am. They are great for both novices and experiences paddlers alike.

Please join us at the Community Stewardship Native Plant Nursery located at the Quail Hill Trailhead in Irvine. Help us to seed native shrubs, as well as weed out pesky Russian thistle (tumbleweed) seedlings to ensure the newly planted natives have room to thrive. Your work at the nursery will help to enhance the native habitat and directly benefit the local wildlife!

Seeking Ranger Reserves and OC Parks Volunteers to assist with backcountry patrol of park trails. Patrolling the trails is at times strenuous and will include passing out maps, educating public about importance of keeping their dogs on a leash and making a presence on the trails. Other duties may include repairing broken fencing, checking for graffiti and investigating illegal trail use in Weir canyon. Hours are flexible.