Come enjoy a leisurely paced, 2-3 mph, hike in the Irvine Open Space. Get to know the nature around you as we explore Orchard Hills at that magic time just before and after sunset. We will walk around an avocado orchard that borders on the natural open space. Far-reaching views from the highest point reward your effort.

This Orchard Hills route is around 3 miles and includes several climbs. Please be prepared with water and closed toe sturdy shoes or boots, and all other necessary elements to keep you healthy on the trail.

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

Recharge your batteries with a refreshing mid-week hike through Bommer Canyon. This area was historically a center for cattle operations that occurred in the San Joaquin Hills up until the late 1990s, and is now part of the Open Space Preserve.

This hike involves multiple steep climbs and descents across a variety of trail types, including some narrow singletracks, with 2200+ feet of accumulated climbing elevation, but is done at a moderate pace, approximately 3 mph. Please bring plenty of water, and wear sturdy shoes. Hiking distance is 10-12 miles.

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

Could use a boost of  living colors? Looking for a way to give back to Nature?

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 beautiful native spring wildflowers, like California Poppies and Arroyo Lupines. Absolutely no experience or special equipment required!

Please note our Minors Policy as noted on the letsgooutside.org website:  All minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. They must also (both parent and minor) be registered for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy led program they wish to attend.

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

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. Please wear long pants, close toed shoes and sun protection and bring water. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy! Big Bend Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 1 miles south of El Toro Rd.). Youth ages 16 and 17 are eligible to volunteer with parent permission. A form is required to be signed by their parent or guardian prior to starting the volunteer activities. Youth under the age of 16 are not eligible to volunteer unless accompanied by an adult or guardian. On line reservations required: lagunacanyon.org/activities Forms available on this webpage as well. For questions, call 949-497-8324 Mon-Fri or 949-923-2235 Sat/Sun. Parking: Free for volunteers!

Join us for this relaxing combination of hiking and yoga in Bommer Canyon. Participants will hike around a 1-mile loop, strolling through the local meadow and finding unity within nature. Then we will return to our yoga mats where we will be led in 45 to 60 minutes of guided yoga, under the canopy of sycamores. Our yoga practice will be gentle in nature, moving and flowing with ease.

Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a durable yoga mat to rest on the dirt. An extra cloth or padding is highly recommended, in addition to two towels for yoga positioning assistance. Some mornings are chilly, so dress in layers that are flexible to move in; jeans are not recommended. Remember to wear sun protection for the hike such as a hat and sunscreen.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.

The Youth Action Team, an after school community-service based program throughout the City of Irvine regularly volunteers their time to steward the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. This week, middle school students will spend their afternoon helping out at the Native Seed Farm! Stewardship activities can include harvesting native seed, weeding, and planting. Please help lead this group and provide a wonderful experience they will never forget!

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.

Join us for a strenuous, extremely challenging, fast-paced, afternoon cardio hike starting in Limestone Canyon. Along the way we’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Orange County and possible wildlife sightings.
This is a 8 mile cardio hike, completed in 2.5 hours and includes a 1750+ foot elevation change. This hike is for experienced, physically fit hikers who enjoy the challenge of multiple steep climbs and descents.

There are no rest stops on this approximately 8 mile cardio hike, and the average 3.5-4 mile per hour fast-pace can be extremely difficult over steep terrain in the wilderness setting.

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

The hike is conducted at about 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!

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

This week in the Irvine Open Space, we’ll be in Bommer Canyon, once part of the historic Irvine cattle ranch where corrals and ranch equipment still stand. The hike is a seven-mile loop with some climbing, but rewards you with fantastic views overlooking the ocean 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 loop through the Laguna Coast Wilderness and back to Cattle Camp.

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

PLEASE NOTE: This is a Fitness Hike; pace is approximately a 19–minute mile. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this moderate, fast-paced, 6.5-mile hike (700-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Ages 18 and up. Not for beginners. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd. east to end; meet at the gate.) Online reservations required: http://www.lagunacanyon.org/activities For questions, call 949-497-8324 Mon-Fri or 949-923-2235 Sat/Sun. Parking: Free.

Invading weeds degrade habitat for birds and other wildlife. Help us keep wildlife healthy by weeding artichoke thistle from the Quail Hill loop in Irvine. This activity takes place on uneven terrain and sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. All training, tools, and gloves will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort. Rattlesnakes are occasionally seen here and generally avoid people, but protective gear will be provided.

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

Please join us at the Native Plant Nursery located at the Augustine Staging Area. This is a unique opportunity to help plant coastal sage scrub plant species. All work at the nursery is community-driven, and the plants grown and planted will help to enhance native habitat within Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve! We will be working in close proximity to the parking area. 

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

Explore Limestone Canyon by night on this intermediate mountain bike night ride. We will ride out of Augustine, up Loma Ridge, down to The Sinks, and along Limestone Ridge or Limestone Valley, depending on the group. Please plan for a distance between 10-12 miles. Please arrive early as it will get dark quickly.

Trails include natural hazards such as sand, tree roots, exposed rocks, and ruts.  Expect several steep climbs on this 12-mile ride with an elevation gain of 2,600 feet.  This night ride is for experienced adult riders.  Lights required. Electric Mountain Bikes of any class or type are not permitted.

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 fitness hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. This hike is done at your own pace as a walk, jog, or run (speed range typically 2.5 to 3.5 mph), so is suitable for beginners who are just starting their fitness program as well as more experienced hikers who are looking for a workout. This out-and-back program travels the 3.5 mile route to scenic Loma Ridge (450′ elevation gain) and back down, with most participants completing the route in about 1.5 hours. The hike is family-friendly, but children must be closely supervised by an adult and able to hike with the group, or be safely carried by a strong adult or secured in a jogging stroller. This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.

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

Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.

The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.

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

Join us on this epic hike through the scenic canyons and along the ridges of Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. This distance hike involves multiple steep climbs and descents on a variety of trails, both double and single track. Though very challenging, the rewards are well worth the effort – a visit to Dripping Springs, both sides of The Sinks, and Box Springs; possible wildlife sightings and sweeping views of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains.

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.

All participants must carry their own day pack and water and be comfortable hiking an average moving pace of 3 miles per hour.  Please make sure you bring a minimum of 100 oz. (3 quarts) of water and trail snacks. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to this program.

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