Take a break and get some fresh air! Join us on a mid-week hike through scenic Quail Hill. This program is for those who just want to get out and hike away the stresses of the week. Enjoy the views and a little quiet time in Irvine’s beautiful Southern Preserve. Several single-track trails, steep climbs and descents are part of the experience. There is over 2700 ft. of climbing elevation accumulated along the route, but it is done with a moderate pace, approximately 3 mph. Distance is 10-12 miles. Bring plenty of water (100 oz. minimum recommended) and wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. Please note, we will be meeting at the Quail Hill Community Center parking lot, not at the Quail Hill Trailhead.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following protective measures during the activity in order to participate:

• Each individual adult must bring with them a signed liability waiver. Minors may be added to the waiver of their respective parent or legal guardian. The form will not be available on site.
• The waiver can be accessed and downloaded for print at home use here:  IRC Liability Waiver 2020.05
• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

Come enjoy a scenic fast-paced  twilight hike in the remote Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve. Our hike climbs steeply from the mouth of Fremont Canyon, past an abandoned coal mine, up to the Fremont Weather Station where winds have been clocked at up to 100 mph. After enjoying the view, we’ll turnaround and hike back the same way to our starting point.

This challenging hike involves steep hills and a 1200’ elevation change but the rewards are sweeping views at the magic hour of twilight, just before and after sunset. Please arrive 15 minutes early and 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.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following protective measures during the activity in order to participate:

• Each individual adult must bring with them a signed liability waiver. Minors may be added to the waiver of their respective parent or legal guardian. The form will not be available on site.
• The waiver can be accessed and downloaded for print at home use here:  IRC Liability Waiver 2020.05
• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

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 faster-paced, fitness-focused, hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. Hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic view of Orange County. This hike travels about 3.5 miles, up to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. This fitness hike is much faster than a walk and some participants may speed walk or run. However, we will remain distanced as a group.

The hike is conducted at about an average of 3-3.5 miles per hour,  Most participants finish the route in about 1 hour.

Note that this paved surface is uneven and eroded. It contains cracks and dips in the road, you may wear regular running or walking shoes. Trail shoes are fine, but not required. You must be mindful while hiking, jogging, or walking. 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.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy is proud to host a Zoom presentation led by Steve Allison with the Allison Lab at Loma Ridge. 

We are pleased to introduce a series of talks surrounding the studies of climate change impacts from soil to landscapes, and lessons learned from the Loma Ridge Global Change Experiment. If you have hiked in the Limestone Canyon Preserve you may have seen the Loma Ridge Experiment site high above East Loma Ridge. Join us to learn more about what research takes place at the research site. Later in the series, learn more about upcoming hikes to tour the site.  

This second presentation in a series of four talks will be presented by Dr. Steven Allison. Microbial Ecology and Climate Change in Southern California.  Professor Allison will introduce the fascinating world of micro-organisms and their surprising connections to climate change in our region. Often unseen, microbes play critical roles in human and environmental health. This talk will cover recent scientific advances in microbial ecology driven by cutting-edge technology and applied in our local landscapes. You will learn how microbes in the environment may help us cope with the challenges of drought and climate change in California.

We are excited to share the complex interactions discovered on the Loma Ridge and beyond.  After registering for this activity you will receive a Zoom link before this event date and time. Thank you for your support of the Irvine Ranch Landmarks.

Enjoy a full moon hike in Baker Canyon on Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. We will travel at an easy pace, allowing time to enjoy our surrounding sights and sounds. This program is for participants who would enjoy a slower paced hike, are in good health and can walk on uneven surfaces in a wilderness environment. Dress in layers, and wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, and bring water and a red tinted flashlight for the hike. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells along with the full moon.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following protective measures during the activity in order to participate:

• Each individual adult must bring with them a signed liability waiver. Minors may be added to the waiver of their respective parent or legal guardian. The form will not be available on site.
• The waiver can be accessed and downloaded for print at home use here:  IRC Liability Waiver 2020.05
• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

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

This week in the Irvine Ranch Open Space, we’ll hike in the remote Fremont Canyon. The hike is just under 6 miles and includes a steep hill. We will hike from the mouth of Fremont Canyon, past a historic coal mine, to the Fremont Weather Station. After enjoying a spectacular view, we will hike back the same way to our starting point. Please bring water, a trail snack, sun screen, hat, and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail and wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes.

Participants must be able to hike 6 miles with an elevation gain of 1200 feet at an average moving rate of 3 miles per hour. Each hiker must carry his/her own water and supplies.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following protective measures during the activity in order to participate:

• Each individual adult must bring with them a signed liability waiver. Minors may be added to the waiver of their respective parent or legal guardian. The form will not be available on site.
• The waiver can be accessed and downloaded for print at home use here:  IRC Liability Waiver 2020.05
• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

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.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following protective measures during the activity in order to participate:

• Each individual adult must bring with them a signed liability waiver. Minors may be added to the waiver of their respective parent or legal guardian. The form will not be available on site.
• The waiver can be accessed and downloaded for print at home use here:  IRC Liability Waiver 2020.05
• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

LAGUNA Coast WP

Ranger Reserve requested to assist with the park’s trail cameras.

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.

Space is limited and priority will be given to those who are preregistered.