Welcome back to the wonderful outdoors!

Get out there with OC Parks Resource Specialist Gray and other budding hikers on an intermediate hike at Black Star Canyon. This hike begins on Black Star Canyon trail before heading up into the surrounding hills including Silmod, where we’ll take in incredible views of Irvine Lake and the surrounding canyons. Total hike is approximately 3 miles. At hike completion, Gray will share his local knowledge of nearby intermediate-level trails to consider exploring on your next adventure. Please come prepared with sunscreen, plenty of water and closed-toe shoes.

Join us for an easy, stroller friendly walk along Upper Newport Bay to enjoy all the sights, sounds, and smells of summer. We will stay on the paved Bayview Trail and pause frequently to observe birds, plants, insects, and any other wildlife that happens to be present.

Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times.

Current CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be observed.

Rain or heat advisory will cancel the event.

Advance registration required.

For more information call (949) 923-2277 or email nathan.taxel@ocparks.com

Come join a leisure bird walk as we search to see which early birds catch the worms. Stroll through the park searching high in the oaks and sycamores for our flittering friends and low in the scrubs for the bouncing birds. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting our feathered friends!

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist, Kelley Brugmann at 714-973-6625 or Kelley.Brugmann@ocparks.com

Discover the hidden canyons and trails found on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. These seldom-hiked trails offer fantastic vista views, secluded oasis of oaks and rising rocky outcrops. Come take a stroll along the trails to discover the hidden gems of Orange County. We will listen to tales of how the geology was formed underfoot to tales of the plants and animals that call these protected habitats home. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for our hike as well as bring proper sun protection and water.

Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon under a full moon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space. We’ll experience mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic sunset 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.

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.

Join us for an exhilarating morning fitness hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. This hike is a 6-mile route as a group – which is conducted at the speed of about 3.0 to 3.5 miles per hour.

The group may spread out for social distance reasons but generally will remain together for the entire hike.

The footing on the asphalt paved road is smoother than dirt roads and single-track trails normally found in Limestone Preserve but is beginning to show its age with cracks, crevices, and an occasional dip. Otherwise, the terrain is smooth, so this is a great hike for anyone who wants a “wilderness experience” without getting dirty! We will have two fairly steep hill ascents and descents. Along the way, you will have sweeping views of much of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains. Various animals, like hawks, deer, and lizards are also frequently seen in this area.

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

• 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.
  • Bring and make use of recommended facial coverings.
  • Facial coverings are also recommended during the activity.
  • Maintain proper physical distancing, a minimum of 6 feet, between yourself and all other members of the group at all times.
  • A contact-less arrival and sign-in process will be utilized to diminish touching and sharing items.
  • 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

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

Be inspired by both the natural beauty and recent history of Buck Gully as we explore the public reserve and the collaboration that made it possible. Buck Gully is a natural coastal canyon that opened to the public in 2012 with the installation of four bridges to provide safe public access. The bridges allow exploration of the entire Buck Gully Reserve, and also provide unique vantages and viewing platforms from which to pause and observe the abundant life in and around the stream that runs through the gully year-round. Our guided program starts with a short walk from the Oasis Senior Center to the beginning of the Buck Gully trail, with a visually dramatic entrance into this special canyon. We’ll cross two bridges on the first section of our walk, and then enter the canopied singletrack portion of the trail as we pass by the third bridge. At the fourth and last bridge, we will pause to enjoy the shaded beauty of this hidden refuge, and then retrace our route back to the Oasis.

This month we will focus on a Chinese celebration called Mid-Autumn Festival. This fun night of celebration enjoys the middle of autumn with lanterns and lion dances. Come and enjoy an evening hike on the Waterworks Trail in Fermont Canyon.

Discover unique historical tales about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks as we celebrate different cultures together! Each month, a different culture and celebration will be highlighted, usually with the program presented in multiple languages which allows everyone to fully enjoy the beauty of the land.

Fall in love with Santiago Oaks Regional Park by hiking on the first day of Autumn! The new season begins at 12:21 p.m. on September 22, 2021, which starts the shift to shorter days of light. As the canyon begins to adjust to the approaching cooler weather, the plants and animals find ways to survive the winter season. Join a naturalist as we search for signs of winter! Bring binoculars if you have them, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water.

Program is free though there is a Park Entrance Fee per entry vehicle.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist, Kelley Brugmann at 714-973-6625 or Kelley.Brugmann@ocparks.com