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.

Avoid the lines and crowds and #optoutside with OC Parks and burn off some of the Thanksgiving calories on a family friendly guided hike. We will walk 2-3 miles along the Bay’s west bluff, keep an eye out for migratory birds, and appreciate anything else nature has to offer.

Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times. Rain will cancel the event.

Walk-in’s welcome, but space is limited, so registration is suggested.

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

Join us for an advanced fast-paced, early morning mountain bike ride through Weir and Fremont Canyons. This is an advanced 12.5 mile mountain bike ride, completed in less than 3 hours and includes 1800 ft of elevation gain. This ride is for experienced, physically fit bikers who enjoy the challenge of multiple steep climbs and descents. There are no rest stops and the average 4 miles per hour fast-pace can be extremely difficult over steep terrain in the wilderness setting.

Please bring a minimum of 100 oz. water and trail snacks.  Come prepared with a pack, spare tubes and tools (in case of flats) and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail for this extreme fast-paced MTB ride in a wilderness area. Each participant must carry his or her own pack and water.  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.

Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space. 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.

Come join us as we hike 5 miles through the lovely Weir Canyon. Before our hike starts a brief introduction to animal tracks and scats will be given. Along our journey, we will be looking for any signs animals might have left behind for us to find. Tracks, scats, and other signs are out there waiting for us to find them!

Please come prepared with plenty (50 oz) of water, closed-toe shoes, and a sturdy hiking backpack.

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 Road. This hike begins on Black Star Canyon County Trail before heading up into the surrounding hills including Silmod trail into Baker Canyon, 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.

Do the majestic oak trees found in our local wild lands fascinate you? Would you like to know more about them, their survival techniques and the relationships they have with the wildlife that resides here? Then come out on this hike in Weir Canyon where we will observe and learn about the wonderful oaks in our ecosystem. This will be a moderate hike and a highly interpretive activity. There will be several stops along our 7-mile round trip journey into the lower and upper portions of Weir Canyon, revered for its protected oak woodlands.

Please come prepared with a sturdy day pack, water, snacks, closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, 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 (minimum of 64 oz. recommended) and be comfortable hiking an average moving pace of 3 miles per hour. The canyon may be cool during the return portion of the hike, dressing in layers is advised.

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

Highly experienced mountain bikers can explore one of the most rugged and remote areas of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks from the trails of Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve on this moderately paced intermediate ride.  Fremont Canyon remains one of the most wild places in Orange County, with a diversity of rare plants and animals, and this ride includes natural trail hazards such as sand, tree roots, ruts, and exposed rocks.  PLEASE NOTE: there are multiple very steep climbs, with an approximate elevation gain of 3,500 feet over 19 miles.  This hard ride is for expert adult-only riders in excellent physical condition who will be rewarded with the remote wonders of Fremont Canyon.

Please review the Difficulty Ratings to help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-5 activity on the land. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for recreational use.

Join us on the Landmarks for an equestrian trail ride through the northwestern historic section of the old Irvine Ranch; now part of the Irvine Ranch Open Space known as the Weir Canyon Preserve, featuring the old oxen trail from San Juan Capistrano. Discover Robber’s Roost and the thick grasslands under some of the oldest live oaks on the historic Ranch. Places where Juan Flores and his gang rumored to hideout and look for his enemies traveling the route by wagon or horseback. Red-tailed hawks, bobcats and mule deer call this canyon home and are sure to greet us along our adventure.

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

Come join us for a fun themed craft project anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.!

Crafty Kids Sunday features FREE craft activities in the Muth Interpretive Center’s Discovery Classroom.

All ages are welcome, recommended for ages 2 to 10 years old. No registration is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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

Join us for an easy, stroller friendly walk along Upper Newport Bay to enjoy all the sights, sounds, and smells of fall. We will stay on the paved Bayview Trail and pause frequently to observe birds, wildflowers, 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 will cancel the event.

Walk in’s welcome, but space is limited, so advance registration is suggested.

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

Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space. 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.

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 Staff. Bring gloves and water if you have them. Sun protection is important and be ready to work up a sweat as we mend our trails for all to enjoy!

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Kelley at Kelley.Brugmann@ocparks.com

Join us every Monday 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 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!