Orange County may not experience the same seasons as the rest of the country, but signs are there if you know where to look!

Join an OC Parks resource specialist for a walk through Irvine Regional Park to look for the subtle signs that herald an Orange County spring.

This program will begin at parking lot G near the Habitat Adventure Trail.

This is a slow-paced, 2-mile walk along Horseshoe Loop Trail with some elevation gain. Water, sturdy footwear and water are recommended. This hike is not recommended for very small children or strollers. Children must be accompanied by a guardian at all times during the program.

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.

Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is recommended.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Enjoy the relaxation of riding in the wilderness on empty trails. Join us on this docent-led mountain bike ride through Weir Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will ride a figure eight route, primarily on ranch roads, but also will ride two non-technical singletrack trails. The route is approximately 10 miles long with 1800 feet of climbing and includes a 1.5 mile climb that ascends 650 feet.

This is a slow-paced ride designed for the beginner-intermediate rider that has experience riding on climbing/descending trails and wants to further develop their bike riding abilities. This ride can also be enjoyed by more advanced riders looking for a relaxed ride in a beautiful setting. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for use in the Nature Preserve.

A special opportunity for experienced Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers: join us to gain new trail skills as we construct a rock-armored drain on Old Emerald Trail. Rock armoring is one of the best ways to address erosion on steep trails. This work requires patience and precision. If you have volunteered for trail stewardship with LCF 5 or more times, and want to add to your skill set, this event is for you. We will also be addressing tread issues and completing naturalization. There will be a 30-minute lunch break (lunch provided). We will be using tools such as loppers, picks, shovels, and McLeod’s to improve the user experience, protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of our trails. Expect to hike up to 3 miles while carrying tools.

We have limited space for this event. Please only register for either April 19th or May 17th.

To register, please email Trails Project Manager Craig Dicht at craig@lagunacanyon.org. Registration will close on Monday, May 12th, 2025.

Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters (10 Phillips St. Laguna Beach, CA 92651, East side of highway 133)

Parking: Free parking for Trail Stewardship volunteers at LCF Headquarters. Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 3/5

Materials: Participants must bring at least 3 liters of water, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sun protection. Gloves and tools are provided. Feel free to bring your own gloves if you prefer!

Safety precautions and protocols:

Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org, craig@lagunacanyon.org, and nicholas@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

Enjoy self-guided access in the southern portion of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve. The entire southern Open Space Preserve trail network will be open for self-guided hiking and biking from 8 am to 2 pm. This includes the single-tracks in Shady Canyon and Bommer Canyon that are reserved for guided activities only. Registration is not required for this event, though it is shown on the website. If you need driving directions, please use the online registration to receive a map and instructions for getting to Bommer. The Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp will be available for parking, but please take note that your vehicle must be removed from the Cattle Camp area by 2 pm.

Come explore OC Parks’ newest trails at Red Rock Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Red Rock Wilderness features more than 8 miles of new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding along with a scenic overlook that offers 360-degree views of the nearby iconic red rocks, Black Star Canyon Wilderness, Irvine Lake, Santiago Canyon and beyond. 3 miles of multi-use trails within Loma Ridge Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, will also be accessible for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Visitors will have the opportunity to provide voluntary feedback about Red Rock Wilderness through on-site participation surveys and offer naming suggestions for several unnamed trails.

Rain or inclement weather will cancel the program. Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

Come explore OC Parks’ newest trails at Red Rock Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Red Rock Wilderness features more than 8 miles of new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding along with a scenic overlook that offers 360-degree views of the nearby iconic red rocks, Black Star Canyon Wilderness, Irvine Lake, Santiago Canyon and beyond. 3 miles of multi-use trails within Loma Ridge Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, will also be accessible for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Visitors will have the opportunity to provide voluntary feedback about Red Rock Wilderness through on-site participation surveys and offer naming suggestions for several unnamed trails.

Rain or inclement weather will cancel the program. Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

Get ready for a FUN, all ages, Nature Scavenger Hunt, put on by OC Parks staff and volunteers.

The day will consist of locating a series of interpretive tables and posts that have been “hidden” along the trails around the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. We will have hands-on, educational activities and prizes for those that complete the scavenger hunt.

The program is designed for ages 7-12, but all are encouraged to participate. Kick off is 9:30am, and the event concludes at 12:30pm. You may arrive at any point during this time window. The scavenger hunt itself takes roughly 45 minutes to complete.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather will cancel the event.

Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ups are welcome.

Join OC Parks at the annual spring open house at Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens!

Tucked away amidst a live oak grove on the banks of Santiago Creek lies the century-old home of one of the most famous Shakespearean actresses of the late Victorian era – Madame Helena Modjeska. Designed in 1888 by renowned New York architect Stanford White, it’s one of two National Historic Landmarks in Orange County.

Enjoy Shakespearean performances by the Modjeska Shakespeare Players, live music performances by The Orange Town Revival and docent-led tours of the iconic home and grounds. You can even taste one of the famous caramel and marshmallow Modjeska candies!

This event is free with free parking, but reservations are required due to limited parking on-site.

This registration is for the 10:00am to 12:00pm session.

If you are looking for the 12:00pm to 2:00pm session, please use this web address: https://letsgooutside.org/activities/2025/05/17/modjeskas-spring-open-house-1200pm-to-200pm/

If you are looking for the 2:00pm to 4:00pm session, please use this web address: https://letsgooutside.org/activities/2025/05/17/modjeskas-spring-open-house-200pm-to-400pm/

Visitors to Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm are first greeted by the Demonstration Garden, filled with lush shrubs, bushes, and flowers. Our garden hosts a variety of native plant species which support a healthy local ecosystem! Join us as we provide inspiration and guidance for creating a regionally suitable plant garden for your own home.

Join OC Parks at the annual spring open house at Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens!

Tucked away amidst a live oak grove on the banks of Santiago Creek lies the century-old home of one of the most famous Shakespearean actresses of the late Victorian era – Madame Helena Modjeska. Designed in 1888 by renowned New York architect Stanford White, it’s one of two National Historic Landmarks in Orange County.

Enjoy Shakespearean performances by the Modjeska Shakespeare Players, live music performances by The Orange Town Revival and docent-led tours of the iconic home and grounds. You can even taste one of the famous caramel and marshmallow Modjeska candies!

This event is free with free parking, but reservations are required due to limited parking on-site.

This registration is for the 12:00pm to 2:00pm session.

If you are looking for the 10:00am to 12:00pm session, please use this web address: https://letsgooutside.org/activities/2025/05/17/modjeskas-spring-open-house-1000am-to-1200pm/

If you are looking for the 2:00pm to 4:00pm session, please use this web address: https://letsgooutside.org/activities/2025/05/17/modjeskas-spring-open-house-200pm-to-400pm/

Join OC Parks at the annual spring open house at Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens!

Tucked away amidst a live oak grove on the banks of Santiago Creek lies the century-old home of one of the most famous Shakespearean actresses of the late Victorian era – Madame Helena Modjeska. Designed in 1888 by renowned New York architect Stanford White, it’s one of two National Historic Landmarks in Orange County.

Enjoy Shakespearean performances by the Modjeska Shakespeare Players, live music performances by The Orange Town Revival and docent-led tours of the iconic home and grounds. You can even taste one of the famous caramel and marshmallow Modjeska candies!

This event is free with free parking, but reservations are required due to limited parking on-site.

This registration is for the 2:00pm to 4:00pm session.

If you are looking for the 10:00am to 12:00pm session, please use this web address: https://letsgooutside.org/activities/2025/05/17/modjeskas-spring-open-house-1000am-to-1200pm/

If you are looking for the 12:00pm to 2:00pm session, please use this web address: https://letsgooutside.org/activities/2025/05/17/modjeskas-spring-open-house-1200pm-to-200pm/

Enjoy an afternoon family hike in Agua Chinon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We hike a gradual climb of 500 ft elevation as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer.  This activity originates in the City of Irvine and travels into Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. The hike will average 3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would enjoy a slower-paced gradual climb hike. Hikers should be in good health able to do a beginning hike over a variety of terrains. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells of early evening.

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. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy!

Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651, East side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133).

Parking: Free parking for Keep It Wild volunteers at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sun protection. Gloves and tools are provided.

Safety precautions and protocols:

Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

As the day starts to settle into the night in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, bats awaken, stir and streak into the evening sky. Come hear fascinating tales of our flying mammal. We will head out towards a popular roosting location as we watch our nighttime heroes begin their nightly adventures. This program is ideal to visually observe the bats in flight, though bat detectors are available to listen for their high-frequency calls. Be prepared to walk about 1/2 a mile. Dress warmly as it may be a chilly evening. A camping chair is welcome as we will have a short introductory presentation in the staging area before the walk.

The title says it all. This is your chance to venture deep in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. Join us for a challenging and beautiful adventure. Hike distance is up to 14 miles and is designed for advanced hikers. Participants must be physically fit and have distance hiking experience. Singletrack trails, steep climbs and descents are numerous. Over 2800 feet of accumulated climbing elevation is experienced on this route.

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

Join us Sunday morning in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a fitness-focused hike on the Hicks Haul Road, West Loma and Shoestring trails in Limestone Canyon. Hikers will enjoy wonderful views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. The hike starts at Hicks Haul Road staging area and will cover a distance of 8 miles, about 5 miles of the hike is on paved surface and rest on trails. Participants are expected to hike close to 3 miles per hour and come prepared with closed toe hiking boots or shoes, water, trail snacks, sunscreen, hat, day pack or fanny pack, and any other necessary equipment or supplies you might need to keep you safe on this hike.

Enjoy miles of lush oak studded canyons, fascinating rock formations and sweeping views from the Overlook Trail in the tranquility of the Weir Canyon back country, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. On a clear day we’ll be rewarded with glorious views of the San Gabriel and Santa Ana mountains. This is a fitness hike and features an 1800 ft accumulated elevation gain. There are multiple steep climbs and steep descents. Please make sure you are in excellent physical condition! You must be able to hike uphill at an average pace of 3 mph without stopping. A backpack and water are required. Please bring snack, sun screen, hat and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes.

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation at one of our Land Tending days in Berns Canyon Preserve 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, hand watering, seed collection, and/or planting of native plants. No experience is necessary. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy!

Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters (10 Phillips St. Laguna Beach, CA 92651, West side of highway 133)

Parking: Free parking for Land Tending volunteers at LCF Headquarters. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and sun protection. Gloves and tools are provided. Long sleeves recommended.

Safety precautions and protocols:

Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or marjorie@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

Come enjoy an easy, 2.5-mile hike over easy but uneven terrain with approximately 50 feet of elevation gain. We will have interpretive stops along the way to learn about the Bay, as well as the plants and animals that call it home. We will be moving at a moderate pace.

Please bring water, snacks, and sun protection as needed. This program is geared towards those 8 and up. Individuals 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may cancel the program.

Walk-ups are welcome, but advance registration is recommended.