Activities and Programs

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks at one of our Land Tending days 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, 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, East side of SR-133/Laguna Canyon Rd.)   

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 are 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. 

Please be aware this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers to raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast paced 6-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with a 1,150-ft. elevation gain.

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

Location: Willow Staging Area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (West side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).

Parking: $3/car at Willow Staging Area parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 4/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are 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 with any questions.

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

Join OC Park naturalists for story time and short hike with your little ones (ages 3-6) as we explore owls! We will look at some owl biofacts and even open up an owl pellet!

Age: 3-6. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.   

Location: James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.).  

Parking: $3/car at James Dilley Preserve parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.  

Difficulty Rating: 1/5   

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection.   

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 shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions.  

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

Join OC Park and LCF Naturalists as we make our own gratitude journals using scrapbooking supplies before embarking on meditative hike to Barbara’s Lake. 

Age: 12 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: $3/car 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, and sun protection.   

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 shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions.  

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

Spot local native and seasonal resident birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteer naturalists on this slow and easy 2-mile hike over moderate but uneven terrain with up to 100 feet in elevation gain. We will go through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States. No experience necessary! 

Age: 12 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  

Location: James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.). 

Parking: $3/car at James Dilley Preserve parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged. 

Difficulty Rating: 2/5  

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection. Binoculars are 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 with any questions. 

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

Come join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteer naturalists in partnership with OC Parks to learn about the seasonal life of California Native Plants on this enjoyable 2.5-mile hike (175-ft. elevation gain) over moderately uneven terrain. 

Age: 12 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  

Location: James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.). 

Parking: $3/car at James Dilley Preserve parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged. 

Difficulty Rating: 2/5  

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are 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 with any questions. 

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

New to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park? Whether you’re a volunteer, a new hiker, or simply curious about this wild and beautiful landscape, join us for a welcoming orientation hike that will help you get your bearings—both on the trails and in the ecosystem.

This guided hike is designed to introduce you to key landmarks, trail connections, scenic viewpoints, and the incredible wildlife and native plants that call this place home. Along the way, we’ll share tips for exploring and stewarding the land responsibly. Perfect for first-time visitors, new volunteers, or anyone who wants to feel more at home in the coastal canyons.

This is an easy-paced hike to Barbara’s Lake from the Nix Nature Center, climbing Edison trail to an overlook of the lake and mountain views (approximately 3 miles, minimal elevation gain). This trail is a very popular trail for families and hikers that want to visit the only natural lake in Orange County, Barbara’s Lake.

Age: 12 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 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, and sun protection.

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.

Please be aware this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers to raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 7.2-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with a 1,150-ft. elevation gain.

Please plan to arrive a few minutes early. This group leaves promptly at 8:30 a.m.

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: $3/car at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 4/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are 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 with any questions.

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

Join this teen and ‘tween youth-friendly hike (minimum age 10) departing from Nix Nature center into the pristine habitat of Shady Canyon. We’ll hike 5 miles on a mix of single-track trails and old ranch roads. Our hike will start with a climb that rewards us with spectacular views of the surrounding hills. We will then enter the backcountry of Shady Canyon and its mature Coastal Sage Scrub community, then finally return along the ridge with fantastic views overlooking Laguna Canyon. 

Scout groups and non-scouts are welcome!

About the Hike 

This hike has an elevation gain of 1,000 feet and we’ll be moving at a moderate rate of 2–3 miles per hour with frequent brief stops as we encounter native plants and signs of animals. Some of the hills are strenuous and we will take breaks as needed. Participants must be in good physical condition, have a good attitude, and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes.  

Learning Objectives 

Brief trailside presentations will cover skills useful for independently enjoying the open spaces during wilderness access days including map & compass use, animal & plant identification, hazards & safety, Leave No Trace principles, and conservation service project opportunities.  

Specifics for Scouts 

Each registered Scouting program adult volunteer may sign up as a household with up to four participating youth under their supervision. Scouting program participants will have the opportunity for experiential learning in the following areas:  

• Girl Scouts USA journeys: Trail Adventure, Eco Trekker
• ScoutsBSA requirements: 2nd class 3a–c, 4; 1st class 4b, 5a; Nature merit badge 4–6

Age: 10 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. See ‘Specific for Scouts’ section above for exceptions. 

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

Parking: $3/car at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged. 

Difficulty Rating: 3/5  

Materials: Please come prepared with the trail essentials: a backpack, plenty of water (at least 1 liter), snacks, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sun protection, first aid kit, and any other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Each hiker must carry their own water and supplies. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to the event. 

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. 

Join OC Park and LCF Naturalists as we make our own thankfulness journals before embarking on a gratitude hike to Barbara’s Lake. 

Age: 7 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: $3/car at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.  

Difficulty Rating: 1/5   

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection.  

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 shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions.  

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

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteer naturalists in partnership with OC Parks to enjoy an easy, 2.5-mile Family Hike over moderate but uneven terrain (45-ft. elevation gain). Starting at the James Dilley Preserve, we will hike one of the most diverse areas of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park to Barbara’s Lake and back.  

Age: 6 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  

Location: James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.). 

Parking: $3/car at James Dilley Preserve parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged. 

Difficulty Rating: 2/5  

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are 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 with any questions. 

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

Please be aware this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers to raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, moderately paced, 6.6-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with a 1,200-ft. elevation gain.

Please plan to arrive a few minutes early. This group leaves promptly at 8:30 a.m.

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

Location: Ridge Park, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Meet at the end of Ridge Park Road/Trail Entrance. 

Parking: Free neighborhood parking. Please park legally. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 4/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are 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 with any questions.

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

Join us at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters’ native plant nursery as we care for native plants from their seed stage to their mature, ready-to-be planted stage. Volunteers may collect seeds, sow seeds in flats, bump plants up, plant at restoration sites, sterilize plant containers, and generally help maintain the nursery. Gain hands-on experience with habitat restoration while working alongside other zany and interesting plant lovers!  

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 for Native Plant Nursery volunteers! 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 or dulce@lagunacanyon.org with any questions. 

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

If you use the Wilderness Parks for hiking, biking, photography or just relaxing, Trail Work might be right up your alley! Get up close and personal with the trails you use; you’ll see them in a whole new way. No experience necessary. This is FUN hard work. Whatever your skill level is, there is a job to do: clearing drains to get the water off the trail, pruning vegetation back to keep users on the trail, moving dirt to rebuild eroded tread, and restoring impacted areas are just some of the tasks we will accomplish. 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 4 miles while carrying tools.  

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

Location: James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.).   

Parking: Free parking for volunteers at James Dilley Preserve parking lot. 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. 

Do you want to take a hike with other nature enthusiasts? Enjoy a 3.8-mile, moderate (600-ft. elevation gain) hike through Laurel and Willow Canyons led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in partnership with OC Parks. You will experience a variety of plant communities, from Coastal Sage Scrub to Oak Woodland and enjoy a view of the ocean at the top. Minimal interpretation is provided, but questions are welcome. The terrain can often be rocky and uneven.

Age: 12 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Willow Staging Area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (West side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).

Parking: $3/car at Willow Staging Area parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 3/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are 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 with any questions.

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

The rocks of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park tell a story dating back millions of years. Join OC Park and LCF volunteers as they take you on a journey through history. You will discover volcanic intrusions, explore rock formations 40 million years old, and experience the only naturally occurring lake in Orange County. This program starts at the Nix Nature Center where we will discuss the rock formations of Orange County for about one hour. Then we will head out on trail, where we will be hiking and exploring about 1 mile up Little Sycamore Trail. The program will end with an easy walk to Barbara’s Lake, making our hike about 3 miles total over relatively flat terrain. 

Age: 7 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: $3/car 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, and sun protection.  

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. 

New to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park? Whether you’re a volunteer, a new hiker, or simply curious about this wild and beautiful landscape, join us for a welcoming orientation hike that will help you get your bearings—both on the trails and in the ecosystem.

This guided hike is designed to introduce you to key landmarks, trail connections, scenic viewpoints, and the incredible wildlife and native plants that call this place home. Along the way, we’ll share tips for exploring and stewarding the land responsibly. Perfect for first-time visitors, new volunteers, or anyone who wants to feel more at home in the coastal canyons.

This hike is approximately 4.2 miles long and has 660 feet of elevation gain, and includes views of the beautiful rock formations in the Canyon, the expanse of the South Coast Wilderness, and surrounding features.

Age: 12 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 volunteers at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 3/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection.

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.

Please be aware this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers to raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, moderately paced, 6.2-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with a 850-ft. elevation gain.

Please plan to arrive a few minutes early. This group leaves promptly at 8:30 a.m.

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

Location: Willow Staging Area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (West side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).

Parking: $3/car at Willow Staging Area parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 4/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are 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 with any questions.

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

Explore the different patterns that nature designs on a guided hike before designing your own mosaic!  

Age: 12 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.   

Location: Willow Staging Area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (West side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).  

Parking: $3/car at Willow Staging Area parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.  

Difficulty Rating: 1/5   

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection.   

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 shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions.  

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

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. 

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.