The activities below are offered by a variety of organizations and their dedicated volunteers. All programs are FREE unless noted below. Programs led by IRC-Certified Volunteers require pre-registration, which closes at 4 p.m. on the day prior to the event. No walk-up registrations will be permitted for these events. For policies of other organizations, please use the sign-up information provided. For mobility device policies click here.
Note: Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for these events. For programs requiring online registration, each adult and child must be registered. |
Need help? For the fastest answers, look for organization-specific contact information in each event listing (click More Information for full listing). If no contact information is listed, email info@irconservancy.org for assistance.
Click here to learn more about IRC-Certified Volunteers. • Click here to learn more about the Difficulty Ratings.
Search & Filter Activities
Saturday, July 27, 2024
Wilderness Access Day: Saddleback Wilderness
![Hiking & Fitness](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-hiking-fitness.png)
Access is first come first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.
Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com to coordinate parking.
Come explore 3.3 miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy one-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.
Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for your experience in the wilderness area.
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Perseids Meteor Hike at Saddleback Wilderness
![Interpretive](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-interpretive.png)
Come take a tour of the night sky under the year’s most spectacular meteor shower of the year (the Perseids Meteor Shower) while hiking in the Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will explore the importance of dark skies and the use of stars for navigation, by wildlife and our ancestors. Please dress in layers, bring water, and come prepared with a pack, sturdy closed-toed hiking shoes or boots, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Each participant should carry their own pack and water. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to this activity. All flashlights must have a red lens or red tinting.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-1 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.
Saturday, August 24, 2024
Wilderness Access Day: Saddleback Wilderness
![Hiking & Fitness](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-hiking-fitness.png)
Access is first come first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.
Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com to coordinate parking.
Come explore 3.3 miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy one-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.
Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for your experience in the wilderness area.
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Hiking 101: Trail Tips for Beginners – Saddleback Wilderness
![Hiking & Fitness](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-hiking-fitness.png)
Hiking is a great way to connect to nature and stay healthy and active. If you are new to the outdoors, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Come out to the Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, and start your hiking journey, or continue your existing one, on the right foot. Hiking 101 will help you understand gear, build your knowledge and skills and provide tips to assist you out on the trails. We will lead you through the basics of hiking: defining your hiking goals, packing appropriately, understanding and minimizing risks, and practicing proper trail etiquette. The activity will include a packing demonstration and a hike through our wildlands. No experience is necessary for this activity.
Monday, September 9, 2024
Hot Birds of Summer in Saddleback Wilderness – Bird Walk
![Interpretive](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-interpretive.png)
It’s easy to think many of the birds we see and hear look and act the same. But do they? Bring your binoculars and join us on a slow/medium paced walk in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, as we search for resident and visiting birds of the local coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, riparian, and grassland habitats. We will discuss the diverse features of the birds we observe and how they match the season, their habitat and lifestyle. We will travel mostly on ranch roads, usually without shade. Beginners to advanced bird enthusiasts are welcome. Please wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and bring water, along with sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen. Bring a small birding field guide if you have one. A few binoculars will be available to borrow.
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
After Work Cardio Hike in Saddleback Wilderness
![Hiking & Fitness](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-hiking-fitness.png)
Join us for a fast-paced, introduction to cardio hiking in the Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Along the way, we’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Orange County and possible wildlife sightings. This is a 3.5-mile cardio hike, completed in less than 1.5 hours and includes a 350+ foot total elevation gain. This hike is for physically fit hikers who enjoy the challenge of a faster paced outdoor experience. There are no rest stops, and the average 3.5 mile per hour pace can be difficult in the wilderness setting. Please bring a minimum 32 oz. of water. Come prepared with a pack, sturdy closed-toed hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Each participant must carry his or her own pack and water. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to this activity.
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Wilderness Access Day: Saddleback Wilderness
![Hiking & Fitness](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-hiking-fitness.png)
Access is first come first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.
Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com to coordinate parking.
Come explore 3.3 miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy one-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.
Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for your experience in the wilderness area.
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Wilderness Access Day: Saddleback Wilderness
![Hiking & Fitness](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-hiking-fitness.png)
Access is first come first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.
Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com to coordinate parking.
Come explore 3.3 miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy one-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.
Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for your experience in the wilderness area.
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Wilderness Access Day: Saddleback Wilderness
![Hiking & Fitness](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-hiking-fitness.png)
Access is first come first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.
Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com to coordinate parking.
Come explore 3.3 miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy one-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.
Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for your experience in the wilderness area.
Saturday, December 28, 2024
Wilderness Access Day: Saddleback Wilderness
![Hiking & Fitness](https://irlandmarks.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/activity-icon-hiking-fitness.png)
Access is first come first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.
Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com to coordinate parking.
Come explore 3.3 miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy one-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.
Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for your experience in the wilderness area.