Activities and Programs

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.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all participants, volunteers, and employees. Certain offensive behaviors, including problematic language or attacks based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or veteran status will not be tolerated. Participating in certain offensive behaviors may lead to dismissal from activities.
    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.

Updated Difficulty Ratings: The Hiking and Fitness Difficulty Ratings have been updated to reflect our current activities. Please click below to read the ratings.

Click here to learn more about IRC-Certified Volunteers.    •   Click here to learn more about the Difficulty Ratings.

Search & Filter Activities

Found 6 Events

Friday, July 25, 2025

Nature Journaling at Night

Interpretive
Nature Journaling at Night

Nature journaling is a wonderful tool for nature observations, creating lasting memories, and making deeper connections with nature. Enjoy the transition from sunset to night during this activity.

Build upon your own sense of place to maximize mindfulness and relaxation. Each session will cover the basics of art theory and practices, journal anatomy, and immersing your senses in the wonders of nature. Bring a nature journal and your own art materials such as pencils, pens, or watercolors. A portable chair is recommended along with dressing appropriately for the weather, water, and snacks. Be prepared to move along the trail a short distance and sit to document the beauty around you.

Nature Journaling at Night
Date:
Fri, 07/25/2025
Time:
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where:
Saddleback Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 07/10/2025
More Information  

Saturday, July 26, 2025

Wilderness Access Day: Saddleback Wilderness

Special Events
Wilderness Access Day: Saddleback Wilderness

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 info@irconservancy.org 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.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Saddleback Wilderness offers designated trails 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.

Saddleback Wilderness is located at 3066 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA.

Wilderness Access Day: Saddleback Wilderness
Date:
Sat, 07/26/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Saddleback Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
More Information  

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Wilderness Access Day: Saddleback Wilderness

Special Events
Wilderness Access Day: Saddleback Wilderness

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 info@irconservancy.org 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.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Saddleback Wilderness offers designated trails 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.

Saddleback Wilderness is located at 3066 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA.

Wilderness Access Day: Saddleback Wilderness
Date:
Sat, 08/23/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Saddleback Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
More Information  

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

After Work Cardio Hike in Saddleback Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
After Work Cardio Hike in Saddleback Wilderness

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.

After Work Cardio Hike in Saddleback Wilderness
Date:
Wed, 09/17/2025
Time:
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Where:
Saddleback Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 09/02/2025
More Information  

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Naturalist Hike at Saddleback Wilderness

Interpretive
Naturalist Hike at Saddleback Wilderness

Join us for a naturalist hike at Saddleback Wilderness with The City of Santa Ana Wilderness Club. The Wilderness Club is a family friendly group (ages 7 and up) which aims to increase community wellness by providing access to local wildlife areas and encouraging ecological awareness. IRC staff will be leading a hike teaching about the native ecosystem and safe hiking practices. Volunteers will be providing necessary support such as managing parking, opening and closing gates, sweeping, and providing additional support.

Naturalist Hike at Saddleback Wilderness
Date:
Sat, 09/20/2025
Time:
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Saddleback Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
7
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 09/05/2025
More Information  

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Wilderness Access Day: Saddleback Wilderness

Special Events
Wilderness Access Day: Saddleback Wilderness

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 info@irconservancy.org 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.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Saddleback Wilderness offers designated trails 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.

Saddleback Wilderness is located at 3066 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA.

Wilderness Access Day: Saddleback Wilderness
Date:
Sat, 09/27/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Saddleback Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
More Information