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 21 Events

Saturday, September 14, 2024

Yiking Red Rock Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Yiking Red Rock Wilderness

Enjoy a 3+ mile hike and gentle yoga practice in beautiful Red Rock Wilderness Area. The hike will traverse through part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, with an elevation gain of approximately 500′, and will be a nice warm up for a gentle morning yoga flow under a shaded canopy of trees. Please bring water, your own yoga mat and large beach towel. Mats will not be provided; mats will remain in your car while hiking. Closed-toe shoes, water, hats and sunscreen recommended for the hike, sandals to change into after yoga.

Yiking Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Sat, 09/14/2024
Time:
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
3
Minimum Age:
13
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Enjoy Nature’s Story, Vistas, and Special Places – Intro Hike in Red Rock Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Enjoy Nature's Story, Vistas, and Special Places - Intro Hike in Red Rock Wilderness

Join us on a slow-paced hike along the back-country ridges and valleys of Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We’ll travel mostly on rough old ranch roads passing by woodlands of majestic oak trees and expanses of Coastal Sage Scrub. Enjoy wonderful ridge-top vistas. Total round trip distance is 6 miles with an elevation gain of 1000 feet at an average moving rate of 2.0-2.5 miles per hour. Some of the hills are strenuous and we will take breaks as needed. Participants should be in good hiking condition and have previously completed a similar distance hike. Please come prepared with a backpack, plenty of water (at least 1 liter), snacks, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid kit, and all 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.

Enjoy Nature's Story, Vistas, and Special Places - Intro Hike in Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Tue, 09/17/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
12 of 20
More Information  

Saturday, September 21, 2024

Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness

Special Events
Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness

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.

Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Sat, 09/21/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
Variable
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
150 of 250
More Information  

Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness, Equestrian

Equestrian
Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness, Equestrian

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.

Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness, Equestrian
Date:
Sat, 09/21/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
Variable
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Thursday Morning Trek in the Red Rock Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Thursday Morning Trek in the Red Rock Wilderness

Take in stunning views of the surrounding hillsides and hike atop the iconic red rocks at the newly opened Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.

This morning hike will guide visitors through beautiful hills and valleys to the top of the infamous red rocks and past a model airplane field. Spectacular views of Irvine Lake and the Irvine Ranch Open Space will be enjoyed along the way.

Thursday Morning Trek in the Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Thu, 09/26/2024
Time:
7:00 am - 10:30 am
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
7.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 09/11/2024
More Information  

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Yiking Red Rock Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Yiking Red Rock Wilderness

Enjoy a 3+ mile hike and gentle yoga practice in beautiful Red Rock Wilderness Area. The hike will traverse through part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, with an elevation gain of approximately 500′, and will be a nice warm up for a gentle morning yoga flow under a shaded canopy of trees. Please bring water, your own yoga mat and large beach towel. Mats will not be provided; mats will remain in your car while hiking. Closed-toe shoes, water, hats and sunscreen recommended for the hike, sandals to change into after yoga.

Yiking Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Sat, 09/28/2024
Time:
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
13
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 09/13/2024
More Information  

Thursday, October 3, 2024

The Lure and Lull of Red Rock Wilderness Equestrian Ride

Equestrian
The Lure and Lull of Red Rock Wilderness Equestrian Ride

Take a leisurely equestrian ride through beautiful Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, home of oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub.  View beautiful geological formations and see plants that are native to our area.  You will be touring the beautiful Natural Landmarks. Equestrians must have their own horse, trail riding experience, and the ability to transport their horse to the staging area.

The Lure and Lull of Red Rock Wilderness Equestrian Ride
Date:
Thu, 10/03/2024
Time:
9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
7 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 09/18/2024
More Information  

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Enjoy Nature’s Story, Vistas, and Special Places – Beginner Hike in Red Rock Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Enjoy Nature's Story, Vistas, and Special Places - Beginner Hike in Red Rock Wilderness

Embark on a leisurely beginner’s hike among the easy rolling hills of Red Rock Wilderness, nestled within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Traverse the rugged terrain on former ranch roads, surrounded by the woodlands, grand oak trees and the vast stretches of Coastal Sage Scrub. Total round-trip distance is 3 miles with an elevation gain of 200 feet at an average moving rate of 2.0-2.5 miles per hour. Please come prepared with a backpack, plenty of water, snacks, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid kit, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Each hiker must carry their own water and supplies.

Enjoy Nature's Story, Vistas, and Special Places - Beginner Hike in Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Tue, 10/08/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 10:30 am
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 09/23/2024
More Information  

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Nature Hike at Red Rock Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Nature Hike at Red Rock Wilderness

Visit Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, and explore OC Parks’ newest trails! This slow-paced hike offers an approachable experience for all skill levels to embrace their senses and explore the local flora and fauna. The hike will cover 3 to 4.5 miles with elevation gain. Hike through a variety of habitats then up a single-track trail with switchbacks and elevation gain to different overlook points with a spectacular view of Orange County.

Nature Hike at Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Wed, 10/09/2024
Time:
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
4.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 09/24/2024
More Information  

Friday, October 11, 2024

Distance Hike into Red Rock Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Distance Hike into Red Rock Wilderness

Come along with us on this scenic distance hike across Loma Ridge into the newly opened Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.  This hike involves numerous ups and downs on groomed and maintained trails and is done at a moderate moving pace of around 3 mph. As we pass across the top of the Red Rocks, the panoramic view of the surrounding area is nothing short of spectacular.

Distance Hike into Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Fri, 10/11/2024
Time:
7:00 am - 12:30 pm
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
11.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 09/26/2024
More Information  

Friday, October 18, 2024

Morning Hike at Red Rock Wilderness

Interpretive
Morning Hike at Red Rock Wilderness

Explore Red Rock Wilderness and hike OC Parks’ newest trails!

Learn about native plants and animals that can be found in the area and take in beautiful panoramic views of Black Star Canyon, Santiago Canyon and Irvine Lake. This moderate hike on unpaved dirt trails is approximately 5 miles round trip with 500 feet of elevation gain. We’ll cover many topics including birding, history, geology and native plants while taking breaks to enjoy the views.

Participants should come prepared with water, snacks, sun protection and sturdy walking shoes. Rain or adverse weather conditions will cancel the program. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

Morning Hike at Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Fri, 10/18/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 10/03/2024
More Information  

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness

Special Events
Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness

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.

Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Sat, 10/19/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
Variable
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 10/04/2024
More Information  

Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness, Equestrian

Equestrian
Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness, Equestrian

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.

Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness, Equestrian
Date:
Sat, 10/19/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
Variable
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 10/04/2024
More Information  

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Spooky Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Red Rock Wilderness

Interpretive
Spooky Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Red Rock Wilderness

Curious to learn about the plants among us, who’s sus and who’s not? Join us for a (spooky) hike at Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, to look at local flora, talk about native and non-native species and learn how different plants impact our ecosystem. Learning to identify plants is a great way to cultivate knowledge about local flora and fauna!

Spooky Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Thu, 10/31/2024
Time:
9:00 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
6
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 10/16/2024
More Information  

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Enjoy Nature’s Story, Vistas, and Special Places – Beginner Hike to Top of Red Rock Ridge

Hiking & Fitness
Enjoy Nature's Story, Vistas, and Special Places - Beginner Hike to Top of Red Rock Ridge

Embark on a leisurely beginner’s hike among the easy rolling hills of Red Rock Wilderness, nestled within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Traverse the rugged terrain on former ranch roads, surrounded by the woodlands, grand oak trees and the vast stretches of Coastal Sage Scrub. We’ll use small trails to ascend to the top of Red Rock Ridge for grand views. Total round-trip distance is 3.5 miles with an elevation gain of 500 feet at an average moving rate of 2.0-2.5 miles per hour. Please come prepared with a backpack, plenty of water, snacks, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid kit, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Each hiker must carry their own water and supplies.

Enjoy Nature's Story, Vistas, and Special Places - Beginner Hike to Top of Red Rock Ridge
Date:
Tue, 11/05/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 10:30 am
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 10/21/2024
More Information  

Saturday, November 16, 2024

Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness

Special Events
Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness

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.

Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Sat, 11/16/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
Variable
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 11/01/2024
More Information  

Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness, Equestrian

Equestrian
Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness, Equestrian

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.

Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness, Equestrian
Date:
Sat, 11/16/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
Variable
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 11/01/2024
More Information  

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Thursday Morning Trek in the Red Rock Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Thursday Morning Trek in the Red Rock Wilderness

Take in stunning views of the surrounding hillsides and hike atop the iconic red rocks at the newly opened Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.

This morning hike will guide visitors through beautiful hills and valleys to the top of the infamous red rocks and past a model airplane field. Spectacular views of Irvine Lake and the Irvine Ranch Open Space will be enjoyed along the way.

Thursday Morning Trek in the Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Thu, 11/21/2024
Time:
7:30 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
7.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 11/06/2024
More Information  

Friday, November 29, 2024

Distance Hike into Red Rock Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Distance Hike into Red Rock Wilderness

Come along with us on this scenic distance hike across Loma Ridge into the newly opened Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.  This hike involves numerous ups and downs on groomed and maintained trails and is done at a moderate moving pace of around 3 mph. As we pass across the top of the Red Rocks, the panoramic view of the surrounding area is nothing short of spectacular.

Distance Hike into Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Fri, 11/29/2024
Time:
7:00 am - 12:30 pm
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
11.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 11/14/2024
More Information  

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness

Special Events
Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness

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.

Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Sat, 12/21/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
Variable
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 12/06/2024
More Information  
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