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 16 Events

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Fremont Distance Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Fremont Distance Hike

**Due to trail closures, this hike is being rerouted. It will not be the full 16 mile loop but an out and back to “Mini Moab”. The hike will be shortened to 14 miles with 2900 feet of elevation gain.**

Join us for an extremely challenging and strenuous hiking adventure in the scenic Fremont Canyon Wilderness Area. This 16-mile loop hike is for experienced, physically fit distance hikers. The hike is on fire/SCE dirt roads with numerous significantly steep, unrelenting climbs and descents. We hike the entire rim of Fremont Canyon, passing by an abandoned coal mine, the Fremont Weather Station and the remnants of a rare stand of Tecate cypress. Along the way we’ll have sweeping views of Orange County, the Santa Ana Mountains and surrounding mountain ranges.

Fremont Distance Hike
Date:
Sat, 05/03/2025
Time:
7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
16 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Mountain Bike Ride at Fremont and Weir Canyons to Sierra Peak

Mountain Biking
Mountain Bike Ride at Fremont and Weir Canyons to Sierra Peak

Join us in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a challenging docent-led mountain bike ride for very experienced off-road riders in excellent cardio shape through Fremont and Weir Canyons to Sierra Peak.

We will climb out of Irvine Regional Park on Coal Mine Road to the Fremont Canyon Weather Station and then continue on past the Tecate Cypress grove, Lizard Rock and Mini-Moab on the way to Sierra Peak . We will return to the staging area via much of the same route but will finish by riding through Upper Blind Canyon to Weir Canyon.

Mountain Bike Ride at Fremont and Weir Canyons to Sierra Peak
Date:
Sat, 05/10/2025
Time:
7:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
25 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Animal Signs and Tracks in Fremont Canyon

Interpretive
Animal Signs and Tracks in Fremont Canyon

Come search for evidence that animals leave behind in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Mule deer, bobcats, coyotes and even mountain lions call this hidden canyon home. Gain the basic tracking techniques as we search for evidence such as tracks, fur, bones, homes, and even scat. You never know what you may find! Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting a little dusty. This program is focused on older children and adults.

Animal Signs and Tracks in Fremont Canyon
Date:
Sat, 05/10/2025
Time:
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
17 of 20
More Information  

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Wildfire Awareness Series: Tecate Cypress Stewardship

Stewardship
Wildfire Awareness Series: Tecate Cypress Stewardship

Spend the morning watering and nurturing Tecate Cypress trees at the Fremont Staging area and learn about its unique relationship with wildfire. Please be aware that you may be instructed to use tools for this activity such as but not limited to, pliers, mallets, trowels and shovels.

Wildfire Awareness Series: Tecate Cypress Stewardship
Date:
Tue, 05/13/2025
Time:
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
3 of 4
More Information  

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Thursday Morning Trek: Fremont Canyon

Hiking & Fitness
Thursday Morning Trek: Fremont Canyon

This week in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, we’ll hike in the remote Fremont Canyon. The hike is just under 6 miles and includes a steep hill. We will hike from the mouth of Fremont Canyon, past a historic coal mine, to the Fremont Weather Station. After enjoying a spectacular view, we will hike back the same way to our starting point. Please bring water, a trail snack, sun screen, hat, and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail and wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes.

Thursday Morning Trek: Fremont Canyon
Date:
Thu, 05/22/2025
Time:
7:30 am - 10:30 am
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/07/2025
More Information  

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Early Morning Hike: Fremont Canyon

Hiking & Fitness
Early Morning Hike: Fremont Canyon

Come enjoy an early morning hike in Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Our hike climbs steeply from the mouth of Fremont Canyon, past an abandoned coal mine up to the Fremont Weather Station where winds have been clocked at up to 100 mph. After enjoying the view, we’ll hike back the same way to our starting point. This hike involves steep hills and a 1200’ elevation change but the rewards are panoramic views of Orange County, the Santa Ana Mountains and surrounding areas as well as possible wildlife sightings. Please arrive 15 minutes early; the entrance gate will be shut and locked 5 minutes before start of the activity. Be sure to come prepared with a sturdy day pack, water, snacks, closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail.

Early Morning Hike: Fremont Canyon
Date:
Sun, 05/25/2025
Time:
6:30 am - 9:00 am
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/10/2025
More Information  

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Enjoy Nature’s Story, Vistas, and Special Places – Mini Moab Tour

Hiking & Fitness
Enjoy Nature's Story, Vistas, and Special Places - Mini Moab Tour

Join us for a tour to the dramatic sandstone outcrops known as “Mini Moab”. We’ll hike out-and-back along the high ridges overlooking Fremont Canyon. Along the way we’ll pass an abandoned coal mine, the Fremont Canyon Weather Station, and Lizard Rock. Bring a snack to enjoy while taking in the views at our destination. Distance is 14 miles with 2900 feet of elevation gain at an average of 3 mph – designed for advanced hikers. Periodic brief breaks are planned. Participants must be physically fit and have distance hiking experience.

Enjoy Nature's Story, Vistas, and Special Places - Mini Moab Tour
Date:
Tue, 05/27/2025
Time:
7:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
14 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/12/2025
More Information  

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Fremont Distance Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Fremont Distance Hike

**Due to trail closures, this hike is being rerouted. It will not be the full 16 mile loop but an out and back to “Mini Moab”. The hike will be shortened to 14 miles with 2900 feet of elevation gain.**

Join us for an extremely challenging and strenuous hiking adventure in the scenic Fremont Canyon Wilderness Area. This 16-mile loop hike is for experienced, physically fit distance hikers. The hike is on fire/SCE dirt roads with numerous significantly steep, unrelenting climbs and descents. We hike the entire rim of Fremont Canyon, passing by an abandoned coal mine, the Fremont Weather Station and the remnants of a rare stand of Tecate cypress. Along the way we’ll have sweeping views of Orange County, the Santa Ana Mountains and surrounding mountain ranges.

Fremont Distance Hike
Date:
Sat, 06/07/2025
Time:
7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
16 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/23/2025
More Information  

Mountain Bike Ride at Fremont and Weir Canyons to Sierra Peak

Mountain Biking
Mountain Bike Ride at Fremont and Weir Canyons to Sierra Peak

Join us in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a challenging docent-led mountain bike ride for very experienced off-road riders in excellent cardio shape through Fremont and Weir Canyons to Sierra Peak.

We will climb out of Irvine Regional Park on Coal Mine Road to the Fremont Canyon Weather Station and then continue on past the Tecate Cypress grove, Lizard Rock and Mini-Moab on the way to Sierra Peak . We will return to the staging area via much of the same route but will finish by riding through Upper Blind Canyon to Weir Canyon.

Mountain Bike Ride at Fremont and Weir Canyons to Sierra Peak
Date:
Sat, 06/07/2025
Time:
7:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
25 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/23/2025
More Information  

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Open Space Invaders: Invasive Plant Removal at Santiago Creek

Stewardship
Open Space Invaders: Invasive Plant Removal at Santiago Creek

Non-native and invasive plant species are invading our native habitat and open spaces. They aggressively compete with our native plants for resources and spreads rapidly once established. Monitoring, management, and removal of these plant species is an important aspect of land management and habitat restoration.

Help us to manage populations of invasive plants and remove them from the habitat. No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to work outside and get dirty! Snake chaps, gloves, and tools will be provided but please feel free to bring your own if you have them. Please wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, close toed shoes, and protective sun protection. Note: This is a wilderness area, there are natural hazards. Snakes, including rattlesnakes, are occasionally seen here.

Open Space Invaders: Invasive Plant Removal at Santiago Creek
Date:
Wed, 06/11/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/27/2025
More Information  

Saturday, June 14, 2025

Animal Signs and Tracks in Fremont Canyon

Interpretive
Animal Signs and Tracks in Fremont Canyon

Come search for evidence that animals leave behind in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Mule deer, bobcats, coyotes and even mountain lions call this hidden canyon home. Gain the basic tracking techniques as we search for evidence such as tracks, fur, bones, homes, and even scat. You never know what you may find! Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting a little dusty. This program is focused on older children and adults.

Animal Signs and Tracks in Fremont Canyon
Date:
Sat, 06/14/2025
Time:
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 05/30/2025
More Information  

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

High School Youth Action Team: Tecate Cypress and Coast Live Oaks Stewardship

Stewardship
High School Youth Action Team: Tecate Cypress and Coast Live Oaks Stewardship

Spend the morning watering and nurturing Tecate Cypress trees and Coast Live Oak seedlings at the Fremont Staging area. Please be aware that you may be instructed to use tools for this activity such as but not limited to, pliers, mallets, trowels and shovels.

High School Youth Action Team: Tecate Cypress and Coast Live Oaks Stewardship
Date:
Tue, 06/17/2025
Time:
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
14
More Information  

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Twilight Cardio Hike: Fremont Canyon Coal Mine

Hiking & Fitness
Twilight Cardio Hike: Fremont Canyon Coal Mine

Come enjoy a scenic evening cardio hike in the remote Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Our hike climbs steeply from the mouth of Fremont Canyon, past an abandoned coal mine, up to the Fremont Weather Station. After enjoying the view, we’ll turnaround and hike back the same way to our starting point.

This challenging hike involves steep climbs and a 1200’ elevation gain but the rewards are sweeping views of Fremont at sunset. Please arrive 15 minutes early and come prepared with a sturdy pack, water, closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail.

Twilight Cardio Hike: Fremont Canyon Coal Mine
Date:
Wed, 06/18/2025
Time:
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/03/2025
More Information  

Sunday, June 22, 2025

Moderate-Paced Mountain Bike Ride: Fremont, Blind, Weir Canyon

Mountain Biking
Moderate-Paced Mountain Bike Ride: Fremont, Blind, Weir Canyon

Experienced mountain bikers can explore one of the most rugged and remote areas of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space from the trails of Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve on this moderate-paced ride through Fremont, Blind, and Weir Canyons. Fremont Canyon remains one of the most wild places in Orange County, with a diversity of rare plants and animals. This ride includes natural trail hazards such as sand, tree roots, ruts, and exposed rocks.  PLEASE NOTE: there are multiple very steep climbs, with an approximate elevation gain of 2,000 feet over 15 miles.  This hard ride is for adult-only riders in excellent physical condition who will be rewarded with the beautiful vistas. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for recreational use.

Moderate-Paced Mountain Bike Ride: Fremont, Blind, Weir Canyon
Date:
Sun, 06/22/2025
Time:
8:00 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
5
Distance:
15 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/07/2025
More Information  

Twilight Cardio Hike: Fremont Canyon Lakeview

Hiking & Fitness
Twilight Cardio Hike: Fremont Canyon Lakeview

Come enjoy a scenic evening cardio hike in the remote Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Our hike climbs steeply from the mouth of Fremont Canyon along the Lakeview Trail overlooking Irvine Lake. Upon reaching our turnaround point, we’ll head back the same way, descending to our starting point. This challenging hike involves steep climbs and an 1100’ elevation gain but the rewards are sweeping views of Fremont at sunset. Please arrive 15 minutes early and come prepared with a sturdy pack, water, closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail.

Twilight Cardio Hike: Fremont Canyon Lakeview
Date:
Sun, 06/22/2025
Time:
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
4.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/07/2025
More Information  

Sunday, June 29, 2025

Early Morning Hike: Fremont Canyon

Hiking & Fitness
Early Morning Hike: Fremont Canyon

Come enjoy an early morning hike in Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Our hike climbs steeply from the mouth of Fremont Canyon, past an abandoned coal mine up to the Fremont Weather Station where winds have been clocked at up to 100 mph. After enjoying the view, we’ll hike back the same way to our starting point. This hike involves steep hills and a 1200’ elevation change but the rewards are panoramic views of Orange County, the Santa Ana Mountains and surrounding areas as well as possible wildlife sightings. Please arrive 15 minutes early; the entrance gate will be shut and locked 5 minutes before start of the activity. Be sure to come prepared with a sturdy day pack, water, snacks, closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail.

Early Morning Hike: Fremont Canyon
Date:
Sun, 06/29/2025
Time:
6:30 am - 9:00 am
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 06/14/2025
More Information