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.
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.
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Monday, November 23, 2015
Orchard Hills Evening Hike

Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12.
Please review the Difficulty Ratings on the banner above before registering. Understanding the 1-through-5 ratings system will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Mid Week Hike: Bommer Canyon

Recharge your batteries with a refreshing mid-week hike through Bommer Canyon. This area was historically a center for cattle operations that occurred in the San Joaquin Hills up until the late 1990s, and is now part of the Open Space Preserve.
This hike involves multiple steep climbs and descents across a variety of trail types, including some narrow singletracks, with 2200+ feet of accumulated climbing elevation, but is done at a moderate pace, approximately 3 mph. Please bring plenty of water, and wear sturdy shoes. Hiking distance is 10-12 miles.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.
Morning Yoga in Bommer Canyon

Join us for this relaxing combination of hiking and yoga in Bommer Canyon. Participants will hike around a 1-mile loop, strolling through the local meadow and finding unity within nature. Then we will return to our yoga mats where we will be led in 45 to 60 minutes of guided yoga, as the canyon slowly warms up for the day.
Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a durable yoga mat to rest on the dirt. An extra cloth or padding is highly recommended, in addition to two towels for yoga positioning assistance. Some mornings are chilly, so dress in layers that are flexible to move in; jeans are not recommended. Remember to wear sun protection for the hike such as a hat and sunscreen.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.
Full Moon Hike – Orchard Hills

If you’ve ever wondered what happens in the open space when the sun goes down, then sign up for the popular full moon hike. Experience the serenity of a moonlit night in Orchard Hills. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.
The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs, but the hike is done at a moderate pace. The effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. This hike is not suitable for children under 12. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, bring water and a flashlight (red tinting preferred).
Please review the Difficulty Ratings on the banner above before registering. Understanding the 1-through-5 ratings system will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Intro Cardio Fitness: Extended Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop

Are the regular cardio hikes a little too fast for you? If so, join us in beautiful Weir Canyon for this slower intro-to- cardio hike that incorporates a little more interpretation. Along the trail, you’ll pass through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands. Multiple steep climbs and descents are included throughout this 6 mile hike. Enjoy views of Saddleback Peak and the Cleveland National Forest along the way.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.
Let’s Go Hiking

Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in partnership with OC Parks. 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 with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. 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, but questions welcome. The terrain can often be rocky and uneven. Participants should bring water, a hat, a snack, and wear proper hiking shoes. Ages 15 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (I-5/405 to 133/Laguna Canyon Rd. S, past El Toro Road intersection, on right-hand side). Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.html. For questions call: 949-497-8324. Parking: $3.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Beginning Fitness Hike in Weir Canyon

Ready for a workout, but not sure where to start? Join us for a fitness-focused hike in Weir Canyon. Along the trail, you’ll pass through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands. The 5 to 5.5 mile hike is conducted at about 3 miles per hour over mainly level trails with opportunity to do one hill with elevation gain of approx. 450 ft.
Trail shoes are fine, but not required. Please bring adequate water!
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Cardio Hike: Limestone

Explore beautiful Limestone Canyon on this fast-paced cardio hike. Along the trail, you’ll pass through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands. Multiple steep climbs and descents are included. Enjoy views of Saddleback Peak and the Cleveland National Forest along the way.
Remember, this cardio hike is much faster than a walk, and features a 1,300-foot elevation change. You must be able to hike uphill at an average pace of 3.5-to-4 mph without stopping. Please make sure you are in excellent physical condition!
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land.
Zumba

Are you ready to try a new exercise that is fun and energetic while enjoying the great outdoors? Come dance to the fantastic aerobic workout, ZUMBA!! Join us as we take on a variety of Latin flavor moves through dancing the Salsa, Maringa, Flamenco and more! Different dance routines feature interval moves from fast to slow rhythms, adding in resistance training to tone and sculpt your body while burning calories. You don’t need to be a professional dancer, just have the drive to try! It’s high energy, it’s zesty…it’s ZUMBA! Please wear comfortable workout clothes, closed toed shoes, bring plenty of water, and be ready to move!
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.
Meditating in Nature

Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in partnership with OC Parks. Relax in nature with park staff and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Enjoy a short walking meditation (1/2 mile), breathing and energization exercises, and sitting meditation. Bring a blanket, pillow, and clothing in layers in case the evening is cool. No experience necessary. Ages 16 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.html. For questions call: 949-497-8324. Parking: $3.