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.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Slow-Paced Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Enjoy an evening fitness hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. During the summer, hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic overview of Orange County.
This hike is done ‘at your own pace’ as a walk, jog or run [speed range typically 2.5 to 3.5mph] so is suitable for beginners who are just starting their fitness program as well as more experienced hikers who are looking for a workout.
This “out-and-back” hike travels the 3.5 mile route to scenic Loma Ridge [800′ elevation gain] and back down with most participants finishing the route in about 1.5 hours.
Family friendly but children must be closely supervised by an adult and either able to hike with the group or carried by strong adult. Strollers OK but contact office for information first.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Family Hike

Enjoy a stress-free early evening hike on Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. We will hike along a flat trail and cross a creek as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer.
The hike will average 2-3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would enjoy a slower paced level hike. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells of early evening
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Tuesday Evening Hike- Orchard Hills

Wind down your day with a beautiful evening hike in the Irvine open space. Enjoy the oncoming night while strolling through the avocado orchard and taking in the stunning views. The evenings are full of fun sounds and smells and this will be a great way to decompress after a busy day. Sunset included. This route includes several steep and difficult climbs, but is done at a moderate pace.
Starry, Starry Night

Come join us for an interactive evening under the stars. Immerse yourself in a scaled down version of our solar system. Test your imagination in naming the constellations. Reenact the struggle between Orion and the Scorpion. The hike will average 2-3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a high level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would like a slower paced level hike.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Irvine Park Trail Run – 8k (Into the Wild)

Our three race series in the summer introduces people of all ages to the exciting world of short distance trail racing. Our evening single loop races will wind its way on a course designed for the beginner trail runner or advanced street racer. Runners will use their skills to run the trails outlining Irvine Park as the sun slowly lowers in the sky. After the race participants will be treated to a concert in the parkas they relax with their family and friends enjoying the sounds and sights of the pleasant summer evenings in Southern California.
Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride

This is a moderately paced Mountain Bike ride for adults with night time (with lights) trail experience who would like to join Conservancy Volunteers on an evening ride through Limestone Canyon, exploring the new Raptor singletrack which takes the ride up to Limestone Ridge for some serious climbing and then down Cactus trail to the Sinks, continuing on to Box Springs and than a short, but challenging, climb up the Box Springs singletrack to Loma Ridge. From Loma Ridge the ride returns to Box Springs via the main trail and back down into Limestone Canyon. Box Springs, located in a densely wooded area and surrounded by mature oaks, and the Sinks are spectacular sites and are a worthwhile reward for this moderately paced ride.
The trail includes natural hazards like sand, tree roots, ruts, rocks, and several tough, steep hills. Experienced riders only. You must have your own mountain bike, helmet, at least 70 oz of water, and snacks if desired. Appropriate mountain bikes have knobby tires, multiple low gears and a front shock. Please do not bring road bikes, beach cruisers, BMX bikes, or attachments to your bike. PLEASE NOTE: Elevation gain is approximately 1178 ft over approximately 8 miles.
Slow-Paced Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Enjoy an evening fitness hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. During the summer, hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic overview of Orange County.
This hike is done ‘at your own pace’ as a walk, jog or run (speed range typically 2.5 to 3.5 mph) so is suitable for beginners who are just starting their fitness program as well as more experienced hikers who are looking for a workout.
This “out-and-back” hike travels the 3.5 mile route to scenic Loma Ridge (450′ elevation gain) and back down with most participants finishing the route in about 1.5 hours.
Family friendly but children must be closely supervised by an adult and either able to hike with the group or carried by strong adult. Strollers OK but contact office for information first.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Family Hike

Enjoy nature with friends and family in Round Canyon. We will hike along a fairly flat trail as we watch for Red-tailed Hawks and Mule Deer.
The hike will average 2-3 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would like a slower paced level hike. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells of the early evening.
Perseids Meteor Shower – Hike & Stargaze

Gear up for this amazing star gazing night as we capture this summer’s meteor shower! Our evening will begin with a 3-mile hike to reach our peak in Baker Canyon. Once at the peak, we will stretch out under the stars to capture one of this season’s spectacular outer galactic shows! We will view the different stars, constellations and tell stories of astronomy folklore as we watch for meteors crossing the night sky.
Perseids Meteor Shower – Viewing Only

Gear up for this amazing star gazing night as we capture this summer’s meteor shower! Our evening will begin with a short one mile hike to warm us up in the cool winter’s air; then we will stretch out under the stars to capture one of this season’s spectacular outer galactic shows! We will view the different stars, constellations and tell stories of astronomy folklore as we watch for meteors crossing the night sky.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Orchard Hills Sunset Hike

Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders through an active avocado orchard 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 sunset. This hike is not suitable for young children.
Perseids Meteor Shower – Hike & Stargaze

Gear up for this amazing star gazing night as we capture this summer’s meteor shower! Our evening will begin with a 1.5-mile hike up the paved Hicks Haul Road which will warm us up in the cool winter’s air; then we will stretch out under the stars to capture one of this season’s spectacular outer galactic shows! We will view the different stars, constellations and tell stories of astronomy folklore as we watch for meteors crossing the night sky.
Celebrate Cultures in Nature – Shooting Star Stories

Discover unique historical tales about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks as we celebrate different cultures together! Each month, a different culture and celebration will be highlighted, usually with the program presented in multiple languages which will allow for everyone to fully enjoy the beauty of the land. This month we will focus on astronomy, constellations and shooting stars! The Perseid Meteor Shower is one of the year’s best star gazing performances and it’s happening this month. Our evening does NOT include a hike but an extended opportunity to stretch out under the night sky. Come listen to folklore stories and legends about the night as we watch for shooting stars to dance across the sky. This program is ideal for families with young children.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Buck Gully’s Shining Stars

Enjoy the beauty of a quiet afternoon in the canyon during this meandering two- mile hike. Buck Gully is the perfect location to observe the sights and sounds of our summer’s evening. On this hike, we may encounter the canyon’s wildlife’s Shining Stars such as tarantulas, darkling beetles, bats, and nocturnal birds like owls and poorwills.
PLEASE NOTE: Poison oak grows in abundance throughout the entire Buck Gully Reserve trail system.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Tuesday Evening Hike- Bommer Canyon

Wind down your day with a hike in the beautiful Irvine open space. Enjoy the evening while hiking the East Fork and Ridge Route loop. This hike is just over 3 miles and experiences 700 feet of total climbing elevation including several short, steep inclines. The evenings are full of fun sounds and smells and this will be a great way to decompress after a busy day. Sunset included.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Irvine Park Trail Run – 8k (Into the Wild)

Irvine Park 8k Series – Our three race series in the summer introduces people of all ages to the exciting world of short distance trail racing. Our evening single loop races will wind its way on a course designed for the beginner trail runner or advanced street racer. Runners will use their skills to run the trails outlining Irvine Park as the sun slowly lowers in the sky. After the race participants will be treated to a concert in the park as they relax with their family and friends enjoying the sounds and sights of the pleasant summer evenings in Southern California.
Slow-Paced Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Enjoy an evening fitness hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. During the summer, hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic overview of Orange County.
This hike is done ‘at your own pace’ as a walk, jog or run [speed range typically 2.5 to 3.5mph] so is suitable for beginners who are just starting their fitness program as well as more experienced hikers who are looking for a workout.
This “out-and-back” hike travels the 3.5 mile route to scenic Loma Ridge [450′ elevation gain] and back down with most participants finishing the route in about 1.5 hours.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Turtle Ridge Sunset Hike

Join us on this evening hike to the top of Turtle Ridge for spectacular sunset views of the Pacific coastline, central Orange County, and surrounding mountain ranges. This four mile out and back hike climbs up a series of switchbacks, mostly gentle but some a bit steeper, to the top of the ridge. As we approach the top, our views become more and more expansive and are incredibly panoramic as we walk along the ridge. Once the sun has set on the Pacific horizon, we retrace our steps and hike back to the staging area. Please bring water and wear sturdy closed-toed shoes. This program is not suitable for young children.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Shhh…Hike, Look and Listen

Would you like to end your day walking quietly through open spaces and wildflowers under the evening sky? Shed the day’s repetitions and join us at dusk for a quiet, meditative two hour “slow walk” into Baker or Blackstar Canyon mindful of all that is happening around us. Wear comfortable clothes and bring some water. Note: Dress weather appropriate and bring flashlights for impending evening darkness.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Sunset Yoga at Orchard Hills

Join us for this combination hiking and yoga program at sunset in Orchard Hills. Participants will hike around a 1-mile loop, strolling through the local orchards and taking in the breathtaking view of our county. Then we will return to our yoga mats where we will be led in 45 to 60 minutes of guided yoga, as the sun slowly sets.
Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a durable yoga mat to rest on the dirt. It is highly recommended that you bring an extra cloth/mat to place under your yoga mat which will help protect it from dirt and seeds. An extra blanket or padding is also highly recommended. Some evenings are chilly, so dress in layers. Please remember to arrive at least 15 minutes early before program start time so you can set up your yoga mat and prepare for our hike. Gates close promptly at start time to ensure plenty of time for yoga.