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Friday, May 10, 2024

Twilight Fitness Hike in Limestone Canyon

Hiking & Fitness
Twilight Fitness Hike in Limestone Canyon

Limestone Canyon is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Join us for an afternoon, moderately paced, 5.5-mile fitness hike. The hike may include a few short rest stops along the way and will be a great introduction to fitness, cardio-style hikes as well as OC Parks’ magnificent Irvine Ranch Open Space.  Views of Limestone Canyon, and the surrounding wilderness, from Limestone Ridge will be the highlight of our tour.

Twilight Fitness Hike in Limestone Canyon
Date:
Fri, 05/10/2024
Time:
5:30 PM - 7:45 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/25/2024
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Bommer Canyon East Fork and Ridge Route Loop Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Bommer Canyon East Fork and Ridge Route Loop Hike

Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic views overlooking the city of Irvine and the hillsides to the north. This hike is just over 3 miles and includes 700 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition and should be able to hike steep hills.

Bommer Canyon East Fork and Ridge Route Loop Hike
Date:
Fri, 05/10/2024
Time:
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/25/2024
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Fantastic Flora

Interpretive
Fantastic Flora

Discover what’s popping up in color on the Irvine Ranch! The annual wildflowers are giving a nice showing along the trails this year. Let’s search for the rainbow as we take an evening stroll along the land.

Fantastic Flora
Date:
Fri, 05/10/2024
Time:
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
1
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/25/2024
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Saturday, May 11, 2024

FREEKS Ride: Clockwise

Mountain Biking
FREEKS Ride: Clockwise

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. Climb challenging State Spur to Cathedral Rock, and then descend into Fremont Canyon while passing some of Orange County’s most spectacular geological formations. The ride continues out to Mini-Moab and then over to Sierra Peak, passing the Tecate Cypress forest, then past Sierra Peak, and over to the last descent down through historic Black Star Canyon. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for use in the Nature Preserve. 

FREEKS Ride: Clockwise
Date:
Sat, 05/11/2024
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 04/26/2024
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Fremont Loop Distance Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Fremont Loop Distance Hike

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 Loop Distance Hike
Date:
Sat, 05/11/2024
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 04/26/2024
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Intro to Cardio Hike: Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop

Hiking & Fitness
Intro to Cardio Hike: Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop

Thinking the cardio hikes might be too fast for you? If so, join us in beautiful Weir Canyon for this slightly slower introduction to cardio hiking. Along the trail, you’ll pass through coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and oak woodlands where deer and bobcats are frequently observed. Multiple steep climbs and descents, and sweeping views, are included throughout this 6-mile hike. Please make sure you are in excellent physical condition! Even though this is a slower cardio hike, it is faster than a walk. You must be able to hike 3+ miles per hour the entire time without stopping.

Intro to Cardio Hike: Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop
Date:
Sat, 05/11/2024
Time:
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/26/2024
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Demonstration Garden Maintenance: Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Demonstration Garden Maintenance: Native Seed Farm

Visitors to IRC’s Native Seed Farm are first greeted by our Demonstration Garden, providing inspiration for regionally suitable plant gardens. Our garden hosts a variety of native plant species which support a healthy local ecosystem! Join in and help at our Garden Maintenance Day. Our tasks each day are to be determined, but we’ll be tackling whatever jobs are a top priority to keep our Garden teeming with native plant life. Weeding, clearing, cutting, digging, watering, whatever it takes! Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, long periods of standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.

Demonstration Garden Maintenance: Native Seed Farm
Date:
Sat, 05/11/2024
Time:
7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/26/2024
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Restoration Day: Weeding

Stewardship
Restoration Day: Weeding

Calling all weed warriors! Lend a helping hand to help improve native habitat in Irvine Regional Park. Dedicate the morning to weeding current and future restoration sites and help our native plants and shrubs thrive. This month will be focused on removing Emex spinosa, also known as spiny Emex or devil’s thorn. Ouch!

Bringing strong gardening gloves, trail snacks, water, sun protection and wearing clothes you don’t mind getting dirty are highly recommended.

Program and parking are free. Please let the front entrance booth park attendant know you are registered for this program. This program will meet outside of the Irvine Regional Park Nature Center and then proceed to the restoration site.

Advance registration required.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Restoration Day: Weeding
Date:
Sat, 05/11/2024
Time:
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Where:
Irvine Regional Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
10
Spaces Left:
15 of 15
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Agua Chinon and the Sinks Exploration Day

Special Events
Agua Chinon and the Sinks Exploration Day

Please note: Preregistration is required due to limited parking capacity.

Start your weekend off by exploring the Agua Chinon wash and the Sinks through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided trail use in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Trail routes vary in distance and level of difficulty with choices ranging from easy one-hour walks to a strenuous 9.5-mile trek. Whether traveling by feet or on two wheels, this exploration day is a treasure waiting to be discovered by hikers and mountain bikers alike. Visitors to the Open Space during this activity are able to hike or bike to the West and East Sinks viewing areas.

Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for this challenging hiking and biking opportunity.

Agua Chinon and the Sinks Exploration Day
Date:
Sat, 05/11/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
Variable
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/26/2024
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Trail Stewardship – Lizard

Trail Work
Trail Stewardship – Lizard

If you use the wilderness parks for hiking, biking, photography or just relaxing, Trail Work might be right up your alley! Get up close and personal with the trails you use; you’ll see them in a whole new way. No experience necessary. This is FUN hard work. Whatever your skill level is, there is a job to do: clearing drains to get the water off of the trail, pruning vegetation back to keep users on the trail, moving dirt to rebuild eroded tread, and restoring impacted areas are just some of the tasks we will accomplish. We will be using tools such as loppers, picks, shovels, and McLeods to improve the user experience, protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of our trails. Expect to hike up to 4 miles while carrying tools. Gloves and tools provided.

Please note: For safety reasons, we limit the number of participants for this event. If after you reserve your spot, you realize you cannot attend, please cancel your reservation and/or contact antonio@lagunacanyon.org so that the reservation will be available for another volunteer.

Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:

Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org is required for this event. No walk-ups. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration, please email antonio@lagunacanyon.org for availability.
Each individual adult must sign the liability waiver – provided by the lead volunteers – when they arrive at the event.
Participants must be at least 16 years old and those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A waiver, provided on arrival, must be signed by each participant at the start of the program.
Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection.
In an effort to protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Lizard trail

Rendezvous location: Cul-de-sac by Pacific Ridge Trailhead at the end of Ridge Park Rd in Newport Beach

Link to location on Google Maps

Please note: Wet or muddy trail conditions may lead to cancellation of this event.

Trail Stewardship – Lizard
Date:
Sat, 05/11/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
16
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Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Come explore OC Parks’ newest trails at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Gypsum Canyon Wilderness features six miles of new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Two lookout points offer sweeping views of the surrounding canyons and unique prehistoric rock formations, while seven new trails provide multiple loop options that vary in distance and range from easy to moderate in difficulty.

Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is comprised of protected and preserved native habitats that a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, red-tailed hawks, California gnatcatchers and bobcats, call home. Visitors will have the opportunity to provide voluntary feedback about Gypsum Canyon Wilderness through on-site participation surveys and offer naming suggestions for several unnamed trails.

Advance registration is required.

 

Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Date:
Sat, 05/11/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where:
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 12:00am on 05/03/2024
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Family Hike: Mesa

Interpretive
Family Hike: Mesa

Enjoy nature with friends and family on the Mesa. We start our program by climbing a small hill at an easy pace to reach the top. Once up on the mesa, we will hike along a fairly flat trail as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer.  The hike averages 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 hike. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells of the early evening.

Family Hike: Mesa
Date:
Sat, 05/11/2024
Time:
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2.5 miles
Minimum Age:
6
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/26/2024
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Starry, Starry Night

Interpretive
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 hike. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike. This activity is designed with kids ages 5 – 12 in mind but, everyone is welcome.

Starry, Starry Night
Date:
Sat, 05/11/2024
Time:
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
6
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/26/2024
More Information  

Sunday, May 12, 2024

Sunday Fitness Hike at Hicks Haul

Hiking & Fitness
Sunday Fitness Hike at Hicks Haul

Join us Sunday morning in OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a fitness-focused hike on the Hicks Haul Road, West Loma and Shoestring trails in Limestone Canyon. Hikers will enjoy wonderful views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. The hike starts at Hicks Haul Road staging area and will cover a distance of 8.5 miles, about 5 miles of the hike is on paved surface and rest on trails. Participants are expected to hike close to 3 miles per hour and come prepared with closed toe hiking boots or shoes, water, trail snacks, sunscreen, hat, day pack or fanny pack, and any other necessary equipment or supplies you might need to keep you safe on this hike.

Sunday Fitness Hike at Hicks Haul
Date:
Sun, 05/12/2024
Time:
6:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
8.5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/27/2024
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Weir Canyon Fitness Hike: Oaks to Overlook Loop

Hiking & Fitness
Weir Canyon Fitness Hike: Oaks to Overlook Loop

Enjoy miles of lush oak studded canyons, fascinating rock formations and sweeping views from the Overlook Trail in the tranquility of the Weir Canyon back country, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. On a clear day we’ll be rewarded with glorious views of the San Gabriel and Santa Ana mountains. This is a fitness hike and features an 1800 ft accumulated elevation gain. There are multiple steep climbs and steep descents. Please make sure you are in excellent physical condition! You must be able to hike uphill at an average pace of 3 mph without stopping. A backpack and water are required. Please bring snack, sun screen, hat and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes.

Weir Canyon Fitness Hike: Oaks to Overlook Loop
Date:
Sun, 05/12/2024
Time:
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
9.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/27/2024
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Nature’s Grocery Store

Interpretive
Nature's Grocery Store

Come enjoy and learn about the bounty of the local flora and fauna. We will talk about how the animals and early settlers of the area survived and thrived with what nature has to offer. We will discuss how over-grazing, weather, and seasonal patterns affected the daily availability of food in times when there were no grocery or convenience stores.  Buckwheat graham crackers, prickly pear jam, and lemonade berry drink are a few of the tempting treats that we will taste-test. After a few snacks, we will take a short stroll along Baker Canyon and take in all the bounty of nature.

Nature's Grocery Store
Date:
Sun, 05/12/2024
Time:
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
2 miles
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/27/2024
More Information  

Slow-paced Mountain Bike Ride – Limestone Canyon/East Sinks

Mountain Biking
Slow-paced Mountain Bike Ride - Limestone Canyon/East Sinks

Enjoy the relaxation of riding in the wilderness on empty trails. Join us on this docent-led mountain bike ride through Limestone Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will visit the East Viewing Platform for a panoramic view of the geological feature call The Sinks. The route to The Sinks will include a fun downhill ride on the Dripping Springs single track. The return route will take us on the Limestone Ridge single track with views of Limestone Canyon, Santiago Canyon and the Santa Ana Mountains.

 Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for use in the Nature Preserve.

Slow-paced Mountain Bike Ride - Limestone Canyon/East Sinks
Date:
Sun, 05/12/2024
Time:
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
11 miles
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/27/2024
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Land Tending with LCF – Laguna Coast

Stewardship
Land Tending with LCF – Laguna Coast

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks at one of our Land Tending Days in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park as we learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call the canyon their home. Depending on the time of year, volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities, including removal of non-native plants, seed collection, and/or planting of native plants. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy!

Please note the following safety precautions and protocols:

Pre-registration on lagunacanyon.org/events is required for this event. No walk-ups. Register here.
Each participant must register individually. For group registration or questions, please email Marjorie Rhodes at marjorie@lagunacanyon.org.
Group sizes will be minimized for safety purposes.
Participants must be at least 16 years old and those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A waiver, provided on arrival, must be signed by each participant at the start of the program.
Please wear long pants, closed- toed shoes and sun protection, and bring water.
In an effort to protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.

Location: Volunteers will be meeting at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters (10 Phillips St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651) then shuttling to the restoration site with LCF staff.

Parking: Free for Keep It Wild volunteers!

Please note: Wet or muddy trail conditions may lead to cancellation of this event.

Land Tending with LCF – Laguna Coast
Date:
Sun, 05/12/2024
Time:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
16
More Information  

Monday, May 13, 2024

Bright Birds of Spring at Red Rocks – Bird Walk

Interpretive
Bright Birds of Spring at Red Rocks - Bird Walk

It’s easy to think many of the birds we see and hear look and act the same. But do they? Bring your binoculars and join us on a slow/medium paced walk in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, as we search for resident and visiting birds of the local coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, riparian, and grassland habitats. We will discuss the diverse features of the birds we observe and how they match the season, their habitat and lifestyle. We will travel mostly on ranch roads, usually without shade. Beginners to advanced bird enthusiasts are welcome. Please wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and bring water, along with sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen. Bring a small birding field guide if you have one. A few binoculars will be available to borrow.

Bright Birds of Spring at Red Rocks - Bird Walk
Date:
Mon, 05/13/2024
Time:
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/28/2024
More Information  

Discover Hidden Canyons: Limestone Canyon

Interpretive
Discover Hidden Canyons: Limestone Canyon

Discover the hidden canyons and trails found in Limestone Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. These seldom hiked trails offer fantastic vista views, secluded oasis of oaks or rising rocky outcrops. Come take a stroll along the trails to discover the hidden gems of Orange County. We will listen to tales of how the geology was formed underfoot to tales of the plants and animals that call these protected habitats home. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for our hike as well as bring proper sun protection and water.

Discover Hidden Canyons: Limestone Canyon
Date:
Mon, 05/13/2024
Time:
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
4 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration for this event opens at 8:00am on 04/28/2024
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